A Summer Book Surprise List

"Brown paper packages tied up with string... these are a few of my favorite things!" Summer break is still a few weeks away for us, but I'm getting ready, including putting together a summer reading list for E.
Last year I made her read the public school's summer reading list and write a short summary after each book. In return, she was able to complete her reward chart and earn video game time with daddy.

This year I want to do something a little different. I'm scrapping the school's list (it wasn't that impressive) and ignoring the reward system (because reading should be a reward in and of itself) and giving E the gift of good books. I'm making use of Amazon's 4-for-3 deals and buying a bunch of chapter books for E to read over the summer. I'll wrap them each up like the one above and give her the whole stack on the last day of school. She will be able to unwrap and read one at a time throughout the summer.

So which books did I choose?

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

by JK Rowling

She's been begging me to let her read these for ages. I originally said she had to be 8, but I'm caving and letting her read it this summer. I think she's ready. (Book 2 will have to wait a bit longer, though.)

Sarah, Plain and Tall
by Patricia MacLachlan



I loved this book as a kid. Loved it. It has such a beautiful quiet spirit... just like Sarah.


The Puzzling World of Winston Breen
by Eric Berlin



I haven't read this one, but I wanted to include a contemporary mystery in the bunch. This particular title got such great reviews, I couldn't resist. It's full of puzzles, so I might have to read this one with E. Not because she's not equal to the task, but because I don't want to miss out on the fun!


Ballet Shoes
by Noel Streetfeild



A classic I admit I've never read. I have seen the 2007 movie based on the book and was absolutely charmed, so I'm excited to see if the original story is as good.


In Grandma's Attic
by Arleta Richardson



I loved the Grandma's Attic series. They're sweet, wholesome reads reminiscent of the Little House books and full of faith and family.

I'm hoping this collection will keep my precocious bookworm busy throughout the hot summer months. For those of you who don't know, E is seven years old and started reading at the age of 3 and began chapter books at 4. While she reads at a very advanced level for her age, her reading comprehension and emotional maturity is pretty much on par with her age, making it difficult to know which books will be appropriate for her. I'm constantly on the lookout for good books, so let me know - which ones would you add to the list?