Summer Reading: The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict

So, I guess I should get this out now, as you will probably figure it out on your own if I keep doing book reviews. I really like juvenile fiction. There, I said it. I know I’m well past the age demographic for this genre, but I have found some really fun and entertaining books in the juvenile section of my library. So if you too enjoy this genre you are not alone!

On that note, have you read any of The Mysterious Benedict Society series by Trenton Lee Stewart? I read the three part series two summers ago and loved them! The stories revolve around four children that are each gifted in their own way who work together, solving puzzles and mysteries to save their world from an evil villain. I realize that sounds like a pretty generic summary, but I really don’t want to give too much away. It’s a really fun series.

The reason I thought about the Benedict Society series is because this past year Stewart came out with a prequel to the series that I also thoroughly enjoyed. The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict. This novel delves into the childhood of the main adult character of the Benedict Society series and can easily stand alone if you haven’t read the other books, or give some interesting insight to the character if you have read the fore mentioned series. Stewart does a great job capturing childlike hope in his characters, even through great adversity.

Maybe this is one of the reasons I am drawn to juvenile fiction. I like to be reminded that the good guys can still overcome evil. Also, on another note I really like Carson Ellis’ illustrations for these books.

Summer Reading: The Chronicles of Harris Burdick

I have had the great pleasure of getting to read quite a bit this summer. Something I don’t always have the to luxury of doing for long stretches of time during the school year. Sean and I also got Library cards! It’s so nice to get to choose books and not be afraid you’re not going to like it after paying a pretty penny for it.

If you are looking for some excellent and fun summer reading of your own I would highly recommend The Chronicles of Harris Burdick. This is a compilation of 14 short stories by a pretty impressive list of well known authors all focusing around Chris Van Allsburg’s illustrations. If you’re not familiar with Chris Van Allsburg, he’s the author/illustrator of Jumanji and The Polar Express. Ring a bell? His drawings are magical, and this book truly capitalizes on the mystery of his illustrations with the quirky and captivating stories that accompany each one.

Do you have a favorite Chris Van Allsburg book or favorite summer read? I’d love to hear about it!