I had a conversation with my book group a long time ago, about kids and whether they are born to be readers or if that is something that is learned. I still do not know the answer to that one. When I was pregnant with my son, I did the whole “reading to the fetus” thing even though people looked at me strangely. When he came out to join us, the kid wanted nothing, and I mean NOTHING to do with books. The only time that I could get him to sit down for a book, was while he was taking his bath and let me tell you, a lot of his books ended up wet, pulpy, messes!

Now his lil‘ sis.. she came out and I swear she was reading, or trying to read, at the age of 3 months. She is now almost 5 and she is the one that races to the bookshelf every, single night. I did nothing different with her, yet she is the one that enjoys it the most.

I remember summer and the anticipation of the summer reading lists that the library posted every year. I remember being surrounded by Nancy Drew books as I spent the entire day at the library with my pile of “goods”. I want my son to feel that way too. So.. I decided to create a summer reading incentive. I thought about creating a list of beloved books for him to read, and then offering a reward at the end of the summer for reading. I thought it would have to be something fantastic like a trip to a theme park or a new game for his Wii or something like that. So I mentioned it to him and you know what he said? He said he wants a $15 iTunes card. Hey! I can do that!

Since the idea went over so “swimmingly”, I am now looking for three books for a 10 year old boy. I want these books to really strike a chord with him. So if you know of any that might fit the bill, let me know. Preferably, one that has not been made into a movie (I know, hard to find). Lil’ Sis said that she wants to have a “sumber reading progwam” too but she is easy.

I hope to have the list by June 13th (last day of school). I will post it here once I do.

Ti