Great Summer Reads for Kids

What makes a great summer book? A book you just can't resist curling up in the hammock with, or staying up way past bedtime to read? Besides, it's summer, and summer was meant for good books, staying up late, and sleeping in. 

A great summer book not only draws you in so deep you forget about the outside world, it has characters so interesting, fun, and full of good ideas you wish they lived next door so you could play with them. 

A great summer read is usually set in the summer, and has a more adventurous, light-hearted feel.  And while nobody reads War and Peace under the covers with a flashlight,

they sure do with Gone-Away Lake, Old Yeller, and Clue in the Crumbling Wall.

Mysteries make great summer reads because not only are they fun and exciting, but you actually have the time to read "just one more page" to find out who-dun-it.

Adventure stories make another great summer read. Many not only take place in the summer, but they fit that get-out-and-go summer vibe, and may inspire you and your friends to pack a lunch and head out to the woods, peek in the windows of that scary old house, or hop in the rowboat and go exploring.

Humorous books are another must for summer reading. Corny old joke books are often so bad they're funny.

A book is the perfect companion on those stifling hot days when mom's too busy to drive you to the pool and there's nobody to play wtih and it's too hot to play anyway. Find a shady nook, grab some lemonade or a shake, and curl up with Tintin or The Boxcar Children.

Check out summer reading programs at your local library--many offer prizes and free books. Barnes and Noble bookstores are also offering a free book as part of their summer reading program.

While this blog usually focuses on vintage books, today I'm going to cheat and throw in a few good modern ones too. Hey, it's summer. Please feel free to suggest your favorite summer reads too.