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Expert: Grace Shanahan
During the month of May, Grace Shanahan answered your questions about motivating kids to read during the summer months.
Read her response to question 2 below.
Question 2:
Dear Librarian Shanahan,
My daughter is 12 years old and will be entering a 7th grade Magnet program in 03-04. She is very self motivated academically, however, reading is not her favorite past time. I would like to provide/assist with academic opportunities to help prepare her for next year but at the same time encourage her to take a break from the fast academic pace she'll be jumping into in the fall. If I suggest she read 2-3 books over the summer I know she will accept the challenge.
She is your average 12 year old; loves soccer, horses and spending time with her friends. Her favorite book is "Holes" and really enjoyed going to see it made into a movie. She enjoyed reading Harry Potter novels and enjoyed seeing those movies as well but they were not her favorites. I am looking for novels that are classics and that everyone MUST read within their lifetime. Something that activates ones imagination and will keep her motivated to read.
I welcome your suggestions.
Sincerely,
M. Elaine S., Austin, TX
Reply:
My recommendations for your 12-year-old are going to fall into two categories.
- First of all I am sure your daughter will enjoy such classics as Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte and Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte.
- Then I would suggest some recently published fantasy books aimed at teenage girls. You could try Island of the Aunts by Eva Ibbotson, Folk Keeper by Franny Billingsley, and Ashes of Roses by Mary Jane Auch. I also suspect that your daughter would like the 2002 Newbery Award winner – Crispin by Avi.
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