Summer Reading Programs

[HeatherB]

I realize most of these programs are designed to keep kids reading when they're not in school, which isn't always an issue for homeschoolers. I'm wondering how many homeschool families will take advantage of them, anyway.

I got a link for the Borders one:
http://www.borders.com/online/store/...id=SA_20100505

It sounds very straightforward - read 12 books, have a parent sign off, and get a free book.

Is anyone familiar with all of the book titles they're offering for free? I'm really not, and am wondering if they're worth it for my advanced readers but pretty sensitive kids (5 and 8). There are some I'm clearly NOT interested in, but I'd love input on the books in case there are any gems in there.

Any other programs you'll be participating in this summer?

[Marsupialmom]

library

[lach]

Most public libraries have them. I did it every year when I was a kid.

And those are all very good books. The only one I haven't heard of is Ranger's Apprentice. The others are all classics of children's literature, with the exception of "Miss Daisy is Crazy" which I wouldn't call a classic and the first "Baby Sitter's Club" book which I wouldn't call literature. But which were still my very favorite books when I was a kid!

[Bluegoat]

I read a number of these as a child.

The Ramona books are all fairly good. They are humorous, Ramona always seems to end up in a mess despite the best of intentions. Dear Mr Henshaw is by the same author, and her stuff is all good quality.

The Witch of Blackbird Pond is quite a good novel, though a bit sad in places. It's a historical novel with religious themes, it might be one you would want to read together.

The Babysitters Club is a large series. Mind candy really, but a lot of tweens really like them, and there is nothing controversial in them. The writing is ok.

Flat Stanley would appeal more to boys than the others above. It is also not-too-serious fun.

[Marimami]

Barnes & Noble is doing it too, and I liked their list of free books better. For whatever it's worth, you also only read 8 books in their program.

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/summerreading/

[HeatherB]

I do like the list from B&N better! Lots more choices for a variety of levels.

I was wondering if that was *the* Babysitters Club. Yes, they were my favorites when I was about 10-12, too. Definitely fluff, but lots of it!

[cbyrum]

We usually do the library reading program but I think we'll maybe do both B&N and Borders as well this year. He'll love getting a free book out of it. I'm sure he'll read more than 18 books this summer - he's reading the 60-120 page chapter books so they don't take all that long.

I wonder if my daughter can read the Step 1 books and do it as well.

[schrocat]

We'll be doing the Half Price Books summer reading program. Read for at least 15 minuts every day and get a $3 voucher towards a book in the store.

[One_Girl]

We have done the summer reading program at our library every year since my dd was two. I think it is a great way to have fun reading. We also did the Hastings program one year. When she was younger I read to her (which also counts for non-readers) and when she started reading she read to me or herself.