Great Books for Kids and Teens: Its Monday 5/28! What Are You ...

Happy Memorial Day!? These Monday holidays always feel strange, to not have to get up to the alarm and run around first thing on a Monday morning - not that I'm complaining!? My younger son has been in Connecticut with his grandparents this weekend, and my husband, older son, and I have been taking it easy, trying to recover a bit from our hectic weeks.? And there is lots more to come!? This week, we have a raft of school functions, leading up to Jamie's high school graduation on Friday and Craig's "graduation" from middle school next Wednesday, accompanied by lots of family visits!

So, not a lot of time for reading this week, but we all managed some:

• I am almost...wait a minute...OK.? I have just now finished The Night Circus by Erin Morganstern.? This completely unique novel grew on me, pulled me in until I felt I was part of it and came to care about the characters.? I'm sorry it is over now.
• I am still listening to Ghost Knight, a middle-grade novel by Cornelia Funke.? It's very good so far.
• My husband, Ken, is still reading A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin and enjoying it.? He thinks our oldest son would probably like it, too.
• Jamie, 17, has been reading Spiral by Roderick Gordon and Brian Williams, Book 5 of the Tunnels series.? He says the books just get better and better, and the authors have amazing imaginations!? I've only read the first one, so I will have to check out the rest of the series one of these days.
• Craig, 14, has been reading Brian's Winter by Gary Paulsen, one of many sequels to The Hatchet, a favorite in our family.

I did finally find time to write a couple of reviews last week (while in medical waiting rooms!):? Faith by Jennifer Haigh, a hit with my book group, and the teen/YA novel Dead To You by Lisa McMann which I loved.

But the big news here is that I am hosting my first-ever reading challenge!? Big Book Summer Challenge is an easy, laid-back challenge perfect for the relaxed summer months, a chance to tackle one or more of the long books you've been meaning to read but never seem to find time for.? Check it out and sign up!? Here are my own big book goals for the summer.

What are you and your family reading this week?

(What are you reading Monday is hosted by Sheila at Book Journey, with a kids/teen version hosted by Teach Mentor Texts.)

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