School’s Out, Dive In!

In the summer of 1959, I was eight years old, living in the country, miles from the nearest (and very small) library. My reading consisted of what I could rustle up myself, and usually involved MAD Magazine, Superman comics, and Nancy Drew. How I would have loved all that’s available today! Yet, I have great memories of my summer reading and know that kids still enjoy humor, suspense, and adventure, and this list is long on titles with those qualities. There are also books about road trips, beach vacations, summer jobs, and camping trips.

Another thing on my mind while compiling this list was the idea that children benefit in many ways from outdoor activities, especially unstructured play and the discovery of nature. Recently, books for adults, like Richard Louv’s Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-DeficitDisorder (Algonquin, 2006), have addressed this issue. And, since many of today’s ecological problems have the potential to become much more serious very quickly, it’s crucial that the next generation takes the important step of learning to care about the natural world. So, you’ll also find several titles guaranteed to encourage exploration of the great outdoors.

Being engaged and active makes summer more fun and generates the most enjoyable and rewarding type of learning, while the vicarious experience found in a story well told can be the first step in a different kind of journey. So, pull out the sleeping bag, charge up the flashlight batteries, and settle in under the stars. Happy summer–happy reading!

BAKER, Keith. Meet Mr. and Mrs. Green. illus. by author. Harcourt. 2004. RTE $16. ISBN 978-0-15-204954-6; pap. $5.95. ISBN 978-0-15-204955-3.

K-Gr 1–Three short chapters relate the summer adventures of a high-spirited alligator couple. Early readers will be tickled by Mr. Green’s pledge to eat 100 pancakes, the duo’s camping trip, and their ride on the ferris wheel at the county fair. Exuberant, bright pictures convey humor and affection.

CHENG, Andrea. Shanghai Messenger. illus. by Ed Young. Lee & Low. 2005. RTE $17.95. ISBN 978-1-58430-238-4.

Gr 2-5–One summer, 11-year-old Xiao Mei travels alone from her small town in Ohio to visit her mother’s large family in China. Once her homesickness and jet lag wear off, she grows to love her new relatives and value her culture. Young’s pastels showcase his talent for delicate line and shimmering color while complementing the gently flowing free-verse text.

DELANEY, Michael. Birdbrain Amos: Mr. Fun. illus. by author. Philomel. 2006. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-399-24278-6.

Gr 1-3–Amos the Hippo loves staying home, but Amoeba, the tickbird who lives in a nest on his head, has other ideas. When they set off for the Serengeti, Amoeba’s friends join them, and soon Amos is playing mediator for the squabbling birds. Delaney has a perfect ear for the subtle shadings of childhood friendships, and his simple, cartoon-style drawings add to the fun.

FLEMING, Candace. Lowji Discovers America. S & S/Atheneum/Anne Schwartz Bks. 2005. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-0-689-86299-1.

Gr 3-5–When nine-year-old Lowji moves from Bombay to a small town in Illinois, one of the first American expressions he learns is “Bummer.” Summer vacation is in full swing, so he doesn’t even have a chance to make friends. Fleming’s blend of humor and thoughtfulness holds up well in this short novel in which Lowji’s willingness to extend himself helps him get settled in his new home.

HESSE, Karen. Come On, Rain! illus. by Jon J. Muth. Scholastic. 1999. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-0-590-33125-8.

K-Gr 2–Because weather has been hot and dry for weeks, Tessie longs for relief. Soon, the clouds roll in, the raindrops start, and Tessie and her friends dance for joy in the refreshing summer shower. The simple text is vivid and rhythmic, while the paintings make beautiful use of color, transforming an urban landscape from sweltering to glistening. Video/DVD and audio versions available from Weston Woods.

HIGH, Linda Oatman. The Girl on the High-Diving Horse: An Adventure in Atlantic City. illus. by Ted Lewin. Philomel. 2003. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-399-23649-5; pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-0-14-240278-8.

K-Gr 3–When Ivy and her father spend the summer of 1936 in Atlantic City, she loves watching the female daredevils who ride horses that jump from a tower into a tank of water. Ivy longs to join them, and readers will delight in her dream come true. Lewin’s handsome watercolor paintings are styled after linen postcards of the era.

