Showing posts with label summer reading. Show all posts
Showing posts with label summer reading. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Camp Midnight gets 4 Stars {middle grade fiction, graphic novel, 5th-8th grade}

Camp Midnight by Steven Seagle a middle grade fiction graphic novel that is simple, fun, and with a great message.  4 out of 5 stars in my book review. Best for 5th through 8th grade. Divorced parents, be true to your self, girl, books for girls, summer camp, witches, wearwolves, ghosts, just for fun, friendship, clean read. Alohamora Open a Book www.alohamoraopenabook.blogspot.com

Witches, Werewolves, Ghosts, and more monsters can be found in this quick summer read for 5th to 8th grade girls.  

Camp Midnight by Steven T. Seagle is a great book for reluctant readers, aka girls that don't like to read, b/c its full of colorful pictures so it isn't intimidating, and it is a fast read so it'll boost her self confidence.  

With the girl being the main character and the narrator of this book it is a book definitely geared towards girls.  Boys are always welcome to read it, but girls will be able to relate to the character better.  

Kids that have divorced parents with step-parents this book may be a good read and a relatable character, or they can at least laugh at how bad Skye's situation is.  


Simple, fast, colorful, and a good message makes for a 4 out of 5 stars for this middle grade fiction graphic novel.   I enjoy the simple illustrations with the colored pages.  I thought  the way Skye's character grew was one of the most impactful parts of the book and appropriate for the age group this book is geared toward. I loved the messages of being true to your self, and being there for your friends.  

The only negative aspect of Camp Midnight I felt was the choppiness and sometimes the randomness of the story.  The story in general jumped around at times and aspects of the story came out of nowhere.  Overall, I felt the writing wasn't the best, but I did enjoy the story and for that reason is why I think it'd make a great read for a girl who needs to relate to Skye's family situation (a mean step-mom, or a step-mom they don't like), a girl who needs to be reminded she is great just the way she is, or for a girl who doesn't like to read.

Camp Midnight by Steven Seagle a middle grade fiction graphic novel that is simple, fun, and with a great message.  4 out of 5 stars in my book review. Best for 5th through 8th grade. Divorced parents, be true to your self, girl, books for girls, summer camp, witches, wearwolves, ghosts, just for fun, friendship, clean read. Alohamora Open a Book www.alohamoraopenabook.blogspot.com

Books based at a summer camp, even if it is a camp for monsters, makes for a pretty great Summer Reading book.  

Happy Fast 5th-8th Grade Summer Camp Graphic Novel Reading! 


Camp Midnight by Steven T. Seagle
Rating: 4/5 stars
Best For: 11 - 15 year olds, 5th though 8th grade girls

Worth a Check Out: Yes!
Buy It or Not: Buy, this summer if you have a girl who is not a fan of reading
Read Aloud: Not a great read aloud, but definitely has lit circle potential.
Lesson Ideas: Friendship, Be true to your self



I received this book from Myrick Marketing in exchange for my review and honest opinion.  All of my thoughts, opinions, and words are my own.

Monday, June 6, 2016

10 Summer Reading Books for Everyone- Something for Everyone

10 Summer Reading Books for Everyone- There's a book and a genre everyone can enjoy. All fast reads and fun books.  5 star books, and award winning books. Great read alouds.  Fantasy, Contemporary, classic, middle grade fiction, graphic novels, non-fiction, WWII historical fiction, sci-fi, dystopian, beach reads, YA lit, fractured retelling fairy tales fantasy. Alohamora Open a Book http://alohamoraopenabook.blogspot.com/

Summer Reading is for everyone!  Summer Reading programs at the library are for everyone, and there are far too many amazing books out there that everyone can enjoy.  

I have done several book lists throughout the years.  I have below several Summer Reading Book Lists for the Reader and the Reluctant Reader aka the not so into reading individual.  You are bound to find some awesome reads in here.   

