Jennifer Lambert

A Sacred Balance

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Summer Slide

This blog may contain affiliate links: disclosure. Please see my suggested resources.

June 27, 2022 By Jennifer Lambert 8 Comments

Please stop with the summer slide bullshit.

Please stop crowd sourcing ideas to force your kids to do chores and academic work over the summer.

Stop with the chore charts. Enough with coercion. Stop with the control. Stop the abuse.

Every summer, and often throughout the year, I see parents, usually moms, ask how to get their kids to do anything other than use a screen.

Are we so miserable that we want our kids to be miserable too?

I played all summer long until I began college. What has changed that we want our kids to suffer or earn the right to play?

I don’t earn my screentime. Why should my kids earn theirs?

I’m gonna go out on a limb and surely be unpopular, but I don’t require my kids to do anything to earn screentime. I don’t earn screentime. I don’t require them to complete anything academic in the summer. I don’t require summer reading.

The interesting thing is they are very willing to help with household tasks when they have freedom and respect. I help them put their clothes away and clean and organize their rooms and spaces. They need scaffolding and modeling and can’t be expected to know how to be a functioning adult without guidance.

They choose to do puzzles, outside play, reading, board games…when they’re not desperately thinking of their next earned screen minute. Screens suddenly become just another activity to do along with so many other options. There is no scarcity mentality with the freedom to choose.

I think the screen is just becoming a symbol for our own triggers and lack of control and communication skills

The only rule is all devices are plugged in away from beds at bedtime.

My kids are 12, 15, 16, 21.

They do actually notice when things need done and do chores cheerfully because they’re members of a household where they have a voice.

My kids can’t talk back to me.

We discuss options and I state my case about my concerns for my kids’ safety and health. They have no reason to be deceitful. They know that I love and respect them and truly have their best interests in my mind and heart.

I realize it’s the societal norm for kids to be monitored and controlled and dictated, but it creates disharmony and it’s so much more work keeping track. We’re not about competition or charts or checklists. We’re about cooperation.

We homeschool, but they have freedom there too. We go with the flow rather than strict schedule.

Schools are coercive, humiliating, controlling, and abusive. Students are forced to learn information to regurgitate the info on a test and then they promptly purge that from their memories. Students don’t learn valuable skills in school; they learn how to jump through hoops. Schools are not preparing kids to be questioners, thinkers, or leaders. The authorities don’t want people to have a voice, autonomy, or freedom.

It’s ironic that so many school assignments requires screens and going online.

Children only have 18-21 summers before they have to be working adults. I want them to make memories and have fun, to be wild and free. I don’t want them to dread summertime as just another chore-filled season.

Many schools go year-round and lots of parents overschedule their kids, including during summer. Just because it’s expected and considered the norm doesn’t mean we have to participate in making our kids work year-round.

Also, enough with all the tutoring and test prep.

Kids are tired. Let them play.

What does summer look like for your kids?

You might also like:

  • 10 Ways to Have a Sandlot Summer
  • 50 Frugal Summer Outdoor Activities
  • How To Have an Easy Summer
  • How to Have a Legendary Summer
  • Stop Making Everything So Educational
  • 12 Things Homeschoolers Don’t Have to Do
  • I Don’t Teach English
  • We Don’t Do Testing
  • We Don’t Do a Co-op
  • I Threw out the Printables

Linking up: Eclectic Red Barn, Mostly Blogging, Create with Joy, Anita Ojeda, Pinch of Joy, Silverado, Random Musings, InstaEncouragements, LouLou Girls, Jenerally Informed, Shelbee on the Edge, Ridge Haven, God’s Growing Garden, Ducks in a Row, OMHG, Soaring with Him, Joanne Viola, RidgeHaven, Fluster Buster, Penny’s Passion, Bijou Life, Try it Like it, Artful Mom, Bijou Online, Momfessionals, Modern Monticello, Slices of Life, Imparting Grace, CWJ, Answer is Chocolate, April Harris, Suburbia,

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Filed Under: Family Tagged With: parenting, summer

Easy Summer Meals

This blog may contain affiliate links: disclosure. Please see my suggested resources.

June 13, 2022 By Jennifer Lambert 2 Comments

It’s summer and the kids are home more – whether they’re home from public or private school, co-op, or college. Mine still take some classes and participate in various day camps – and for the first time, my middles have overnight camps!

One of my biggest concerns for summer is food.

For whatever reason, the kids seem to eat more – quantity and frequency. They’re probably growing and more active and the sunshine and warmer temps make them hungrier.

Our local libraries provides lunches for kids under 18 and I think that’s great! When my kids go to events and classes at our libraries, they are pressed upon to take the food and some of it they like.

I’m struggling to keep us in Gatorade and Body Armor in the flavors we prefer!

Since our summer schedule is a little more hectic and sporadic, I have to think about meals differently.

My 16 year old has a part time at a local grocery store and often has to take a quick lunch to eat during breaks.

My 12 year old son has elite baseball games and tournaments and we often travel and need to bring snacks and meals with us – because sometimes they’re in a cornfield in the middle of nowhere.

My kids are pretty independent and know their way around the kitchen. They can make their own healthy meals and often do so. I also want to provide easy options for when we’re in a rush or have different schedules. I’m super impressed when they make quesadillas, little pizzas, fried rice, or homemade ramen!

We love bento and other fun containers to keep foods fresh and cold for lunches and snacks on the go.

