Return to Gone Away Lake

Mom's Notes: Whenever these kids hear there's a sequel, they are all about it. This one was fun because it prompted some "Antiques Road Show" viewing. The kids even filmed their own episodes with old-ish stuff around our house. We went down other rabbit holes as well, including reading Pandora's Box and other Greek myths. 

The Silver Chair

 

Gone Away Lake

Mom's Notes: This is a re-read for our family, but a first for the buddies. Summertime often has me thinking about this book that I read as a kid. The characters are relatable and the setting charming, yet adventurous. Reading it out on the deck and in Evy's new clubhouse was just right. 
 

Because of Winn Dixie

Mom's Notes: I realized the buddies had never read this sweet, sad, beautiful summertime story. So we read it in a few sitting out on the deck couch. This was my first introduction to Kate DiCamillo many years ago. I'll always love this story for its treatment of the everyday in a divine light. 

 

Heidi

Mom's Notes: Julia will soon be headed off to Switzerland for a senior trip with Ensign Academy! I've been meaning to read this aloud for years, and this was just the right opportunity. Of course I wish we were all tagging along! But at least we can picture the green mountains and wildflowers through Johanna Spyri's thoughtful and thorough descriptions. There's so much more to this story than the Shirley Temple movie that we're most familiar with. I'm glad we can treasure it now. 

Centerburg Tales

Mom's Notes: This was so fun to listen to on drives with the buddies! We think the reader is perfect and really brings the stories to life with just the right style. Daniel and Michael shared many chapters with Jonny when he drove them to choir rehearsal. Grandpa Herc has us reminiscing about Grandpa Strever and his wild (and true!) tales. 

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

 Mom's Notes: It's always so inspiring to follow Eustace's transformation. Because of the scene with Aslan helping him remove the dragon scales, this is a favorite book of mine in the series.