We all get in reading slumps. Nothing sounds good or the first chapter fails to ‘grab’ us. Our kids are the same way-and with kids, we have to give them something GREAT so they will get hooked on reading and never stop.
Throwback Thursday this week is a look back at the first chapters of some wonderful books from the past that I somehow missed when they were first released. Three super good selections your kiddos “Otter” be reading!!
Hoot by Carl Hiaasen
Carl Hiaasen is one of my favorite authors and Hoot is everything you expect in his books but for kids. There is a great pro-ecology message in this one and the characters are every bit as quirky as in Hiaasen’s more …ahem…adult books. Teenagers try to stop the construction of a pancake house and save a colony of owls. The first chapter of this Newberry Award winner has caught me up in the story and I can’t wait to get back to it to finish!
Disney After Dark, Kingdom Keepers #1 by Ridley Pearson
Oh, the first chapter of this one knocked my socks off! What a plot idea-you get a job at Disney (Yay) and then you find out you are a holographic projection model/Disney guide. This cool job turns ugly soon as Disney villains plot to overthrow the system. Our hero, Finn, and his friends must save the day. Another book that my kids will be up late finishing-and there are seven books in this series for them to enjoy.
The Watsons Go To Birmingham 1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis
The first chapter of this multi-award winning book introduces us to the Watson family. They are warm, loving and funny. They are also preparing to take a family trip from Flint, Michigan to Birmingham, Alabama to visit Grandma. So that would be a fun book right there.
The twist is the Watson’s are black, the year is 1963; and 16th Street Baptist Church is going to be bombed by white supremacists, burning four young girls to death. Adult themes but told for older children-some reviews cite language and too much ‘adult’ detail. I will definitely finish this one before I let the kids read it.
I wonder what is on your ‘missed’ list? Stop back tomorrow for some Friday fun as we get ready to READ ALL WEEKEND!!!