Breakfast items I’m buying:

  • Cereal Cups
  • Oatmeal cups
  • Grits pouches
  • Organic poptarts
  • Dinosaur eggs oatmeal
  • Bolthouse protein shakes
  • Breakfast lunchables
  • Croissants
  • so many eggs (my husband has a coworker with chickens!)
  • Frozen sausage links (we love the Jones brand and I stock up at the commissary.)
  • Frozen pancakes, waffles, French toast sticks
  • Nature Valley almond butter biscuits

Lunch and snack items I buy:

  • Tuna pouches
  • Annie’s mac and cheese cups
  • Ramen (my kids prefer organic pouches for quick and easy but often make their own homemade ramen with leftovers!)
  • Indian meal pouches with lentils or chickpeas
  • Rice and beans pouches
  • Canned soups and chili (Annie’s is a favorite)
  • Spam (we lived in Hawaii for three years)
  • Hillshire Farm honey ham and salami
  • Lunchables – Oscar Mayer uncured ham, Hillshire Farm, and Kroger Simple Truth are literally the only ones my kids will eat!
  • Hormel wraps
  • Peanut butter crackers
  • Protein granola bars and protein brownies – Clif, Kodiak, Luna, Kroger and Meijer brand
  • bananas, apples, grapes, oranges

What we make for dinner:

I try not to stress over having dinner later in the summer. I prefer we eat together as much as possible. I am often thwarted by baseball games and the kids’ other activities.

I’m making many slow cooker meals for when my son has baseball games or my daughter works late or has aerial gymnastics class. We can eat whenever we each get a chance, and often still mostly together.

We also do a lot of grilling (some favorites are burgers, tritip, and salmon) and we love big salads.

How do your meals look in summer?

You might also like:

  • Easy Lunch Storage
  • Slow Cooker Meals
  • Favorite Soups
  • Organizing Recipes
  • How to Save Money while Shopping
  • What We Eat Every Week
  • A Week’s Worth of Groceries
  • Creative Leftovers
  • Real Food Cooking During PCS

Linking up: Eclectic Red Barn, April Harris, Pinch of Joy, House on Silverado, Sunshine, Mostly Blogging, Uncommon Suburbia, LouLou Girls, Jenerally Informed, OMHG, God’s Growing Garden, Ducks in a Row, Ridge Haven Homestead, Fluster Buster, Shelbee on the Edge, Slices of Life, Miz Helen, Randomosity, Try it Like it, Bijou Life, Katherine’s Corner, Penny’s Passion, Pam’s Party, Answer is Chocolate, Bijou, Momfessionals, Modern Monticello, CWJ, Create with Joy,

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Filed Under: Family Tagged With: homemaking, recipe, summer

July Themes

This blog may contain affiliate links: disclosure. Please see my suggested resources.

July 1, 2020 By Jennifer Lambert Leave a Comment

When my kids were very small, we had monthly themes on our bulletin board, for our homeschool lessons, and to order our daily lives.

As the kids get older, the themes aren’t quite so vivid. I enjoy the liturgical calendar, the natural cycles of the world, and celebrating the flow and small events in our lives.

We loved these themed Calendar Connections.

Here’s a neat list of what’s on sale in July.

Fun Stuff: National Days

Something for each day of the month – from fun foods to celebrating summer treats to justice issues to historical landmarks.

We love reading about Catholic saints and Celtic saints and sometimes do spiritual activities. And we also talk about how white saviors and missionaries weren’t the best for indigenous peoples.

July is a great month for flowers, berries, foraging, and hiking.

We read lots of summer books and make cool salads and fruit icies.

1st: Canada Day

2nd: UFO day

We don’t really focus on Independence Day/4th of July like I did when the kids were younger. We usually grill food and hang out as a family. We occasionally watch local fireworks. We don’t display the American flag. This is very odd to most Europeans who don’t display their flags except maybe at football matches. We know where we live. We are not nationalists. See my July 4th Unit.

4th: Caesar Salad Day!

5th: Hawaii Day. See our Hawaiian travels when we lived in Hawaii for three years.

6th: Fried chicken day.

9th: Cow Appreciation Day at Chick-Fil-A

10th: Teddy Bears’ Picnic Day

Piña Colada day. I also like the pineapple coconut smoothies with mango or strawberries.

7-11 free Slurpees!

13th: International Rock Day. See our rocks and minerals unit.

14th: Shark Awareness Day. See our shark unit.

Macaroni and Cheese Day. See my easy stove top recipe.

15th: St. Swithin’s Day: If it rains on St. Swithin’s Day, it will rain for 40 days, but if it is fair, 40 days of fair weather will follow. St. Swithin was bishop of Winchester from 852 to 862.

17th: Tattoo day

19th: Ice Cream Day!

22nd: Hot dog day

29th: chicken wing day

30th: cheesecake day

History: Racial Injustice Calendar and The Zinn Education Project.

What’s your favorite activity in July?

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Filed Under: Homeschool Tagged With: July, month, summer

How To Encourage Your Children to Read Over the Summer

This blog may contain affiliate links: disclosure. Please see my suggested resources.

June 22, 2020 By Jennifer Lambert Leave a Comment

During the summer, you might try to find ways to keep your children productive and busy. While you do not want to interrupt their well-deserved break, you also want to encourage skills they will need for their upcoming school year, such as reading. If you want your kids to keep reading throughout the season, consider following these tips. 

Use Technology to Help You

The younger generations are more familiar with technology than before. Your kids may be more comfortable with a computer or a tablet than with a regular book. For more text-heavy books, you can try using an e-reader for e-books. These tablets allow the young ones to read a book from a screen and change pages or settings via simple touches. You can even modify elements like amount of lines per page and text size to make it easier for them to read.  

Connect Books With Adaptations 

Adaptations of books to other media such as movies, television series and video games are increasingly popular, especially when it comes to children’s material. There is a strong chance your children might have consumed them, such as the streaming series based on Daniel Handler‘s books. If they like certain adaptations, you can recommend them their book versions and tell them how they offer additional content featuring their favorite characters or stories. 

Pick Age-Appropriate Books 

Children may sometimes lose interest because they are reading books that are either too advanced or not sophisticated enough for them. For instance, the deadpan humor of author Daniel Handler‘s works may fly over the heads of very young readers. Make sure the books have the appropriate reading level. If you find it difficult to tell which books are right for your kids, talk to the local librarian or see if the e-reader divides book by age levels. 

