Tip: Great Books for Summer Reading

As parents, we want to raise lifelong learners. One way this is done is by fueling in them a passion for reading. Summer is a great time for pleasure reading. Below are recommendations for some great books. Most should be available at your local library.

Upper elementary and JH: From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by Konigsburg - My 6th grade teacher read this book aloud to us. It is great. It is about a brother and sister who run away from home. They end up hiding in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. While there, they try to uncover a mystery. There is also a movie based on the book. It is called The Hideaways.

Upper elementary and JH: Twenty and Ten by Bishop - Great story of how 20 French kids hid 10 Jewish kids during WWII. There is a fun part in the book about a chocolate bar. It is an easy read. There is also a movie based on this book. It is called Miracle at Moreaux.

High school: The Cure for the Common Life by Lucado - Great book about what to do with your life. It helps to look ahead as to what career is best suited to your gifts and talents.

High school: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Covey - There is also a book specifically for teens. I haven't read the one for teens yet. Covey books are filled with anecdotes that offer inspiration to lead a disciplined life.

Hope these ideas are helpful.
Have a blessed day, Robin

Mom Tip: Great Book Recommendation

Mistaken Identity by Van Ryn and Cerak is riveting. It is the incredible story of loss, hope, faith and love in the midst of unimaginable circumstances. It all began April 26, 2006 with a van accident in which some Taylor University students and teachers were returning from a school trip. Some survived the accident and some did not. Two girls were on the trip who favored in appearance. One of the students didn't survive and the other one was in a coma. Somehow through the events of the night, their identities were switched. The family of Laura Van Ryn sat by the bedside of whom they thought was their daughter for 6 weeks. The parents of Whitney Cerak had a funeral for their daughter. The events during that 6 weeks that led to the awareness of the mistaken identity are incredible. While the story is heartwrenching at times, both families' faith in God remained steadfast through unimaginable circumstances.