June 2014

Why not start the summer by being able to say you read a Classic in its entirety? At only 72 pages, The Diaries of Adam and Eve highlights the writing style that truly makes Twain one of the greatest American writers of all time. It’s laugh-out-loud funny, while also capturing a moving love story. Gosh – I wish I could write as well as Twain. He provides me endless joy.

A friend insisted I read this to brighten my spirits, and it worked like a charm. Very funny and absurd, and sure to meet the fancy of fans of Cheech & Chong.

Wonderful Mexican author who will inspire your girls especially with these 56 vignettes about the Mexican Revolution seen through her eyes as a child.

This stirring and uplifting true story makes for a wonderful read for all ages, as it follows the unbelievable life of Chi Fa (which means “new beginning”) as he emigrates to the United States and prospers. Every day I realize there are extraordinary people all around me, if I just learn about their personal stories. Great book to engage students to tell their own stories, especially immigrants.

People tell me there is an Italian movie of this book, and I’d be interested in seeing it. This book will spurn a number of dialogues among your high school students, as it reads a lot like Stephen King’s novella The Body (made into the popular movie Stand by Me).

This summer, why not take a moment to pause and reflect about what really matters. Bender’s touching memoir of seeking simplicity among the Amish while leaving the harried lifestyle so many of us lead is poignant, beautiful writing.

Probably most appropriate for upper elementary and middle school students, this fantasy will whet young readers' appetites for the Harry Potter series.

We lost a giant in literature this past month. Angelou’s beautiful voice is captured on each page of this terrific entry into children’s literature, with illustrations by Jean-Michel Basquiat.

Trust me, Joose’s touching tale of a mother telling her two sons how important each one is to her complimented by Mary Whyte’s soothing watercolor illustrations is the perfect read aloud. Think Love You Forever by Robert Munsch meets When I Was Young in the Mountains by Cynthia Rylant.

One of my favorite books of the year, as it follows the one-track mind of a dog determined to play ball one day. Your kids will love it (and you can secretly love it, too).