Reading is a wonderful skill to develop and an excellent way for your children to entertain themselves. Encourage their interest over the break with this advice. 

Literature Study (or Book Report) Notebooking Pages
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Filed Under: Homeschool Tagged With: reading, summer

Celebrating Summer Solstice

This blog may contain affiliate links: disclosure. Please see my suggested resources.

June 19, 2020 By Jennifer Lambert Leave a Comment

In the Northern Hemisphere, the summer solstice usually falls between June 20 and June 22.

The summer solstice symbolizes rebirth or return of the light.

The word “Solstice” is derived from the Latin words Sol+systere, meaning “Sun”+ “standing still.”  The Summer Solstice is the longest day and the shortest night of the year. Following this Solstice, the days get shorter and the nights longer.

Many traditions celebrated the Solstices — Ancient Egyptians, the Aztecs of Mexico, Chinese, Chumash Indians of California, Indigenous Europeans.

In China, people mark the day by honoring Li, the Chinese Goddess of Light. The Dragon Boat Festival is a major event celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, placing it near enough to the summer solstice that many people associate the two.

In Sweden, Litha (to illuminate, to shine, light) is celebrated with bonfires and maypoles and festival celebration.

The main features of the Tirgan festival in Iran are dancing, reading poetry, splashing water on others, and eating traditional foods such as spinach soup and saffron rice pudding. People also like to wear rainbow colored bands tied to their wrists for 10 days, then tossing them into the water or traditionally “giving them to the god of the wind.”

In North America, many Native American tribes held ritual dances to honor the sun. The Sioux were known to hold one of the most spectacular rituals— The Sun Dance. Their bodies were decorated in the symbolic colors of red (sunset), blue (sky), yellow (lightning), white (light), and black (night).

On the morning of the summer solstice, the sun rises above the Stonehenge Heel Stone in England on the avenue leading up to the monument’s Stone Circle, and the morning sun rays shine directly into the center of the monument. English Heritage will Live Stream the event for the first time ever in 2020!

St. John’s Day

Usually, a saint’s feast day is celebrated on the day that the saint died. St. John along with the Virgin Mary are the only two saints whose birthdays are celebrated.

St. John’s Day is one of the oldest festivals celebrated by Christians. It is celebrated six months before Christmas and is one of the principle festivals of the Christian religion. Like Christmas, this day is marked with three masses; first a vigil, second a dawn mass, and finally another at midday.

The feast day of Saint John the Baptist is a popular feast day in many European countries. It coincided nicely with much older pagan holidays that celebrated the summer solstice. It is still celebrated as a religious feast day in several countries, such as Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. A central theme in the celebrations is the lighting of bonfires.

Typical customs may include the gathering of the perennial herb St. John’s Wort for medicinal, religious, or spiritual use. The collection of flowers for floral wreaths is popular. The wreaths are dried and hung in the house all year until the next St. John’s Day.

The feast falling around the time of the solstice is considered by many to be significant, recalling the words of John the Baptist with regard to Jesus: “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).

The radiant beauty of the world
Compels my inmost soul to free
God-given powers of my nature
That they may soar into the cosmos,
To take wing from myself
And trustingly to seek myself
In cosmic light and cosmic warmth.

Calendar of the Soul

Midsummer

In the town of Kuldīga in Latvia, many people participate in a naked jog through the town on June 24th, at 3 a.m., taking them over the Venta River where they’re greeted with beer.

In Estonia, the lighting of the bonfire and jumping over it is an important tradition, done to bring prosperity and luck as well as protect the home.

In Austria the midsummer solstice is celebrated each year with a spectacular procession of ships down the Danube River as it flows through the wine-growing Wachau Valley just north of Vienna. Up to thirty ships sail down the river in line as fireworks erupt from the banks and hill tops while bonfires blaze and the vineyards are lit up. Lighted castle ruins also erupt with fireworks during the 90-minute cruise downstream.

How to Celebrate Summer Solstice

Sunbathing. Wear sunscreen of course!

Make a flower crown or wreath.

Suncatcher crafts.

Gardening.

Go to a butterfly house or garden.

Make or buy or be a sundial.

Learn about and play with shadows.

Read summer books. Read Midsummer’s Night’s Dream by Shakespeare!

Visit a local farmer’s market.

Gather healing plants and herbs.

Bonfire. Fire is used symbolically throughout summer solstice celebrations in praise of the sun, to bring luck and to ward off the darkness.  And the spiral is also a symbol associated with the solstices. It’s a great night to host a backyard bbq with marshmallows!

Happy Summer!

You might also like:

Celebrating Winter Solstice

Celebrating Lammas Day

Celebrating May Day

Celebrating Candlemas, Groundhog Day, St. Brigid

Celebrating Halloween and All Saints Day

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Filed Under: Faith Tagged With: faith, saint, summer

June Themes

This blog may contain affiliate links: disclosure. Please see my suggested resources.

June 1, 2020 By Jennifer Lambert Leave a Comment

When my kids were very small, we had monthly themes on our bulletin board, for our homeschool lessons, and to order our daily lives.

As the kids get older, the themes aren’t quite so vivid. I enjoy the liturgical calendar, the natural cycles of the world, and celebrating the flow and small events in our lives.

We loved these themed Calendar Connections.

June is the beginning of summer. Kids are out of school Graduations are celebrated. Beach vacations are scheduled.

We long to play in the sun and soak up the lazy days until busyness begins again in the autumn.

We love reading about Catholic saints and Celtic saints and sometimes do spiritual activities.

Here’s a neat list of what’s on sale in June.