JACOBSON, Jennifer Richard. Truly Winnie. illus. by Alicia Imre Geis. Houghton. 2003. Tr $15. ISBN 978-0-618-28008-7; pap. $5.95. ISBN 978-0-618-68954-5.

Gr 2-4–Winnie goes to sleep-away camp for the first time and is upset to learn that she won’t be sharing a cabin with her two best friends. Learning to juggle old friends with new ones is a concern, as is the problem caused when she tells an innocent lie about her family. Readers will relate to the child’s dilemma, which is depicted in an authentic but never heavy-handed manner.

MEISTER, Cari. Tiny Goes Camping. illus. by Rich Davis. Viking. 2006. RTE $13.99. ISBN 978-0-670-89250-1.

K-Gr 1–Beginning readers will enjoy the inherent silliness of a very large dog whose name is Tiny. In fact, he’s much bigger than his owner, a small child whose large charge wrecks the kitchen looking for food and can’t quite fit into their tent in the backyard. Bright pictures, lots of white space, and simple language with lots of repetition enhance accessibility.

NOLAN, Lucy. On the Road. illus. by Mike Reed. Marshall Cavendish. 2006. Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-0-7614-5234-8.

Gr 1-3–A magnificently clueless dog who thinks her name is “Down Girl” loves riding in the car. She and her friend “Sit” accompany their masters to the beach, on a camping trip, and to the vet. Whether they’re stealing donuts or accidentally “driving” the car on the beach, these dogs maintain an unflappable optimism. Illustrated with line drawings that capture the mood of goofy joie de vivre.

PINKWATER, Daniel. Fat Camp Commandos. illus. by Andy Rash. Scholastic. 2001. Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-0-439-15527-4; pap. $4.50. ISBN 978-0-439-15528-1.

Gr 2-5–The inimitable Pinkwater tells a tale involving a weight-loss camp run by a gym teacher named Dick Tater, a holiday called Anti-Fat Day, some fortune-telling chickens, and shrinking underwear. Cartoon drawings convey the outrageous events in a story bearing elements of mystery, overlaid with social satire, and awash in wonderfully bad puns and jokes.

RUNTON, Andy. Owly: The Way Home & The Bittersweet Summer. illus. by author. Top Shelf. 2004. pap. $10. ISBN 978-1-891830-62-4.

K-Gr 5–In this almost wordless gem of a graphic novel with wonderfully expressive black-and-white drawings, a very unpredatory owl’s motives are misunderstood by the smaller animals he wants to help. Kids will relate to Owly’s joy when Wormy takes a leap of faith and decides to be his friend. Together, the new buddies free a captive hummingbird and enjoy the fleeting days of summer.

BISHOP, Nic. Backyard Detective: Critters Up Close. illus. by author. Scholastic. 2002. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-0-439-17478-7.

Gr 2-5–Using spectacular, bright, glossy composite photos, this nature guide invites readers to spy the “more than 125 different critters” commonly found in rural and suburban areas. Bishop zeros in on details with child appeal, from the ferocious (the centipede’s poison pincers) to the gross (the smelly liquid that oozes from millipedes).

BROWN, Don. Alice Ramsey’s Grand Adventure. illus. by author. Houghton. 1997. RTE $16. ISBN 978-0-395-70127-0; pap. $5.95. ISBN 978-0-618-07316-0.

K-Gr 3–In the summer of 1909, Ramsey became the first woman to drive across the U.S., making her an early proponent of an American vacation classic, the road trip. With few roads, the only way to cross the Platte River was over a railroad bridge, a pretty risky venture in a car. Brown’s watercolors enhance this true story of a courageous and resourceful woman.

LOY, Jessica. Follow the Trail: A Young Person’s Guide to the Great Outdoors. Holt. 2003. RTE $18.95. ISBN 978-0-8050-6195-6.

Gr 2-5–Narrated by sisters Emma and Lydia, this engaging handbook stresses fun, safety, and common sense. Readers are led through a camping trip, from initial planning to packing up camp and heading home again. Included are recipes, ideas for rainy days, and even a guide to animal tracks. A playful design juxtaposes color photos with drawings.

LYONS, Deborah. Edward Hopper: Summer at the Seashore.Prestel. 2003. Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-3-7913-2737-2.

