Every spring the CBC has a Children’s Book Panel that recommends books for children’s summer reading. I pay attention to these suggestions because they are usually very good ones. Here are a few that were highlights for me on this year’s list. The first two are for young children, the second two are for Young Adults.
It’s Only Stanley by Jon Agee (Age 5 – 8) 
Very funny rhyming picture book with an enterprising dog as the main character. The family underestimates the abilities of this impressive pup who works hard at all kinds of projects. Continually dismissed, “It’s only Stanley,” the Wimbledon family in the end is ‘over the moon’ about Stanley’s final and greatest achievement. A very funny picture book about a beagle who keeps waking up his family with his noisy midnight exploits.
The Mosquito Brothers by Griffin Ondaatje (Age 7 – 9)
In this quirky coming-of-age story, the main characters are a family of mosquitos…all 400 of them! Dinnn always seems to be lonely and left behind. He makes the best of it and adapts as best he can to his situation, bravely facing the many challenges that a mosquito faces in a lifetime. Who knew? Filled with fun facts and humorous fancy, this young child’s chapter book would be a great read aloud since adults will love it too. Heartwarming themes about overcoming fear, being true to yourself, and finding your own unique wings are sure to please. And you may think twice next time you swat!
We are All Made of Molecules by Susin Nielsen
(Age 12 and up)
Susin Nielsen got her start feeding the cast and crew on the popular television series Degrassi. They hated her food, but they saw a spark in her writing. Neilsen went on to be a successful and prolific Canadian TV series writer. Nielsen knows her genre. This young adult novel is pitch perfect, funny, and endearing. It handles tough issues like grief and loss, blended families, bullying, and LGBTQ in a sensitive and constructive way. “Thirteen-year-old Stewart is academically brilliant but socially clueless. Fourteen-year-old Ashley is the undisputed “It” girl in her class, but her grades stink. Their worlds are about to collide when Stewart and his dad move in with Ashley and her mom. Stewart is trying to be 89.9 percent happy about it, but Ashley is 110 percent horrified. She already has to hide the real reason her dad moved out; “Spewart” could further threaten her position at the top of the social ladder.
The Dogs by Allan Stratton (Age 12 and up)
This is one I haven’t read yet, but I suspect it will be a dark psychological thriller that will be one of those Young Adult cross-over types that keeps adults turning pages as well as kids. I think it deserves its own post after I’ve read it.
Joanne's Reading Blog 