Whatever the Weather: Late Summer Reading, Rain or Shine

We're back on the road!  Whoosh and Whew! Whoosh and Whew! Where were you when Irene blew through?  As powerful Hurricane Irene churned its way up the Atlantic coast and slammed into New Jersey, Reading Road Trip took a break to help family and friends prepare for—and clean up after—the massive storm. We can learn more about hurricanes at Weather Wiz Kids and FEMA for Kids. Click on the red-highlighted words to get started.

Now that the storm has passed, we can check out Hurricanes by Seymour Simon (RL 6.2), available at the Library of the Chathams and in the Lafayette LMC.  The book, illustrated with satellite images and color photographs, discusses where and how hurricanes are formed, destruction caused by wind and rain in storms, how meteorologists rate and predict hurricanes, and precautions to take when a hurricane strikes.

Let’s celebrate the last few days of summer vacation with a fun book! Fourth grade math and science teacher Mrs. Scarpello enthusiastically recommends the very funny and very popular Diary of a Wimpy Kid books by Jeff Kinney.  The series follows the adventures and misadventures of sixth-grader Greg Heffley as he records, in words and pictures, the ups and downs of middle school life. Take a look at a Wimpy Kid Club Website and watch the exclusive series book trailer:

 

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Greg Heffley’s Journal (RL 5.0). Greg and his best friend Rowley—two undersized weaklings—share the middle school hallways with boys who are taller, meaner, and already shaving! When Rowley grows more popular, Greg takes drastic measures to save their friendship.  Reading Road Tripper Matthew likes the book “because it is funny, easy to read, and has a picture on every page.”  Jack W. appreciates the humor in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid stories, while Peter P. recommends the series “to everyone who likes comic books.”

In the summer time, I like to... play wiffle ball, swim, and play Xbox 360.  -Will M.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules (RL 5.7), Greg chronicles his summer vacation experiences and his many attempts to steer clear of trouble. When he returns to middle school, the Wimpy Kid tries desperately to keep older brother Rodrick from telling everyone about his most humiliating experience of the summer.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days (RL 5.4). Greg attempts to live out his ultimate summer vacation fantasy: spending the days indoors playing video games, with no responsibilities and no rules.  His mother, of course, has a different plan, attempting to pack the summer with outdoor activities and family fun.

In the summer time, I like to... play video games, bounce on my trampoline, and swim. -Ethan A.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw (RL 6.1). Greg nimbly sidesteps his father's attempts to reform his wimpy ways... and faces the looming threat of military school.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth (RL 5.6). Greg tries to find a new best friend after feuding with Rowley, and older family members warn him that adolescence is a time to act more responsibly and to think seriously about his future.  Sam R. would like to read other Diary of a Wimpy Kid books, noting that “The last book is not the end… I think there would be more to write about Greg Heffley.” 

Sam is correct!  Coming to an LMC near you in November 2011: Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever (RL 5.6). The much-anticipated sixth installment in the series finds Greg stranded in a blizzard… stuck indoors with his family over the holidays.  Our favorite wimpy kid suffers from claustrophobia and worries that he and his family will not be able to weather the storm.

In the summer time, I like to... play video games, shop, swim, and play basketball and soccer. -Rishi W.

Whatever the weather, a visit with the Wimpy Kid brightens the day.  Next, let’s soak up some late summer sunshine with New Jersey author Wendy Mass!

The Candy Makers by Wendy Mass (RL 5.7). When four gifted twelve-year-olds-- including Logan, a candy maker's son—compete in the Confectionery Association's national contest to determine the country's tastiest sweet, nobody anticipates that a friendship will form between them.  Reading Road Tripper Katie S.  found that she could relate to the characters and the story.  And while Emilie D. believes that "The Candy Makers is one of Wendy Mass’s best books,” she also thinks that “it is a little too much like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”

Finally by Wendy Mass (RL 4.6). After her twelfth birthday, Rory checks off a list of things she is finally allowed to do.  Unexpected consequences, however, interfere with her involvement in a movie being shot at her school... and a weird prediction starts to make sense. Chloe C. appreciates the humor in the book and likes that “it teaches you that you don’t need to be like everybody else.”

11 Birthdays by Wendy Mass (RL 4.1). Amanda and Leo celebrate their first nine same-day birthdays together.  They fight on their tenth birthday and do not speak to each other for a year.  As they prepare to celebrate their eleventh birthday separately, peculiar things begin to happen: the day of their birthday begins to repeat itself over and over and over again….

11 Birthdays by Lydia V.

The reviews are in, and Reading Road Trippers have a lot to say about 11 Birthdays!  Clara T. “never read anything like it before," while Emily C. gives the book five stars, stating, “It is really funny… I can relate to it.” Cate B. recommends the book because “it is a good fantasy book that is also realistic.” Bella F. offers, “It teaches you about the importance of friendship,” and Shaye C. and Maggie H. suggest it to “people who are having trouble with their friendships.”

11 Birthdays by Emily C.

Mary A. appreciates the humor of 11 Birthdays; Brianna F. describes the story as “magical, amazing, and fantastic.” Brooke M. and Emma B. caution that some readers may find the repetitive story line a bit boring. Lydia V. calls the book “a good mix of drama and mystery.  It’s fun when you can relate to a mystery… It was confusing in parts but came together with a great ending.”

11 Birthdays by Mary A.

Grace C. sums it up: “11 Birthdays is interesting… Even though it’s the same day over and over, new things happen, and you don’t know what’s going to happen next.” 

We've learned a lot this summer. It's true: sometimes we don't know what's going to happen next!  But we've also learned the importance of family, of good books and good friends... and that every day on our Reading Road Trip offers new and exciting adventure!