June Themes

Favorite Summer Books

Summer Bible Studies

50 Frugal Summer Outdoor Activities

How To Have an Easy Summer

10 Ways to Have a Sandlot Summer

How to Have a Legendary Summer

How Teens Can Spend Summer

Cool Summer Foods

Backyard Birding

Fun Stuff: National Days

Something for each day of the month – from fun foods to celebrating squirrels to justice issues to historical landmarks.

Don’t miss:

National Rosé Day – Second  Saturday in June

1st – Reef Awareness Day

5th – Donut Day. Lots of places offer free donuts!

6th – D-Day

Normandy Memorial Sites

10th – Iced Tea Day

14th – Flag Day, Army birthday

15th – Nature Photography Day

18th – Go Fishing Day!

19th – Juneteenth

20th – Summer solstice!

21st – Father’s Day

27th – PTSD Awareness

Enjoy the sunshine!

History: Racial Injustice Calendar and The Zinn Education Project.

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Filed Under: Homeschool Tagged With: June, month, summer

50 Frugal Summer Outdoor Activities

This blog may contain affiliate links: disclosure. Please see my suggested resources.

July 9, 2019 By Jennifer Lambert Leave a Comment

Sometimes, we do need a list to keep from getting bored during the lazy hazy days of summer.

We typically throw the schedule out the window a few weeks every summer. We stay up late, sleep in late, eat whenever.

We don’t like to blow a lot of money on ephemeral experiences or stuff to stave off the summer sadness.

The kids often ask for chores or ideas to make some money.

Messy activities are best outside and summer is the perfect time for those!

I’m not counting down “the summers I have left” with my kids.

I don’t need more guilt.

I look back on the pictures and memories and I think I’ve done a pretty damn good job giving my kids balance, fun, joy, experiences.

We’ve traveled lots of places, gone camping, fished, painted, created, hiked.

I love spending time with my children and telling them stories about my childhood and recreating some of those experiences – like catching crawdads and fireflies, exploring the woods, creek, pond, and birdwatching.

We don’t have a pool, but their friend down the street does!

They feel too old for splash pads and never really enjoyed them.

I think the best summer activities are frugal and close to home. We make memories together and enjoy each other.

finger painting outside
ice painting is cool fun!
tie dye is family fun
water guns and sprinklers are still a hit with big kids!

50 Frugal Summer Outdoor Activities

  1. Lemonade stand. We did this when we moved in and met our neighbors!
  2. Bird watching.
  3. Bug collecting.
  4. Gardening.
  5. Leaf or flower pressing.
  6. Cutting the grass. lawn mower. scissors. whatever.
  7. Look for tadpoles and frogs in the pond.
  8. Seek crawdads in the creek.
  9. Water balloons. Make sure to clean them up!
  10. Play in the sprinklers.
  11. Car wash.
  12. Bike or scooter wash.
  13. Ice painting. or finger painting.
  14. Tie dye party.
  15. Mud pies.
  16. Nature music. Find stumps, sticks, dandelion whistles.
  17. Lawn games. We love cornhole and horseshoes.
  18. Fairy house.
  19. Play in the rain. (as long as there’s no thunder or lightning!)
  20. Concerts in the park.
  21. Bike ride. or scooters. or roller blades.
  22. Hiking.
  23. Clean up a public outdoor area.
  24. Jump rope contest.
  25. Hula hoop contest.
  26. Watch the sky. sunrise. clouds. sunset.
  27. Kites.
  28. Watch or catch fireflies. Make sure to let them go soon!
  29. Photo scavenger hunt.
  30. Sun prints.
  31. Rainbow walk. Collect nature items the color of the rainbow!
  32. Play sand.
  33. Climb a tree.
  34. Yard sale.
  35. Picnic.
  36. Visit all the farmer’s markets in your area!
  37. Make a mosaic or stepping stone.
  38. Field day.
  39. Stargazing.
  40. Search for a four-leaf clover.
  41. Chalk art.
  42. Watch butterflies.
  43. Movie night at the park or drive-in.
  44. Skipping stones.
  45. Bubbles!
  46. Fishing.
  47. Geocaching.
  48. Sparklers and/or PopIts.
  49. Bonfire and roast.
  50. Race boats or cars.
hiking and playing in waterfalls is a favorite.
fishing is always a hit

What’s your favorite summer outdoor activity?

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Filed Under: Homeschool Tagged With: summer

5 Summer Health Risks

This blog may contain affiliate links: disclosure. Please see my suggested resources.

August 20, 2018 By Jennifer Lambert Leave a Comment

Protect Your Family from these 5 Summer Health Risks

Summertime brings warmer weather and longer days, as well as some seasonal health risks. Before your kids run out to play, make sure you’re doing everything possible to protect them from the sun, bugs, allergic reactions, and other summer threats.

Skin-Damaging Sunburn

Too much sun during childhood does more than cause painful sunburns; overexposure increases the risk of skin cancer later in life. Protect your little ones now and in the future with a healthy sun strategy.

The sun’s rays are strongest during the midday hours, so limit outings between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside; reapply every two hours and after sweating or swimming. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends SPF 15 or higher.

Biting Bugs

Blood-sucking pests carry serious diseases and cause allergic reactions in some children. Mosquitoes are worse at dusk, and ticks thrive in warm, woody areas. Dress children in light colors and long pants and sleeves, and remove standing water, which mosquitoes use for breeding.

Apply DEET bug repellent to skin (perhaps on kids older than 6) and clothing when insects are a threat. Sprays containing 30 percent DEET protect for up to five hours. Products with oil of lemon, eucalyptus, or picaridin are also effective, and some people have luck with clip-on repellent pads. 

Annoying Allergies

Summer is the season for allergies, but not all threats come from outside. Dusty or outdated HVAC systems can wreak havoc on asthma and allergies. When you can’t escape the pollen, dander, and dust by coming indoors, what do you do?

