Summer Reading

Posted June 12, 2019 by Sarah Callanan

Summer Reading

Summer is here!  My summer class (LIS 404: Principles of Management) doesn’t start up until next week, but the course materials are online, so I’ve been trying to get head start by looking at the readings and seeing what my assignments are.  I remember how busy last summer was as summer classes at SLIS are shorter than actual semester-long classes (my summer class this time is only seven weeks long).  Even though I’m looking ahead to my summer class, I’ve been enjoying my last few days of summer break by reading and relaxing. 

I’ve been reflecting on what I used to do during summer break when I was a child.  One of my favorite activities was the summer reading program at our public library.  I was a voracious reader as a child (I still am–not an uncommon trait for someone in the SLIS program), and I not only did the summer reading program at the library, but also at all of our local bookstores.   One of the reasons why I’ve been thinking about this is because I’ve been seeing signs advertising summer reading programs at libraries and at bookstores, and I’ve come across articles that have librarians and authors sharing summer reading picks (such as this article from Slate that has children’s literature authors giving their top summer reading picks for kids).   Seeing these articles and thinking of my childhood and participating in the summer reading program has had me reflecting on my favorite books as a child, and I thought I would share some of my childhood and YA favorites:

Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling:

• These books defined my childhood.  Waiting in line at the bookstore until midnight on the day the books came out, and then devouring the books in earnest was something that I looked forward to.  I read, and reread, and reread these books.  Fun fact: I actually took not one, but two classes when I was in undergrad that had Harry Potter books as required reading material. 

Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo

• I first read this book because of a library summer reading program!   I got this book as a free book for doing the summer reading program, and it became a favorite of mine! 

The Song of the Lioness, The Immortals, The Protector of the Small, and the Tricksters Series by Tamora Pierce

• These four series are in Tamora Pierce’s Tortall Universe.  I always really enjoyed these books because they are YA fantasy novels with an emphasis on worldbuilding and with female heroes.  These four series in the Tortall Universe have always had a special place in my heart. 

Bloomability by Sharon Creech

• I remember picking this book out as a kid because I had read Walk Two Moons (also an excellent book!) by the same author, and this book has stuck with me ever since.  Ironically, this was another summer reading program pick. 

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett

• When I was a young child, I loved this book.  Food falling from the sky was just seemed so interesting to me.  This children’s book is a classic for a reason! 

Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein

• One of my elementary school teachers was really into poetry, and this is one of the books she read to us.   This book has remained a favorite ever since. 

Matilda by Roald Dahl

• I saw the movie before I read the book, and I remember being terrified of Miss Trunchbull, but I connected with Matilda.  I love this book to pieces, and it has always been a favorite of mine.

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg

• This book had a huge impact on me as a child, and the first time I went to New York City and I went to the Met, let me tell you, I was beyond disappointed when I found out that some of the places that Claudia and Jamie spent their time at in the museum were no longer there so I couldn’t retrace their journey  (I apparently am not the only person who has felt this way–The Met devoted an entire issue of Museum Kids to some of the frequently asked questions they get about the book).  I love that book and I think that’s a part of the reason why I love going to museums so much. 

If you are interested in finding a summer reading program (for children, teens, or adults!) and you live in Massachusetts, you can look up your local library and find out more here!

If you live in Boston and are interested in the Boston Public Library’s summer reading program, you can find out more here!  They also have some excellent book lists for readers of all ages!