Essay collectors might enjoy Thinking Tuna Fish, Talking Death, Essays on the Pornography of Power, or Gay Yachting Yarns by James Thurber, Ring Lardner, and others. We wouldn't want your children to miss the joys of summer reading, so here are a few suggestions for keeping books in their hands all summer long. Start with the Multnomah County Library's summer reading program, ReadQuest. All three levels offer prizes, so visit your local branch to sign up and make sure your young readers have their own library cards. Grab books, a blanket, and lemonade and head to your favorite park.
Experts know that kids are encouraged to read when they see their parents read.
Start your kids on a series. Young adults will like Lucy Maude Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables, Brian Jacques' Redwall books, or Tamora Pierce's series. Try Beverly Cleary's books for middle readers, and then visit the Ramona fountains at Grant Park. Middle readers will also enjoy anything by Judy Blume and Lloyd Alexander. Beginning readers can start with Ruth Gannett's My Father's Dragon trilogy or David Adler's Cam Jansen series.