Start by vacuuming daily, lowering your indoor humidity, changing your air filter, and washing bedding and rugs. If that’s not enough, have your HVAC inspected and cleaned by a professional. It’s surprising how much pollen, dust, and other allergens build up in your HVAC system over time. A professional can keep your system clean and running efficiently throughout peak allergy season and all year long.

Heat Hazards

Too much fun in the sun can be dangerous, and the risk of heat-related illness is greatest during summer when high humidity impairs the body’s natural cooling process. Children may not complain of thirst until they’re on the brink of dehydration, so offer water every 30 minutes during play. 

Dry or sticky mouth, muscle cramping, headache, fatigue, dizziness, irritability, and confusion may indicate dehydration or heat stroke. Watch out for hot swings, slides, and metal car seat buckles that can burn your child’s skin. And never leave a child alone in a car. 

Drowning Disasters

Swimming is one of the greatest joys of summer, but it’s also one of the biggest dangers. It takes only two inches of water and a couple of minutes for a child to drown. Keeping children safe around water requires constant supervision and the right information.

Contrary to what most believe, drowning is quick and quiet. Children rarely splash or cry out for help. If you’re on your cell phone or reading a book, you may not even know a child is struggling. Don’t get distracted, teach your children to avoid water unless with an adult, and refresh your CPR certification annually.

There’s certainly no shortage of things to worry about during summer, but a little thought and preparation can mean a happy — and safe — season for everyone.

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Filed Under: Health Tagged With: summer

Our Favorite Salads

This blog may contain affiliate links: disclosure. Please see my suggested resources.

August 20, 2018 By Jennifer Lambert 19 Comments

We love salads and have one at dinner almost every night.

I grew up with plain ole iceberg and carrots, but was delighted to discover so many healthier and tasty options as I grew up and ate at friends’ houses or traveled.

Salads are great during hot summer months when the veggies are in season, fresh from the garden.

Some of our favorite salads:

Greek:

Kalamata olives, cucumbers, tomatoes, feta, and sometimes red onion and bell pepper…with or without lettuce. With oregano and olive oil and red wine vinegar.

Italian:

We fell in love with Italian salads during our travels. There are regional delicacies and we love em all.

Florence had fennel, carrots, and grapes or raisins with Romaine and a simple olive oil dressing. So sweet and crunchy!

Venice had olives, oranges, and arugula. It was unique.

Rome had peppers, olives, onions, tomatoes, and Romaine. Yes, kinda like Olive Garden {gasp!} but it was all so fresh and lovely.

German:

Many German salads have lots of pickled veggies, sweet corn, and yogurt dressing or Thousand Island.

Grilled:

The texture and flavor of grilled lettuce is unique and amazing.

Don’t cut all the way through. Drizzle with oil and get a little char on a gas or charcoal grill. Add cheese, bacon, and tomatoes. Easy!

Fruity Nutty

I love berries and walnuts with spinach.

Also, I love pomegranate, apples or pears, almonds or walnuts over romaine.

These make great meal salads – with or without some chicken.

Wedge:

These seem so fancy in restaurants.

Bleu cheese, bacon, and tomatoes on iceberg slices are just so pretty.

I like to make it even more special by adding a drizzle of balsamic vinegar and grilling the tomatoes.

Salads can be so versatile. They can be an appetizer, side dish, or a full meal – with or without added proteins. We have fun playing with colors and textures.

What’s your favorite salad?

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Filed Under: Recipes Tagged With: recipe, salad, summer

Favorite Summer Books

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July 2, 2018 By Jennifer Lambert 13 Comments

Summer is a great time for reading. There are usually lots of free reading programs with fun prizes.

While some of us can’t make it to a beach vacation, we can read about adventures!

These fun summer reads are all about beaches, pools, camping, adventures. There’s something for everyone and all ages.

Our Favorite Summer Books:

This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki

Every summer, Rose goes with her mom and dad to a lake house in Awago Beach. It’s their getaway, their refuge. Rosie’s friend Windy is always there, too, like the little sister she never had. But this summer is different. Rose’s mom and dad won’t stop fighting, and when Rose and Windy seek a distraction from the drama, they find themselves with a whole new set of problems. One of the local teens – just a couple of years older than Rose and Windy – is caught up in something bad… Something life threatening.

It’s a summer of secrets, and sorrow, and growing up, and it’s a good thing Rose and Windy have each other.

The Bear’s Sea Escape by Benjamin Chaud

When the bears seek warmth from their chilly perch atop the Paris Opera House, Little Bear is mistaken for a toy bear and whisked away . . . to a tropical island! Papa Bear sets out on a frenzied journey to find Little Bear, traveling to a bustling wharf, beneath a sea brimming with coral and mermaids, onto a busy beach, and all the way to a sun-drenched island. As in The Bear’s Song, Little Bear is featured in every spread. Will Papa Bear—and the reader—find him?

Garmann’s Summer by Stian Hole

As the summer ends, six-year-old Garmann’s three ancient aunts visit and they all talk about the things that scare them, in an award-winning story that ponders fear and courage, life and death, beginnings and endings.

Weslandia by Paul Fleischman

School is over and Wesley needs a summer project. Having learned that every civilization has a staple food crop, he decides to plant a garden and start his own—civilization, that is. He turns over a plot of earth in his yard, and plants begin to grow. Soon they tower above him and bear a curious-looking fruit. As Wesley experiments, he discovers that the plant will provide food, clothing, shelter, and even recreation. It isn’t long before neighbors and classmates have developed more than an idle curiosity about Wesley and exactly how he is spending his summer vacation.

The Summer Visitors by Karel Hayes

This follow-up to the successful The Winter Visitors, traces the interactions between a family of bears and a human family during their summer stay at a lake cottage. Told primarily through illustration, with only a few dozen words in the book, children and parents (and grandparents) alike will delight in following the antics of the bumbling bears as they enjoy the comforts of cottage life, but also try to avoid detection by their human hosts.

