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Original poster

The summer library challenge - I am doing it too, recommendations needed

35 replies

mixedmamameansbusiness · 28/06/2013 12:55

This summer I am doing the library challenge with my DC, the theme is creepy and magical so I need a six book short list. I like classics and know I can find a good few gothic novels amongst them but also want to try something different - I have never read Stephen King for example.

All ideas greatly received to be added to my already huge to read list.

We have never done it before, how will the DC know what they can pick from? Is there a special section etc?

OP posts:
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DeWe · 01/08/2013 21:28

It used to give you a list of authors at each point. Although it was sometimes a hassle finding them, I preferred that as it encouraged them to try books they wouldn't otherwise look at.

As it stands my younger pair are doing it, but they'd read 6+ books easily (last year we did it within a week) anyway, so it doesn't really do much for them.

DeeKirkby · 31/07/2013 11:07

It's so nice to find another adult doing this! I'm doing Summer Reading Challenge because I am a Patron of Reading at a primary academy. So far I have read The Grunts in Trouble (MG) and Winter Town (YA).

MNHQ
LaraMumsnet · 18/07/2013 15:36

@Blatherskite

How do we enter the competition LaraMumsnet?

The Summer reading challenge page says "To be in with a chance of winning, make sure you're following @mumsnetbookclub and @readingagency using #SummerReadingChallenge"

Should that be 'and tweet using #SummerReadingChallenge'??

Hi Blatherskite,

Sorry if the instructions weren't clear, basically @mumsnetbookclub will tweet using the hashtag #SummerReadingChallenege announcing what bundle we're giving away, and all you have to do is RT

Blatherskite · 17/07/2013 22:32

How do we enter the competition LaraMumsnet?

The Summer reading challenge page says "To be in with a chance of winning, make sure you're following @mumsnetbookclub and @readingagency using #SummerReadingChallenge"

Should that be 'and tweet using #SummerReadingChallenge'??

Blatherskite · 17/07/2013 22:30

This sounds perfect for DS. He can read but it takes motivation. I'll take him to our library next week when he breaks up and get him signed up :)

Rowgtfc72 · 17/07/2013 19:52

This will be the third year dd has done the summer reading scheme, the first year she was three and I read to her, this year is chapter books Our library is also doing a Creepy house Quiz and a Creepy house puppet thing but Im a bit miffed this is only for age seven and upwards.

MNHQ
LaraMumsnet · 17/07/2013 10:07

Hi everyone,

The Reading Agency will be running a twitter competition with us, whereby you could win one of three buddles of children's books for ages 4-6, 7-9 or 10-11years. For more information about the competition, or to find out more about the cause, then check out our Summer Reading Challenge page.

3birthdaybunnies · 13/07/2013 23:33

Try telling my three it's not a race! Dd1 read a Wimpy kid diary in the car on a trip today. Ds insisted on reading one of his in the car and on the beach today. Hard work as although he can blend he forgets lots of the sounds, he's very motivated. Dd2 not started but we only got them this morning!

Need to find some harder books for dd1.

Original poster
mixedmamameansbusiness · 11/07/2013 20:09

Haha, looking forward to the smelly stickers.

OP posts:
JiltedJohnsJulie · 06/07/2013 07:57

I know Bear but you try explaining that one to my dd Smile.

BeerTricksPotter · 05/07/2013 19:00

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
mixedmamameansbusiness · 05/07/2013 18:55

Haha, I wouldn't worry, it sounds lovely.

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JiltedJohnsJulie · 04/07/2013 21:43

We have been to the library tonight. Dd has chosen 2 books. When we got home dd told me she is going to start reading them now, then register on Saturday. She wants to take the 2 books in next Minday and be ahead of the game. Is it worrying that she is so competitive? She's 5....

JiltedJohnsJulie · 03/07/2013 20:28
Smile
Original poster
mixedmamameansbusiness · 03/07/2013 17:48

That's lovely.

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fuzzpig · 03/07/2013 17:46

He sounds awesome :o

JiltedJohnsJulie · 03/07/2013 17:42

Never seen the film, thankfully. DS asked me tonight when the reading challenge starts and said "think I'll read all the Lemony Snicket book and a couple of maths books". He's such a predictable geek boy Grin

fuzzpig · 29/06/2013 09:45

Oh I loved the Series of Unfortunate Events. Started reading them when I was, um, 18 or so? DH got into them too and from about book 4 onwards we actually read them to each other.

(PS - the film version is an abomination Angry)

MadeOfStarDust · 29/06/2013 09:40

For adults - creepy and magical - I would second James Herbert, also Dean R Koontz - wouldn't let the kids anywhere near them though Grin

JiltedJohnsJulie · 29/06/2013 09:35

Thanks for those suggestions fuzz, will mention them to DS. He's just started reading a series of unfortunate events so think that might be most of the reading challenge accounted for...Smile

fuzzpig · 29/06/2013 09:20

We (as in the library I work in) are a bit worried that younger readers may be too scared by the Creepy House theme this year! We are having spooky events but not in the main part of the building so hopefully we will be ok...

My DCs aren't on chapter books yet but IIRC Holly Webb writes some magical themed books. Oh and there's a 'Midnight Library' series by Nick Shadow which is quite popular.

JiltedJohnsJulie · 29/06/2013 08:45

Its good if it encourages them to read other things then. My DS is a good reader but has always been very specific about what he will and won't read.

A couple of years ago he theme was circus, think I would have struggled getting him to read 6 books on that theme Smile

NumTumDeDum · 29/06/2013 08:41

Try The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper

Original poster
mixedmamameansbusiness · 29/06/2013 08:38

It won't be the end of the world if they don't stick to theme, but they do enjoy theme related things and it will guide them to read things they haven't before/different genres.

OP posts:
JiltedJohnsJulie · 29/06/2013 08:19

Can appreciate that you want to read books on the theme but I wouldn't expect my DC to. Dd is only 5, she will turn 6 during the challenge, I will just be pleased that she is doing it at all. Last year our lovely library let her take part knowing that I would be reading the books to her.

Was going to suggest Wilkie Collins too.
How about James Herbert?