Gr 3-6–Many of Hopper’s paintings are reproduced in this book that emphasizes his summer sojourns in coastal towns in the northeast. The author has a knack for describing the artist’s life and work in a way that is simple and accessible. Readers may be inspired to see everyday things in a new way or to pick up a pencil or brush themselves.

MARX, Trish. Reaching for the Sun: Kids in Cuba. photos. by Cindy Karp. Millbrook. 2003. PLB $25.90. ISBN 978-0-7613-2261-0.

Gr 3-6–In 2000, a Cuban children’s theater group invited youngsters from Los Angeles to work with them. The time they spent together was a mix of hard work and fun, from daily rehearsals to exploring Havana. Best of all, their summer experience allowed them to set aside political issues and make meaningful connections on a personal level. Numerous color photos convey a vivid sense of place.

DOWNER, Ann. Hatching Magic. illus. by Omar Rayyan. S & S/Atheneum. 2003. RTE $17.95. ISBN 978-0-689-83400-4; pap. $5.99. ISBN 978-0-689-87057-6.

Gr 4-7–With her father and best friends away, Theodora is resigned to a boring summer. Then a dragon and her egg travel forward through time, ending up in Theodora’s neighborhood, and things get more than lively. Downer juggles a fairly complicated plot (involving the dragon’s egg, a wizard, and the wizard’s archenemy) in an exciting and funny fantasy.

GOING, K. L. The Liberation of Gabriel King. Putnam. 2005. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-399-23991-5; pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-0-14-240766-0.

Gr 4-7–The setting is Georgia during the bicentennial summer of 1976, and the Ku Klux Klan maintains a shadowy, ominous presence. Gabe is white and Frita is black, and they are best friends. Soon to be fifth graders, both kids need liberating–Frita from racism and Gabe from his long list of fears (including some nasty local bullies). Ultimately, the power of friendship rings true as they help each other overcome obstacles. Audio version available from Listening Library.

HOLM, Jennifer L. Penny from Heaven. Random. 2006. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-0-375-83687-9; PLB $17.99. ISBN 978-0-375-93687-6.

Gr 5-8–Like the song referenced in the title, this charming book mixes sunshine and showers. It’s 1953, the summer Penny turns 12. Good times, like a perfect day at the beach and her first trip to see the Dodgers, contrast with worries, including her widowed mother’s romance with the milkman. It’s a touching portrait of a girl coming to terms with a complicated family situation. Audio version available from Listening Library.

IBBOTSON, Eva. The Beasts of Clawstone Castle. illus. by Kevin Hawkes. Dutton. 2006. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-525-47719-8.

Gr 5-8–When two English children are sent to relatives in the country for the summer, who would have expected they’d be recruiting ghosts to help haunt the legendary family castle? Or that the family’s famed white cattle would disappear mysteriously? Animal experimentation, mad cow disease, and environmental destruction add a serious undercurrent to this engrossing novel by an author who excels at mixing humor with spookiness. Audio version available from Recorded Books.

KARBO, Karen. Minerva Clark Goes to the Dogs: A Minerva Clark Mystery. Bloomsbury. 2006. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-58234-678-6.

Gr 5-8–Minerva comes to the aid of her rich, annoying classmate Chelsea, who unknowingly sells a rare diamond to someone next to her in line at a coffee shop. Summer vacation allows Minerva plenty of time for this adventure–if she can stay clear of her oldest brother’s bossiness. An evil dog walker and some homing pigeons play a role in this funny, very modern mystery.

LALICKI, Tom. Danger in the Dark: A Houdini & Nate Mystery. Farrar. 2006. Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-0-374-31680-8.

Gr 5-8–In 1911 Manhattan, 13-year-old Nate’s summer job at Bennett & Sons, Gentlemen’s Hatters, brings him into contact with the famous escape artist Houdini. The boy’s great-aunt hires a spiritualist to contact Nate’s father, who died before he was born, and Houdini’s distrust of the situation triggers an exciting turn of events. Great blend of historical fiction and mystery.

LUPICA, Mike. Heat. Philomel. 2006. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-399-24301-1; pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-0-14-240757-8.

Gr 5-8–Twelve-year-old Cuban immigrant Michael has a dream–he longs to play in the Little League World Series. He also has a secret. His father has died, and if the authorities find out, he and his older brother may be sent to foster homes. Set during a New York summer in the shadow of Yankee Stadium, this novel mixes play-by-play game action with a thoughtful, character-driven plot. Audio version available from Listening Library.