The Toy Boat by Randall de Sève

A little boy has a toy boat. He made it out of a can, a cork, a yellow pencil, and some white cloth. The boy and his boat are inseparable, until one day when the wind pushes the toy boat out into the wide lake. Alone now, the little boat must face fierce waves, a grumpy ferry, a sassy schooner, and a growling speed boat. How the little boat misses the boy! But if he is going to survive, he must figure a way to do it on his own.

The Lost Lake by Allen Say

Luke and his father, who is disgusted by the tourists surrounding the once secluded lake of his childhood, hike deeper into the wilderness to find a “lost lake” of their own.

Time of Wonder by Robert McCloskey

The spell of rain, gulls, a foggy morning, the excitement of sailing, the quiet of the night, the sudden terror of a hurricane, and the peace of a Maine island as a family packs up to leave are shown in poetic language and vibrant, evocative pictures.

Swimmy by Leo Lionni

Deep in the sea lives a happy school of fish. Their watery world is full of wonders, but there is also danger, and the little fish are afraid to come out of hiding . . . until Swimmy comes along. Swimmy shows his friends how—with ingenuity and team work—they can overcome any danger.

Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall

Working up the courage to take a big, important leap is hard, but Jabari is almost absolutely ready to make a giant splash.

Jabari is definitely ready to jump off the diving board. He’s finished his swimming lessons and passed his swim test, and he’s a great jumper, so he’s not scared at all. “Looks easy,” says Jabari, watching the other kids take their turns. But when his dad squeezes his hand, Jabari squeezes back. He needs to figure out what kind of special jump to do anyway, and he should probably do some stretches before climbing up onto the diving board. In a sweetly appealing tale of overcoming your fears, newcomer Gaia Cornwall captures a moment between a patient and encouraging father and a determined little boy you can’t help but root for.

Mama, Is It Summer Yet? by Nikki McClure

One little boy can’t wait for summer to arrive. He keeps asking, “Mama, is it summer yet?” Mama responds saying, ”Not yet,” but there are plenty of signs that indicate spring is changing into summer: The earth is soft and there are seeds to plant, birds singing, ducklings in the pond, and pink blossoms blooming. The young boy even wears his bathing suit and carries a beach pail in preparation, but will it ever be summer?

Ice Cream Summer by Peter Sis

Dear Grandpa,
Summer is going well. I am very busy. But don’t worry, I am not forgetting about school! I read every day. I practice my math facts. And I am even studying world history!

The Truth About My Unbelievable Summer by Davide Cali

What really happened over the summer break? A curious teacher wants to know. The epic explanation? What started out as a day at the beach turned into a globe-spanning treasure hunt with high-flying hijinks, exotic detours, an outrageous cast of characters, and one very mischievous bird! Is this yet another tall tale, or is the truth just waiting to be revealed? From the team behind I Didn’t Do My Homework Because . . . and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to School . . . comes a fantastical fast-paced, detail-rich illustrated summer adventure that’s so unbelievable, it just might be true!

How I Spent My Summer Vacation by Mark Teague

Some kids spend their summer vacation at camp. Some kids spend it at Grandma’s house. Wallace Bleff spent his out west…on a ride, a rope, and a roundup he’ll never forget.

Come On, Rain! by Karen Hesse

“Come on, rain!” Tess pleads to the sky as listless vines and parched plants droop in the endless heat. Up and down the block, cats pant while heat wavers off tar patches in the broiling alleyway. More than anything, Tess hopes for rain. And when it comes, she and her friends are ready for a surprising joyous celebration…

My Awesome Summer by P. Mantis by Paul Meisel

The hilarious–and scientifically accurate–tale of a praying mantis’s eventful summer

“May 17: I was born today! It’s a beautiful, sunny spring day!” This is the diary of P. Mantis, one of 150 praying mantis brothers and sisters born on a garden bush. P. Mantis is an amazing bug: she can make herself look like a stick to hide from predators, she can swivel her head all the way around, and when she’s grown up she’ll even be able to fly! Told in dated entries, P. Mantis describes the entirety of her life, sharing the fun and beauty of her world as well its little ups and downs (“I ate one of my brothers. Okay, maybe two”).

Summer Days and Nights by Wong Herbert Yee

On a hot summer day, a little girl finds ways to entertain herself and stay cool. She catches a butterfly, sips lemonade, jumps in a pool, and goes on a picnic. At night, she sees an owl in a tree and a frog in a pond, and hears leaves rustling. Before long, she’s fast asleep, dreaming about more summer days and summer nights.

One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia

Eleven-year-old Delphine is like a mother to her two younger sisters, Vonetta and Fern. She’s had to be, ever since their mother, Cecile, left them seven years ago for a radical new life in California. But when the sisters arrive from Brooklyn to spend the summer with their mother, Cecile is nothing like they imagined.

While the girls hope to go to Disneyland and meet Tinker Bell, their mother sends them to a day camp run by the Black Panthers. Unexpectedly, Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern learn much about their family, their country, and themselves during one truly crazy summer.

Freedom Summer by Deborah Wiles

John Henry swims better than anyone I know.
He crawls like a catfish,
blows bubbles like a swamp monster,
but he doesn’t swim in the town pool with me.
He’s not allowed.
Joe and John Henry are a lot alike. They both like shooting marbles, they both want to be firemen, and they both love to swim. But there’s one important way they’re different: Joe is white and John Henry is black, and in the South in 1964, that means John Henry isn’t allowed to do everything his best friend is. Then a law is passed that forbids segregation and opens the town pool to everyone. Joe and John Henry are so excited they race each other there…only to discover that it takes more than a new law to change people’s hearts.

The Seashore Book by Charlotte Zolotow

A young boy, who has never seen the sea, asks his mother to describe it.

