Heavenly Summer Reading

Do you guys do summer reading lists or programs or anything?  In the past, we've not really followed any plans in particular, mostly since summer stayed fairly equal to the rest of the year in our pre-school lives.  Now, though, with Kindergarten under our belts, I'm excited for the free time we're finding hidden throughout our days. 

Beyond lazing around on the floor doing art projects and chasing the neighbor-boy around the street, we have a lot more time to read.  Days are freer.  Nights are lazier.  We're basking in the nothingness of summer while trying to keep the (dadgum) house clean for potential buyers. 

So books have become my favorite part of summer so far, and we're only two weeks into our break.  The other day, I stopped by the bookstore with a plan to give myself some fabulous new novels, but instead, I accidentally walked out of the store with a short stack of books for the girls.  I should be using the library, but the thought of three kids + the library is overwhelming my sensibilities.  Instead, I'm racking up a large book bill.  But that's not the point.  The point is, I came home with a summer reading bundle.  Here's what's on our shelf:

1. Matilda by Roald Dahl.  This one is going to be saved for last, I think, because Lauren is still a little antsy during chapter books.  Matilda, if I remember right, has some heavy themes that might take more concentration.  Plus, she's heard about Miss Trunchbull -- I think she saw parts of the movie at my aunt's house awhile back -- and bad-ladies scare her.  In book form, her fear might not be so bad, but if it doesn't work for Lauren, I still think Mia will enjoy it for some special Mama & Mia time.

2. The Sisters Grimm: The Fairy Tale Detectives by Michael Buckley.  This book caught my eye because it's part of a big series.  Two sisters become detectives on adventures which last through at least 10 books: perfect for my two girls, I think.  We're reading it right now, and it's caught our imaginations and attention very well!

3. Beezus and Ramona by Beverly Cleary.  We finished this book in a few days, so I'm fairly sure we'll be reading more of the series soon to keep our summer entertaining.  Lauren LOVED Ramona and her loud, sticky, stubborn ways, while Mia laughed at how much Ramona irritated Beezus.  But the message behind the story -- that it's okay for sisters to not always be best friends -- made me say oh, thank goodness.  It was really JUST what my tired-mama ears needed to hear.  Thanks, Beverly Cleary :)

4. The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall.  I know almost nothing about this book, but it looked like a good one!  It won a National Book Award, though, and has gotten wonderful reviews, promising excellently crafted writing and an engaging, humorous plot for all ages, parents included.  The Penderwicks are four sisters who travel to an estate in Massachusetts for a summer vacation, and get themselves into charming adventures while there.  I'm really excited to read this book with the girls!

So what do you think?  Will you be reading anything in particular this summer with your kids?  Have you read any of our choices?  And do you think it's okay for me to start reading The Penderwicks tonight by myself so I don't have to wait any longer?