Monday, June 20, 2011

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 The Penderwicks at Point Mouette Waiting for Normal The Lemonade War

Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt
Waiting for Normal by Leslie Conner
The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies

Because of Winn-Dixie True (. . . Sort Of) Junonia Inside Out and Back Again

Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
True (…Sort Of) by Katherine Hannigan
Junonia by Kevin Henkes
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

Savvy Judy Moody (Book #1) Island of the Blue Dolphins Bridge to Terabithia

Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls
Holes by Louis Sachar
Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli
One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia

Where the Red Fern Grows Holes by Louis Sachar Maniac Magee One Crazy Summer (Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction (Awards))

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


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?

3 comments:

  1. I love these! I was just about to comment on your last review post (where I saw a few familiar titles) that I wanted some more current recs. I'll definitely have to check a few of these new books out, and maybe I'll get a chance to reread some old favorites. Hope the Popsicles are tasty! :)

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  2. Glad you could get some recommendations for this list! I'm currently reading CHIME and can't figure out how I feel about it! Would love to hear your thoughts. :-)

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  3. After this program ends! 12 hours days are tiring and my head is so full, but I think it's the good kind of exhaustion. Talk to me in a week. :)

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