Kicking the Summer Blues ... with Books

I have to be honest. My favorite time of day with my kids is when the younger two are napping and the older two are reading. It is quiet and peaceful ... not something I get to experience much with 4 little ones in the house. It isn't that my children fight a lot ... it is more that they get bored and then get into mischief. That compounds with the fighting. I know I am not alone with the summer blues, and people counting down until school starts. Some days are worse than others, but the two hours of peace I get during the day recharges me and reminds me of why I love them so much.

Source - Raul Lieberwirth

The biggest problem I have is keeping up with their reading tastes and what reading level they are at. With Peanut ready for Young Adult, I have to carefully monitor to make sure she is not reading Sookie Stackhouse, even though she likes vampire books! S, what is my 11 year old into right now? Harry Potter and Percy Jackson are high on the list. She is also interested in starting the Lord of the Rings! I could not be prouder of her, especially since she has come such a long way in the last five years of reading.

      

Bullfrog is all over the place though when it comes to reading. He loves books that do not challenge him much, but he also loves non-fiction books. If it has anything to do with zombies, werewolves, animals, or little boy humor ... he is sold! His favorite series of all time is the Magic School Bus.

      
The younger two (Monkey & Turtle) love anything with pictures, although Monkey likes books she can count. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom has quickly become a favorite in the house. She also loves her Minnie Mouse and Winnie Pooh books. Turtle is non-judgmental. She will pick up a book and let you read it to her. However, she is a huge fan of Dr. Seuss books

   
So, now I ask you since I am always looking for good books to add to our library ... what are good books for the following reading levels:

• 8th Grade
• 5th Grade
• Preschool
• Age 2

Next question ... what are some good books for ADULTS who like fantasy fiction. I have fallen in love with series books and that is what I would like to stick with. I am starting the Game of Thrones, but after that ... I need to know what are some series you have loved. Let me know in the comments below!