It’s not too late to knock out summer reading lists

By Kate Hayden | khayden@charlescitypress.com

There’s not many books that grow up alongside you, and here’s where I warn you. I’m about to get into Harry Potter.

I read the first book at age 9. Years later, I have friends writing dissertations on pieces of J.K. Rowling’s wizarding universe. I’ve seen the movies, I’ve visited the theme park, I toured the graveyard that inspired Tom Riddle, I own a wand (Hermione’s). My keychain is a Gryffindor house tie. I’m in the midst of collecting special edition covers of the series.

You get it.

The series caught me and many other young readers with its imagination, cleverness, the fresh stories that have over time become so familiar. It’s topped hundreds of must-read and best-seller lists –– and this weekend the newest tale in the series, “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child”, hits London’s West End as the first play to follow up on Harry and his family.

Of course, there’s a midnight release for the script this weekend. (Parents: Barnes and Noble in Waterloo is hosting a counting starting at 8 p.m.–– perhaps the last chance at a Potter midnight release?!)

But there are other children’s books with just as much heart and imagination: I also grew up with McDuff the West Highland White Terrier, Amelia Bedelia the forward-thinking maid, and every girls’ favorite sleuth –– Nancy Drew. Some of my favorite summer memories as a kid was family storytime, out on the backyard deck with our dogs as Mom read from the swing. Children’s literature jumps by leaps and bounds into other realms, and the summer is a great time to freshen up your family’s reading lists.

This week’s list is brought by Kristin Laubenthal Hall, an early childhood curriculum author and co-owner of the Charles City Press, with her husband Christopher Hall, publisher. These books are recommended for ages between infant and 8 years old. My pick, “Holes”, and “This One Summer” by Mariko Tamaki may be more suitable for readers in middle school.

1. “One Hot Summer Day” by Nina Crews (1995)

2. “The Whale in My Swimming Pool” by Joyce Wan

3. “The Berenstain Bears and Too Much Vacation” by Stan and Jan Berenstain

4. “This One Summer” by Mariko Tamaki

Kate’s Pick:

“Holes” by Louis Sachar (1998)

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