17 Jun Summer Reading 2020
It’s Summer 2020, and most of us find ourselves in a new, strange position. Years from now, how will we remember this time? Historic? Uncertain? Unprecedented? Maybe The Summer of Zoom and Heartbreak.
I’ve sat down to write this post countless times. It didn’t feel right talking about children’s books while the country is going through such difficult times. However, after thinking about it and talking to friends (from a distance, of course), I decided that children’s books may be exactly what we need. There are fun books that will bring smiles, there are anti-racist books that have been needed for more years than I care to count, and there are books that help children understand the world and their place in it. This actually is a good summer to read with children.
So as much as I often just want to scream at an invisible virus and very visible inequality, I know that’s not the way to go. So for now, I will use my voice the way I can. I’ll donate to organizations that work for good, I’ll follow the safety rules to keep my family and myself safe, and I’ll continue to write and share children’s books.
Having said that, I want to share The Today Show’s 25 best summer reads for kids. I am thrilled to see that some of my friends’ books are on this list, including Lisa Katzenberger, whom I will be interviewing next month. You’ll want to hear more about her book, National Regular Average Ordinary Day, so I hope you stop by!
https://www.today.com/shop/best-summer-reads-kids-t184114?fbclid=IwAR1lalclDL_M0q9q2ITZYDHxSu8ikCB4HLl_6UMDYy1BgErk-kl4yOU8zSc
Another wonderful list to check out is the Publishers Weekly list of anti-racist children’s and young adult books. There are many other lists to find good books for kids. Just Google it!
https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-book-news/article/83549-a-children-s-and-ya-anti-racist-reading-list.htmle
So as we physically distance, we can draw close to each other in different ways. Let’s brainstorm together ways we can make the world better for our children. I’d love to read your ideas in the comments.
Peggy Portnoy
Posted at 23:30h, 17 JuneWhat an excellent perspective on our lives. Young children growing up at this time are having as much or maybe more of a difficult time adjusting to the isolation from friends, extended family and daily activities. Books that address these issues are important for children. Thanks for suggesting them.
Deborah Williams
Posted at 00:33h, 18 JuneSo true, Ellen—children need the comfort that books and reading bring, more than ever.
Ellen Rothberg
Posted at 14:06h, 18 JuneThanks, Ellen, for a great list. I will certainly share some with my grandchildren (by FaceTime for now). I also appreciate your comments about how it’s a really good time to share a good book with children. Books are often social commentary of the times and we really need that now.
Pamela Harrisonn
Posted at 02:38h, 19 JuneThank you for these lists, Ellen. Sharing good books with children is such fun and fun is what many need right now. It’s also good to step into someone else’s shoes in order to experience a different set of circumstances.