Summer Reading for Kids Going Into Kindergarten and First Grade
Summer Reading for Kids Going Into Second and Third Grade
Summer Reading for Kids Going Into Fourth and Fifth Grade
Summer Reading for Kids Going Into Sixth and Seventh Grade
Summer Reading for Kids Going Into Eighth and Ninth Grade
Summer Reading for Kids Going Into Tenth and Eleventh Grade
Summer Reading for Kids Going Into Twelfth Grade and College Students
Summer Reading Book List for Anyone and Everyone
Summer Reading Book List for Reluctant Readers in Kindergarten and 1st Grade
Summer Read Book List for Kids Who Don't Like to Read in 2nd and 3rd Grade
Summer Read Book List for Kids Who Don't Like to Read in 4th and 5th Grade
Summer Reading Book List for Kids Who Don't Like to Read in 6th and 7th Grade
Summer Reading Book Lists for Kids Who Don't Like to Read in 8th and 9th Grade
Summer Reading Book Lists for Kids Who Don't Like to Read in 10th and 11th Grade
Summer Reading Book Lists for Kids Who Don't Like to Read in 12th Grade and Adults


I have more than 10 books on my personal summer reading list, but I wasn't always that way.  There were many summers I read very few if any books at all.  So, if you are not a book devourer my goal is for you to read just one book.  Besides the benefits for you to read there are numerous benefits for a child to see his/her parent/caregiver reading.  Yes, you benefit your child by reading yourself.  It's just 1 book; make it a goal! 

The following list is 10 awesome books from all different genres; there's bound to be a book here you'll like.  If you don't know what genre you like, I was like that, then just pick the book by it's cover and description.  I promise they are all great, and yes it's okay to judge a book by it's cover.  ;) 


Summer Reading
10 Books for Everyone to Enjoy


This YA SciFi/Dystopian book is fast paced with a strong female character who finds herself.  If you liked the Hunger Games or Divergent you should definitely give this one a read. 


Light and Fun Beach Read: The Selection by Kiera Cass
This book series is light, fun, and fast paced.  It's completely predictable, but still a fun read.  If you combined the TV show The Bachelor with royalty you'd get this enjoyable series.


Amazing!  This WWII historical fiction earned 5 stars in my book review b/c it completely "Wow"ed me and truly left me enlightened, inspired, and just all around in awe.  The storytelling, character development, and plot is so well done.  This book is the best book I've read in years. 
For my thoughts and book review click here


A fractured retelling of The Arabian Nights with a love story twist.  This enjoyable book series had great pace and is riveting from the beginning. 


This Cinderella version is a fractured fairy tale with a scifi twist.  Androids and cyborgs are in the book and even though it all sounds bizarre and weird it's actually a fun fast paced book that will make you grabbing the next book in the series. .    


YA Contemporary/Realistic Fiction:  Everything Everything by Nicola Yoon
This realistic fiction/contemporary read about a girl with a unique health situation and a boy in a not so unique situation will surprise you as well as make you cheer the characters on. It's a fun read.


Books Made into a Movie: The BFG  by Roald Dahl
This classic, quirky, and fun children's literature book has been a favorite of mine for years.  It's one of my favorite classroom read alouds, and is being made into a movie coming out in July.  A book being made into a movie is a great way to get a reluctant reader, or one who doesn't like to read, to pick up a book and read. 


Juvenile/Middle Grade Fiction: Summerlost by Ally Condie 
This well developed middle grade fiction book is enjoyable and relatable.  4th-7th grade girls will enjoy this story.  This story reminded me of Flora and Ulysses or The One and Only Ivan b/c it has really great storytelling.  I wouldn't be surprised if this book won a literary award.


Be inspired as you read this book about all different kinds of people that did hard things, were brave, fell, and had to get back up again.  Brene Brown is a social scientist who writes about the power vulnerability has in helping us to truly reach our potential. If you're a non-fiction aka true stuff fan then give this new book a read. 


This Newbery Honor book is colorful, fun, and will attract the reader as well as non-reader.  This middle grade (3rd-7th grade) book is a fun read and a great story about finding out who you are and doing hard things.   Girls will especially like and relate to this book. 
For my thoughts and book review click here.



All 10 of these books are great for different reasons; they are all different genres.  Give at least 1 of them a try this summer.  If you are a bit crazy and a bookworm like me give all 10 of them a read.  

Happy Summer Reading and Happy Reading of Fun and Fantastic Books! 

What's on your summer reading list?


Tuesday, May 31, 2016

2016's Best Free Summer Reading Programs for Everyone- Prevent the Slide

The Best Summer Reading Programs in 2016, and they are all FREE.  Read books and get free stuff.  Free books, audiobooks, toys, fun, and more. Prevent the learning slide; read to your kids. Books of any kind are the best.

Just in case reading for the sake of reading during the summer isn't enough for you or your kids (it most definitely wasn't when I was a kid), maybe prizes for reading will be the motivation needed to avoid the "Summer Slide."

The Summer Slide is basically reading skill that goes downhill unless a child is reading and has access to books. 

