Here are some books you might enjoy while lounging in your hammock this summer:

· The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan and its sequel, Sea of Monsters. Both are part of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. Think Harry Potter with Greek Gods.

· The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

· Hoot by Carl Hiaasen

· Airborn by Kenneth Oppel and the sequel, Skybreaker

· Small Steps by Louis Sachar. A sequel to Holes, it focuses on former D-Tent boy “Armpit”.

· The “His Dark Materials” Trilogy (The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, The Amber Spyglass) by Philip Pullman. Polar Bears who wear armor, a mysterious dust that could save or end the universe, daemons, and two wonderful teen characters make this series fantastic.

· Cirque Du Freak #11: Lord of the Shadows by Darren Shan. Shan fans rejoice. It comes out May 10th!

· The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey. This book has great advice for improving your life and it is a lot more fun than you might think. There are lots of stories from real teens along with cartoons, quotes, and other entertaining stuff.

· Criss Cross by Lynne Rae Perkins. This year’s Newbery Medal Winner.

· The Pretty Committee Strikes Back by Lisi Harrison. The latest in The Clique series

· The Princess Diaries #7: Party Princess by Meg Cabot. The (mis)adventures of Mia Thermopolis continue.

· Among The Free by Margaret Peterson Haddix. The final book in the exciting Shadow Children Series.

· The Quillan Games by D.J. MacHale. The latest in the Pendragon Series, it comes out on May 16th.

· Half Moon Investigations by Eoin Colfer. The latest book from the creator of the Artemis Fowl series, this book combines mystery and humor.

· Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. You’ve seen the movie, now get the book and find out how funny and romantic Jane Austen is.

· Ark Angel: An Alex Rider Adventure by Anthony Horowitz. Teen Spy Alex’s latest adventure has him contemplating retirement until a kidnapping changes his plans.

· Chasing Vermeer and its sequel, The Wright 3 by Blue Balliett. Fun and fascinating mysteries that will challenge your puzzle-solving and code-breaking abilities.

· Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy by Gary D. Schmidt. Don’t let the old-timey cover fool you into thinking this isn’t a good book. You will like main character, 13 year-old minister’s son Turner Buckminster who forms a forbidden friendship with Lizzie Bright, an African-American girl, in 1912 Maine. Based on a true story.

· The Prophet of Yonwood by Jeanne DuPrau. The Prequel to City of Ember and People of Sparks. It comes out May 9th and I will be in the store that day to buy it! Many secrets about the origins of the City of Ember are sure to be revealed!

· The Mates, Dates Series. Ultimate beach reading for girls or people who are interested in girls! Fans of Louise Rennison’s Georgia Nicholson books will like this series, too.

Please note that the links to Amazon.com are provided for your convenience in reading reviews about the books. They do not imply an endorsement of Amazon.com by Evans Middle School staff or McKinney ISD. All books on this list are widely recommended by reviewers as being appropriate for most middle school students, however you as a parent are the ultimate expert on what is suitable for your child. You are encouraged to preview the books and read them with your child.