Sheila Welch, our resident book reviewer, has trawled around for good reading for those long lazy summer days. Here are her recommendations.
By Sheila Welch
Summer is the time for children to run, play, and, yes, read. Here are four books that will help keep your kids' brains just as active as their bodies. Although all these titles are fiction, each one handles a complex and thought-provoking issue. Be prepared for some excellent discussions among family members.
LOON SUMMER by Barbara Santucci and illustrated by Andrea Shine is told from the perspective of a little girl whose parents are no longer together. She's at the lake with just her father this summer. Sad and resentful at first, Rainie slowly regains an appreciation for the peaceful setting and the pair of faithful loons who nest by the lake. She is beginning to accept the changes in her life, but more importantly, she is learning to treasure the parts of her life that have not changed. For ages four through ten.
FREEDOM SUMMER by Deborah Wiles, illustrated by Jerome Lagarrigue, takes place in the South in 1964 and tells a poignant story of friendship between two boys, one black, one white. After passage of the Civil Rights Act, the town pool is officially opened to blacks. But the boys' plan to swim together is ruined when the town spitefully destroys the pool. Young readers and listeners may need some background information to understand and to appreciate the touching conclusion. For ages seven and older.
THE WUMP WORLD by Bill Peet is illustrated with the author's expressive, full color drawings. The Wumps live on a small, sunny planet where the only season is summer. They look like large hamsters with hooves, and they are gentle creatures who hide when their world is invaded by the destructive Pollutians. Children of all ages will appreciate the strong environmental message of this engaging story.
JUNONIA by Kevin Henkes takes place in the middle of winter but in a place of summery warmth, an island in Florida. Alice is sure this week's vacation will be just as wonderful as every other year. She's looking forward to celebrating her tenth birthday with her parents and familiar old friends, and maybe she'll even find a junonia shell on the beach. But instead Alice discovers all sorts of unexpected and unwelcome changes on the island. This quietly told story will appeal to thoughtful children who are tuned in to the adult world but not quite ready to join it. For mature 4th through 8th graders.
Sheila Kelly Welch is a mother, grandmother and retired teacher. She’s been writing all her life and counts among her children’s fiction books Little Prince Do-It-All and A Horse for All Seasons. You can learn more about Sheila on her web site.