SCHIRRIPA, Steven R. & Charles Fleming. Nicky Deuce: Welcome to the Family. Delacorte. 2005. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-0-385-73257-4; PLB $17.99. ISBN 978-0-385-90275-5; pap. $5.99. ISBN 978-0-440-42053-8.

Gr 4-7–When a sewer explodes at his summer camp, Nicholas Borelli II is reluctantly sent to his grandmother’s house in Brooklyn. His Uncle Frankie renames him Nicky Deuce and decides to teach him the ways of the world–or at least the neighborhood, which includes characters like Sally the Butcher and Jimmy the Iceman. Nicky learns that assumptions can be dangerous in this light, suspenseful read. Audio version available from Listening Library.

SCHUMACHER, Julie. The Book of One Hundred Truths. Delacorte. 2006. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-0-385-73290-1; PLB $17.99. ISBN 978-0-385-90311-0.

Gr 6-9–When Thea makes her annual summer visit to her father’s relatives on the Jersey shore, her mother gives her a notebook and asks her to write four or five true things per day. Readers gradually learn the truth about an accident Thea experienced with her former best friend. Rich characterizations are part of a poignant novel touched with humor.

LIPSYTE, Robert. Heroes of Baseball: The Men Who Made It America’s Favorite Game. S & S/Atheneum. 2006. RTE $20.99. ISBN 978-0-689-86741-5.

Gr 5-8–Lipsyte’s encyclopedic knowledge of baseball shows in this highly readable, illustrated account. He focuses on many different ways of being heroic, including playing through pain (Mickey Mantle), having the guts not to fight back (Jackie Robinson), and paying the ultimate price on a relief trip for earthquake victims (Roberto Clemente). Inspirational and enjoyable.

O’SULLIVAN, Joanne. 101 Places You Gotta See Before You’re 12! Sterling/Lark. 2006. pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-1-57990-865-2.

Gr 5 Up–There’s something for everyone in this theme-oriented book. Rather than listing specific sights, the author gives ideas for visiting places such as an archaeological site, a parent’s workplace, backstage at a theater, and a hero’s home. As promised, there are exactly 101 interesting ideas, with a focus on the U.S. and Canada.

RANCIC, Bill & Karen Soenen. Beyond the Lemonade Stand: Starting Small to Make it Big! Penguin/Razorbill. 2005. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-1-59514-103-3; pap. $5.99. ISBN 978-1-59514-111-8.

Gr 4-8–Written by a winner of TV’s The Apprentice, this engaging and accessible book stresses providing services? as much as making money. Besides listing ideas, from the simple (dog walking) to the more ambitious (Web development), Rancic stresses honesty, loyalty, and learning from mistakes. Disarming stories from his own childhood describe times he learned some lessons the hard way.

SMITH, Charles R., Jr. Short Takes: Fast-Break Basketball Poetry. photos. by author. Dutton. 2001. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-525-46454-9.

Gr 6-9–Pro basketball may be a winter sport, but this book is all about games played on hot summer days in city parks. The poems provide short, rhythmic glimpses of players and moments, and they sound great read aloud. Color photos in a dynamic layout make for a modern book with an urban feel.

WARSHAW, Hallie. Get Out: Outdoor Activities Kids Can Enjoy Anywhere (Except Indoors). photos. by Julie Brown. Sterling. 2001. pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-1-4027-0169-6.

Gr 3-7–With a wide mix of games, activities, outings, and service projects, this book has a snazzy design and color photos showing diverse kids and settings. From Frisbee golf to making a sundial to running a yard sale, it will help kids get the most out of summer.

WEBER, Sandra. Two in the Wilderness: Adventures of a Mother and Daughter in the Adirondack Mountains. photos. by Carl E. Heilman II. Boyds Mills/Calkins Creek. 2005. Tr $19.95. ISBN 978-1-59078-182-1.

Gr 4-7–The author and her 11-year-old daughter, Marcy, embarked on an 11-day, 60-mile backpacking trip through the High Peaks Wilderness Area in the Adirondacks. Illustrated with beautiful photos, the book combines natural history with human history. It also incorporates bits of Marcy’s diary. At the beginning, she states, “I think this trip is going to be boring and annoying.” It turns out to be neither.