I felt this infographic was informative. 


From CO Dept of Education

There are numerous summer reading programs out there, but I've narrowed them down to the Best Summer Reading Programs for 2016.  All of these programs are completely FREE which is fantastic.


Each of these programs are a bit different and are for different age groups, but the basic idea is you read, submit your log, and receive your free stuff.  It's pretty easy, and fun to see what stuff you get.  


I personally always love the free books my kids and I get, but activities like mini-golf, free meals, small toys, bookmarks, etc are other common and fun prizes.
  

2016's Best FREE Summer Reading Programs


From GettyImages
  • This is by far one of your best and easiest options.  You can usually sign-up online, but some libraries require you to come in and get the program sheets/journals.   
  • You almost always get a free book after completing the program as well as other prizes.  The bookmarks and books are my favorite prizes, but swimming, water parks, or restaurant coupons are also known to be part of the prizes .
  • Everyone can participate (babies to adults)
  • My kiddos and I do the library summer reading program every year. We sometimes do a couple different libraries. ;)  
From GettyImages
  • This year the theme is Summer Reading Triathlon.  You have to complete 3 out of the 4 reading tasks which include a fast book, long book, book series, and one that stretches your imagination.  I actually think this is a fun and atypical Summer Reading format.  Way to be original Barnes and Noble; well done! 
  • Record on a Reading Journal (PDF found here)
  • Bring journal in to the store
  • Choose a free book from a selection there.  There are some really great books this year. Mercy Watson, Escape from Lemoncello's Library, and I Survived... books are a few of my favorites from this years selection.   
  • Program runs between May 17, 2016 - September 6, 2016, but there's a kick-off celebration at most of the stores this Saturday June 4th.
  •  There isn't an age limit, but the prizes are limited to books geared towards 1st through 6th grade.  However, I do have my toddlers participate in the summer reading program, but I have never filled out a reading log/journal.
  • FYI,  Barnes and Noble does run out of book titles so the earlier you finish the better the selection you have.   

From Scholastic.com

  • This year the theme is Be a Reading Superhero.
  • Kids read and log their minutes.  Kids can sign themselves up. Teachers and Parents can also be involved with this reading program. 
  • All kids across the country have their minutes combined and it is kept track on the website which is fun to see. 
  • Every time a child reaches a milestone you can enter a sweepstakes to win free books. 
  • Location on website for parents to find free book lists as well as a reading timer app. 
  • They do have events at various places around the country during the challenge.  Check here for the schedule of events. 
From Twitter
  • Each month (June and July) kids in 8th grade and younger can keep strive to read a total of 300 minutes. High school kids are now invited to participate (they haven't in past years) and earn a giftcard by reading a book from the recommended list and write a short review.   
  • They keep track on this form which they print out and complete. 
  • Bring completed form into the store at the end of the month or before September 1st and get $5 worth of store bucks to use as you please.  The gift card expires 9/1/16. 
From GettyImages
  • This family fun arcade and pizza restaurant has a year long reading challenge.  
  • Read every day for two weeks, record it on this sheet, bring the sheet to your closest Chuck E Cheese and your child will receive 10 game tokens.  
  • This expires 12/31/16, and it doesn't say you can't do it multiple times. 

From Audiobooksync.com
Sync- Audiobooks for Teens 13+
  • This summer reading, or really listening, program is for teenagers only, but that is really just b/c the books are YA Lit focused.  Anyone can download the books, and listening to a book with your kid is a great idea. 
  • This program runs May 5 - August 17, 2016.
  • Every week a teenager can download 2 free audiobooks (a current book and a classical title) to the Overdrive App.  The books are good, and audiobooks are beneficial as well.  Keep those kids involved with books whichever way you can.  Plus, I love listening to audiobooks on roadtrips, commuting to work, long runs, or while do other hobbies. 
  • You can sign up to receive an email or text to remind you to download the book.  You have one week to download the book from this site here, but once you download the audiobook files the books are yours to keep.   

Now if you need help deciding what to read, check out the numerous lists found here or check out these lists for all different grades.  I will be posting 2016 Summer Reading Lists tomorrow for all ages and reading levels. 


Happy Summer Reading Fun and Getting Sweet Stuff for Free!


