Great Books For Summer!

It's summertime! When hot weather rolls around, I want to get outside. So, here are some "get outside" books that you can take to the pool, or on road trips, or even just to read sitting under a tree! They all scream adventure and fun...

The Mysterious Island by Jules Verne

Jules Verne has always been credited for his vision and imagination, but he knows how to tell a fun story, too. You may have already read his classic, "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Sea," but this book will be a treat for you. It's one of those fascinating stories about being stranded on a desert island...but this island has more than a few surprises!

Airborn by Kenneth Oppel

This story takes you into the clouds, where you'll join our hero, teenager Matt Cruse, aboard an enormous floating airship. Danger, fantastic imaginative flying animals, romance, and pirates...how can you NOT have fun??

By the way, if you like this, you'll probably also enjoy the sequel, Sky Breaker.

Tangerine by Edward Bloor

If we're getting outside, let's play a little football and soccer! Edward Bloor's book will leave you cheering, and hopefully alter your idea of what makes a real hero.

The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster

We're not only getting outside, we're getting outside of reality! Many people compare the adventures of Milo with Alice's adventures in Wonderland. Our young hero discovers a tollbooth in his room that soon transports him to places like The Doldrums, Dictionopolis, and other wacky locations. You'll laugh as you learn, and how great is that?!

The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling

Talk about getting outside! Forget the Disney movie, because this classic tale goes much, much deeper. You'll love reading the adventures of the man-cub Mowgli, raised by wolves in the jungle, but you'll also have plenty to think about regarding love, loyalty, alienation, and courage.