Pete the Cat: Pete at the Beach by James Dean

Pete the Cat is one groovy cat at finding shells and building sand castles at the beach. But when it gets too hot, there’s only one way to cool off—jump into the ocean! Except Pete might be a scaredy-cat when it comes to the water.

Beach by Elisha Cooper

“Away to the beach! Away to sand and salt water, to rolling dunes and pounding waves.”

A day at the beach supplies any child with a lifetime of memories. In this new picture book by award-winning author Elisha Cooper, the simple magic of building sand castles, collecting seashells, and running from the waves is brought to life through poetic text and lively illustrations.

Good Night Beach by Adam Gamble

Good Night Beach features building sand castles by the ocean, boating, swimming, exploring the seashore, waves, tidal pools, surfing, fishing, snorkeling, crabs, seagulls, picnics, campfires, sunsets, and more. Grab your beach ball and towel, it’s that time of year again! This charming book guides little ones in discovering all the wonderful things the seashore has to offer.

Beach Bugs: A Sunny Pop-up Book by David A. Carter by David A. Carter

From picnic bugs and fireflies to rollercoaster bugs on a warm summer night, this next installment of the wildly popular Bugs series captures what everyone loves about summer!

Mouse’s First Summer by Lauren Thompson

Mouse and Minka invite you to celebrate summer with a picnic in the park. Roll down the hill on tickly green grass. Fly fluttery kites high in the sky. Enjoy some juicy watermelon! And before it’s time to go home, a summer surprise sparkles in the sky.

I See Summer by Charles Ghigna

From lemonade in the shade to picnics in the park, feel the summer season all around us.

Fireflies by Julie Brinckloe

A young boy is proud of having caught a jar full of fireflies, which seems to him like owning a piece of moonlight, but as the light begins to dim he realizes he must set the insects free or they will die.

S Is for S’mores: A Camping Alphabet by Helen Foster James

Next to baseball and fireworks on the Fourth of July, nothing else seems as American as the family camping trip. From what to pack, where to go, and what to do when you get there, S is for S’mores: A Camping Alphabet takes readers on an A-Z trail exploring this outdoor pastime. Veteran camper Helen Foster James tackles topics such as unique camping environments, equipment necessities, famous conservationists, and national parks and other attractions. Whether your idea of “roughing it” is a blanket in your own backyard or the subarctic ecosystem of Alaska’s Denali National Park, S is for S’mores is a fun and informative guide that is sure to help campers of all ages make the most of their wilderness adventures.

A Camping Spree With Mr. Magee by Chris Van Dusen

Mr. Magee and his trusty dog, Dee, are enjoying a peaceful camping trip when all of a sudden they find themselves plunging down a mountain and teetering on the edge of a huge waterfall! How will they find their way out of this slippery situation? Chris Van Dusen, the creator of Down to the Sea with Mr. Magee, has filled this new adventure with charming illustrations and a playful, rhyming text.

Letters from Camp by Kate Klise

Mom and Dad,
You’ve got to get us out of here! When you get this letter, COME IMMEDIATELY!
— Charlie

The brother-sister pairs who arrive for the summer at Camp Happy Harmony are almost too busy fighting with each other to notice how strange the camp really is. Not only are the campers forced to wear bizarre uniforms, eat gross food, and do chores all day, but the members of the family that runs the camp fight constantly–with each other. Are the campers in danger? Or–in spite of sibling wars–do they need to stick together to solve the mystery humming under the surface of Camp Happy Harmony?

Pictures from Our Vacation by Lynne Rae Perkins

Snap!

With their new cameras

Snap!

a brother and sister

Snap!

take pictures of their vacation.

But when they look at their photographs they see:

1. The back of Dad’s head
2. Feet
3. A container of noodles
That’s it?

Does 1 + 2 + 3 = summer vacation?

What about how it felt to swim in the lake? What about the stories their cousins told and the taste of a just-invented strawberry and whipped cream dessert?

For those memories—the memories of summer and the memories of family that mean the most—they need to look someplace else. Someplace deep inside. Someplace permanent.

The Raft by Jim LaMarche

Nicky is convinced that his summer with his grandmother in the Wisconsin woods is going to be the worst summer ever. She cooks food that he doesn’t like, there’s an art studio where her living room should be, and he’s expected to do chores—including fishing, the most boring chore ever.

But one afternoon, while Nicky is trying to catch their dinner, a raft drifts down the river towards him. The raft has a calming magic about it, affecting both Nicky and the wildlife of the river and woods. Through the raft and the adventures it brings him on, Nicky finds new common ground with his grandmother, a fellow river rat, who encourages him to explore his newfound talent for art.

Froggy Learns to Swim by Jonathan London

Zzzziiiinnngggg splash!
Everyone’s favorite frog learns to swim!

Frogs are supposed to be great swimmers. “Not me!” says Froggy, who’s afraid of the water. But with a little encouragement, some practice, and the help of a silly song or two, Froggy becomes an expert frog-kicker!

What Lives In A Shell? by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld

What makes a shell like a house?

A house is a home for you, a nest is a home for a bird, and a cave is a home for a bear. But for some animals a shell is a home. Snails and turtles and crabs and clams all have shells that act as their homes and protect them from harm. In this book you’ll learn all about these and other crustaceous creatures, for whom a shell is just the right sort of home.

The Moon Jumpers by Janice May Udry (Author), Maurice Sendak (Illustrator)

A lyrical story of night-time, in which four small children and a black cat find themselves enchanted with the loveliness of the hot summer night and the magic of the moon.

Hello Ocean by Pam Muñoz Ryan

Dive into this playful poem about the draw of the shore and the effect the ocean has on all five senses.

Relive a day at the beach with this lovely book of memories. You can almost feel the salt spray on your face and smell the musky scent of ocean in the cool morning air. Remember how the sand squishes between your toes as the tide rushes to shore and taste the tang of the ocean on your lips. Spirited language evokes a sense of closeness and nostalgia for an old friend. The inspiration of the ocean will make learning the five senses as easy as a day at the beach.

