Reading Classics Sure to Inspire Your Child This Summer By Liz Sheffield

Remember the long summer days of lying on a blanket under the gigantic oak tree with a bowl of cherries, reading Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery or The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett and truly allowing your imagination to go to another place and time? Most of the books we read had no pictures, but I still remember the setting as vividly as if I had been there yesterday. The funny thing is that I’ve never been there but, my imagination has and THAT has made all the difference.

Today, there is no doubt that our children have more options to keep them entertained than we had 20 or 30 years ago. Between summer camps that cater to every interest and the entire electronic world, our children have more choices than they know what to do with. Yet, it’s common to hear the infamous whine, “I’m bored” or “There’s nothing to do.” The thought that modern technology could prevent my kids from experiencing the serenity of spending a lazy summer day immersed in a book creating lifelong memories is simply unacceptable.
Jane Doe, LPC tells us that the main reason our kids are more bored in a time of endless opportunities is because modern activities require little to no imagination. “Video games and electronic devices have become so technologically advanced and creative that players have no need to think for themselves. Virtual games literally place kids in mock settings that deter independent ideas or thoughts.”

If you’re interested in getting your children’s creative juices flowing this summer, consider minimizing their electronic time and maximizing trips to your local library or bookstore. And considering all the parks, lakes and outdoor beauty McKinney has to offer, there is no reason why your kids can’t create memories of sitting under the shady oak tree or relaxing near the pond with a great book! The following suggestions of classic reading materials are sure to get their imaginations running at full speed for an inspirational, memorable summer.

Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery.
Anne, an eleven-year-old orphan, is sent by mistake to live with a lonely, middle-aged brother and sister on a Prince Edward Island farm in Canada. There she proceeds to make an
indelible impression on everyone around her. For grades 5–8 and older readers.
1908.

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
Four English children find their way through a huge wardrobe in an old house to the mysterious land of Narnia, which is under the spell of the White Witch. For grades 4–7 and older readers.

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett.
After becoming an orphan, Mary—ill-tempered and neglected—is sent to live on an uncle’s huge estate where she meets an equally wretched cousin who is an invalid. Together they conspire to restore a locked, secret garden while the boy regains his health and his father’s affection. For grades 4–7

Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson.
Young Jim Hawkins finds a map in a dead seaman’s possessions. His friends, Squire Trelawney and Doctor Livesey, realize it’s a treasure map. They hire a ship, unaware that the crew includes the pirate Long John Silver. For grades 6–9 and older readers. 1881.

Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
A little girl who can talk to animals is devoted to both Wilbur, the foolishly smug pig, and
Charlotte, the beautiful gray spider who saves Wilbur’s life. This sensitive story is a delight
for children of all ages as well as adults. For grades 3–6.

Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes.
After injuring his right hand, fourteen-year-old Johnny, a silversmith’s apprentice,
becomes a messenger for the Sons of Liberty in the days before the American
Revolution. He meets Massachusetts patriots and becomes involved in events leading to
the Boston Tea Party and the Battle of Lexington. For grades 5–8. Newbery Medal. 1943.

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor.
Nine-year-old Cassie Logan recalls a turbulent time in Mississippi during the Great
Depression—a year of night riders, burnings, and threats. She describes her African
American family’s struggle to survive with their dignity and independence intact. Some
strong language. For grades 6–9. Newbery Award. 1976.

Ramona the Pest by Beverly Cleary
Ramona likes her kindergarten teacher, Miss Binney. Ramona also likes Davy—so much
she wants to kiss him. So why does Ramona keep getting in trouble? Part of a series. For
grades 2–4. 1968.

Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell.
When her tribe moved, a Native American girl was accidentally left behind on an island
off the California coast. She tells about the eighteen years that she managed to survive
and to find comfort, beauty, and, at times, joy in her solitude. For grades 6–9. Newbery
Medal. 1960.

James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
When James’ parents die, he is sent to live with his wicked aunts. One day, someone
suspicious gives him a bag of green things to make something spectacular, but James
accidentally loses them, and all of them disappear. Suddenly, a gigantic peach grows
from an old, dead, tree, which will bring James to anywhere away from his nasty aunts.
For grades 3-5.

Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls
It is about a boy who buys and trains two redbone coonhound hunting dogs. This book
is a popular choice for early middle school reading classes, with a reading level appropriate
to grades 4 and up. 1961.