Summertime

It’s almost the end of June and that means one thing: school’s out! The warm weather and melody of the ice cream truck that incessantly circles my block reminds me how much I loved and looked forward to my summer vacations when I was in school—especially those great elementary and middle school years when those lazy months were truly only about playing outside, barbecues and swimming. I may not have the same plans this summer, but that doesn’t mean I can’t reminisce with some of my favorite tween novels. (Oh, and have a sugary treat while you’re at it, too!)

Great summer reads:

   

Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt

The Penderwicks at Point Mouette by Jeanne Birdsall

Waiting for Normal by Leslie Conner

The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies

   

Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo

True (…Sort Of) by Katherine Hannigan

Junonia by Kevin Henkes

Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai

Savvy by Ingrid Law

Judy Moody series by Megan McDonald

Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell

A Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

   

Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls

Holes by Louis Sachar

Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli

One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia

   

And, I’m making these tonight. You should, too!

Pink Lemonade Popsicles

1 tsp finely grated lemon juice

½ c freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 4 lemons)

½ c plus 2 tbsp superfine sugar

2 fresh or frozen strawberries, hulled

pinch of salt

In blender or food processor, combine the lemon zest and juice and the sugar. Pour 1¾ cups water. Add the strawberries and salt and blend until the mixture is smooth and pink. Divide the mixture into ice pop molds and freeze until solid, at least 4 hours or up to 3 days. Enjoy!

Feel like a kid yet?