Friday, May 29, 2015

Summer Reading Book Lists for Kids Who Don't Like to Read in 10th and 11th Grade

Summer Reading Book List for Reluctant Readers in 10th and 11th Grade.  This book list is for all of the kids that don't like to read.  This book list has 12 great books from a variety of genres that everyone can find one to enjoy.  Many of them are a series.  Alohamora Open a Book http://www.alohamoraopenabook.blogspot.com/ Romance, Dystopian, Action, Adventure, Graphic Novels, Historical, Fairytales, Realistic Fiction, Divergent, Hunger Games, Nicholas Sparks, Crank in Free Verse Poetry, Non-Fiction (Ripley's and Guinness) Boys, Girls, Teens, High School YA Young Adult

The past few weeks I've been talking about reluctant readers aka kids that don't like to read.  

If you have a reluctant reader check out these 7 Ways to Turn a BOOK HATER into a BOOK READER! It's full of awesome and easy ways to help your 'I Don't Like to Read" kid, student, or friend.  


With those steps and the...

Book List for Reluctant Readers in Kindergarten and First Grade
Book List for Reluctant Readers in Second and Third Grade
Book List for Reluctant Readers in Fourth and Fifth Grade

Book List for Reluctant Readers in Sixth and Seventh Grade

Book List for Reluctant Readers in Eighth and Ninth Grade

and the book lists I'm giving you today and next Friday will help you find the perfect and best book, the right book, for any reluctant reader you may know.

There are a lot of kids who don't like to read.  I was one of them.  All of those reluctant readers are missing out on a ton of awesome and entertaining books, but more importantly those individuals are missing out on the benefits readers experience.   

Readers...

  • Are Less Stressed
  • Have a Larger Vocabulary
  • Have Stronger Thinking Skills
  • Have Better Focus and Concentration
  • Have Better Speaking Skills
  • Appreciate Other Places and Cultures
  • Keep Brain Stimulated
  • Have Better Memory 
  • Improves Creativity
  • Are Better Writers

There are many reasons to be or become a reader, and I know every one, no matter the age, can become one.  

For a couple more weeks I will be sharing with you book lists for reluctant readers aka people that don't like to read.  I have broken the lists down by age.  Today, you get...



Books for Reluctant Readers in

Tenth and Eleventh Grade


Tenth

Boys:


This is a series with content that will grab readers, get them thinking, and keep them entertained. 
For my review of the book click here. 


We all remember this  book and how popular it is in any school library.  Check-out or buy (only $6.50 in paperback) any year of this book.  It'll grab your attention, and the content is broken into shorter segments with a lot of pictures which is perfect for reluctant readers.

Girls:


This book has the fun of a romance story that Sparks is known for, but there is more depth and twist to this novel that isn’t found in some of his other books.  There is also a movie based on this book, like many of his books.  If a reluctant reader likes an author let he/she read everything by that author.
For my review click here.  


This is a well written book that is first in a series of modern day fairy tales with a twist.  Reluctant readers will love the connection with fairy tales they grew up knowing, and they’ll love the romance and action found throughout this book and series.
For my review click here.  
               
Both:


This action pack dystopian series has popular movies based on them; book based movies will always attract reluctant readers.  This book is full of action and some violence/gore, but it is a captivating read.  
For my review click here


Hopkins has written several books in several different series, but they are all with the same free verse poetry.  This series, and Crank is the first, is a favorite.  The content of these books include drugs, violence, and sex, but it is a series that attracts reluctant readers b/c of how fast the reads are and how the story grabs the reader from the beginning.

Eleventh

Boys:


This classic is my favorite Tolkien book. The story is great, and there is even a recent movie series based on this book.
For my review click here.


Select any year or any edition.  This book has a lot of pictures, and it is full of true facts which boys love and find interesting.  Reluctant readers will read this book; it doesn’t have to be a chapter book to be reading.  it's all about getting the reader started. 

Girls:


This is a large series that has captivated some very reluctant readers already.  If you like the TV show you will enjoy this series; though, most high school girls looking for a fun and easy read will enjoy this novel/series.


This fabulous book and series is a clean quick read full of high school, fun, love, and a girl playing football. It’s fantastic!
               
Both:

The first book is my favorite in the series, but this dystopian trilogy is still pretty great.  Well written full of action and some love, and there is even a movie (and movies to be) based on this series.

For my review click here


March by John Lewis 
 Graphic novels in general are perfect for reluctant readers so you could pick any graphic novel (history, superheroes, classics like Pride and Prejudice, funny, etc.).  March is a great historical graphic novel that is a series both boys and girls who like history will enjoy.  
For my review click here


There you go, awesome books for even the most reluctant reader in 10th and 11th grade or older. 

Happy Summer Reading for everyone!