Book Talk: Books Set in Summer

Here in Australia, we're in the middle of our summer. And despite the rain of the last couple of days, it's been a hot one. We all know that there's nothing better when it's hot than finding a cool place to relax with a good book. For those of you in the Northern Hemisphere, a good summer story might be just what you need to feel a little warmer. So here's some great books for students (aged 9 and up) set during summers.

Criss Cross by Lynne Rae Perkins
This book, which won the Newbery Medal in 2006, traces the lives of a group of teenagers across a summer. Their lives intersect and intertwine as they explore new music, clothing, different places and feelings. Criss Cross is illustrated throughout by Perkins, and is a very gentle story which you can't help but become involved in. Great for quieter, reflective students - though the dual chapter, in which two characters are written about at the same time, would be great for teaching.

That Summer by Sarah Dessen
I only discovered Sarah Dessen this summer, which upsets me a little, because I could have been enjoying her books much earlier. That Summer tells the story of Haven, whose Dad just got remarried and sister is due to get married later in the summer. Everything is changing around her, and she doesn't like it. Instead she wants the summer that she had before she turned ten. All of a sudden, her sister's boyfriend from the time - Sumner - turns up. That Summer has a great summer feel throughout and is definately a good one for girls in Year 6 and 7.

Every Soul a Star by Wendy Mass
Every Soul a Star tells the story of three - Ally, Bree and Jack, who come together with thousands of others at a campground to see a total eclipse of the sun. The book tells the story from the three different points of view, including a lot of science knowledge which you don't even notice until you reach the end! A great book for anyone who likes reading about science or friendships.