Summer Reading List
As summer begins it’s important to keep our minds moving and learning. Mark Carlson, branch manager at Charles Page Library and lover of books, shared with me some ending remarks that all should keep in mind as we encourage readers of all ages to put away the technology and break open the literature.
Hellfire Club by Jake Tapper
Jim Spoon, an at-large councilman and the Mayor of Sand Springs, DPh. Pharmacist, and owner of Spoon Drugs, Inc. shared with us his favorite book for an exciting summer read. “The book is a political thriller,” said Spoon, “with enough actual characters and well-researched facts to give you a sense of American history and enough excitement to keep it very interesting.”
Elephant and the Piggie By Mo Willems
Next on the list is children’s book series called Elephant and the Piggie by Mo Willems. Mark Carlson, the branch manager of the Charles Page Library, shares this series as one of the best for beginners. Carlson says, “Watching Elephant and Piggie interact will bring a smile to your face!” Who doesn’t need to see a smile?
Shrink No Surrender by Carl Hiaasen
Need a HILARIOUS book for your middle school aged kids? Shrink No Surrender by Carl Hiassen has…zany characters and situations that might appeal to a reluctant reader” according to Carlson.
The Sentinel by Lee Child
For Carlson’s last recommendation, he shared an adult read called The Sentinel by Lee Child. “When Jack Reacher says he’s going to an ATM,” says Carlson, “it really means he’s going to knock a couple drug dealers’ heads together and relieve them of their ill-gotten gains. I haven’t read a bad one yet!”
Fancy Nancy Series by Jane & Robin
Tirita Montross, owner of Miss Tirita’s Dance & Performing Arts Studio and Foundation Director of Sand Springs Education Foundation shared with us her favorite children’s books, the Fancy Nancy series! “They have the sets of picture books, I Can Read books, chapter books for older readers and now Disney has a Fancy Nancy TV series,” said Montross. “I adore this series and read several during COVID-19 quarantine to local school Zoom classes and my studio Facebook page! Fancy is fabulous and full of life lessons while adding flair and sprinkling sass along the way!”
“There’s a reason why we hear the book is better than the movie,” says Carlson. “As you read a book, it becomes your own: the setting is how you see it and the characters become your friends. A movie is someone else’s interpretation.
Carlson adds, “I love to encourage reading! Kids that read will do better in school and have less stress in their lives. It is also something you can do and enjoy for your whole life. It makes me feel good to share my favorite books. I have the best job in the world!”
Let the summer reading adventures begin, Sandites!
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