Beach Day by Karen Roosa

A cheerful family tumbles out of the car and onto the beach, ready for a perfect day. Buoyant verse just right for reading aloud and bright, playful illustrations capture the singular feeling of a hazy, lazy day by the ocean, complete with a ball game with new friends, water-skiers and sailboats, and a picnic lunch of fried chicken and deviled eggs.

Sea, Sand, Me! by Patricia Hubbell

Uncovering seashells…
jumping in the waves…
It’s a perfect beach day!
And what better way to spend it
than with a new beach friend?

Patricia Hubbell’s light verse skips merrily along, while Lisa Campbell Ernst’s playful scenes picture a sea that is just waiting to be splashed in!

Way Down Deep in the Deep Blue Sea by Jan Peck

Way down deep
in the deep blue sea,
there’s a lot to find.
I guarantee!
Come on! Be brave!
Just follow me!
And let’s explore
the deep blue sea!

A Day at the Seashore by Kathryn Jackson

Nancy and Timmy hop out of their beds one summer morning and help pack their swimsuits and lunch. And then it’s off to the seashore! In a charming rhyme, this Little Golden Book from 1951 (then titled A Day at the Beach) describes what preschoolers will find there: “You can catch little crabs—if you’re quick! You can draw great big pictures right on the beach with a piece of a shell or a stick.” Oh, what fun!

Indi Surfs by Chris Gorman

From surfer dad and photographer Chris Gorman comes Indi Surfs, the story of a little girl who braves the ocean to find the perfect wave. Gorman’s evocative images and text capture the essence of beach culture and the surfer’s journey in the story of a young girl who takes to the waves. Challenged by the ever-changing ocean, Indi shows how patience and persistence pay off in pursuit of the ultimate surfing goal.

Wave by Suzy Lee

In this evocative wordless book, internationally acclaimed artist Suzy Lee tells the story of a little girl’s day at the beach. Stunning in their simplicity, Lee’s illustrations, in just two shades of watercolor, create a vibrant story full of joy and laughter.

One Hot Summer Day by Nina Crews

An effervescent city child dances through a hot summer day until a thunderstorm brings welcome relief.

Pool by Jihyeon Lee

What happens when two shy children meet at a very crowded pool? Dive in to find out! Deceptively simple, this masterful book tells a story of quiet moments and surprising encounters, and reminds us that friendship and imagination have no bounds.

The Uncorker of Ocean Bottles by Michelle Cuevas

The Uncorker of Ocean Bottles, who lives alone atop a hill, has a job of the utmost importance. It is his task to open any bottles found at sea and make sure that the messages are delivered. He loves his job, though he has always wished that, someday, one of the letters would be addressed to him. One day he opens a party invitation—but there’s no name attached. As he devotes himself to the mystery of the intended recipient, he ends up finding something even more special: the possibility of new friends.

A Drive in the Country by Michael J. Rosen

The car has been stocked with drinks and snacks, maps and joke books, treats for horses and ducks — and now it’s time for three kids, two parents, and one excited dog to set off on that most favorite day trip, a drive in the country. The destination? Oh, here, there, and home again, with a fresh appreciation of family togetherness.

There Might Be Lobsters by Carolyn Crimi

Come on, Sukie, you can do it! A little dog’s paralyzing anxiety gives way to bravery when someone smaller is in need in this humorous, tenderly sympathetic story.

Lots of things at the beach scare Sukie. Lots. Because she is just a small dog, and the stairs are big and sandy, and the waves are big and whooshy, and the balls are big and beachy. And besides, there might be lobsters. With endearing illustrations and a perfectly paced text that captures a timid pup’s looping thoughts, here is a funny and honest read-aloud about how overwhelming the world can be when you’re worried — and how empowering it is to overcome your fears when it matters the most.

Night of the Moonjellies by Mark Shasha

Young Mark spends a busy, noisy day helping out at Gram’s seaside hot dog stand. After the last customer is served and the grill is scrubbed to a silvery shine, Mark sails off with Gram for a promised surprise, and finds a nighttime sea full of shimmering moonjellies.

The scientific name for the creatures in this story is Ctenophore, they are also called comb jellies or sea gooseberries. In New England they are most plentiful in the late summer. They are not true jellyfish because they don’t have stinging cells or tentacles. Moonjellies are harmless.

Away by Emil Sher

Love shines through in the sticky notes shared between a mother and daughter in this picture book about making time for family in the midst of our busy lives.

Between work and school, homework and housework, a mother and daughter don’t always get to spend as much time together as they’d like. Add to that a little girl’s fears about leaving home for the first time, and the need to stay close through handwritten notes becomes even more important. As the camp departure date gets closer, Mom does her best to soothe her daughter’s nerves. A visit from her grandmother helps to calm her fears and convince her that she’ll have a good time, even away from her mother and beloved cat. Camp ends up being a wonderful adventure – but nothing is sweeter than a back-at-home reunion.

Secret Sisters of the Salty Sea by Lynne Rae Perkins

Alix and her sister, Jools, have never seen the ocean. When their parents pack them up for a week at the shore, Alix is nervous about leaving home, but excited, too. At the beach, the girls make friends, go exploring, and have adventures both big and small. They pick periwinkles, spot crabs, and discover that the beach is full of endless possibilities. As the week comes to an end, Alix is surprised to find she doesn’t want to leave!

Rules of Summer by Shaun Tan

Never be late for a parade.
Never forget the password.
Never ruin a perfect plan.

It’s all about the rules. But what if the rules feel completely arbitrary? What if your older brother is the only one who gets to make them up all summer long? And what if he’s the only one who can save you when the darkness of winter comes rushing in?

Swallows and Amazons by Arthur Ransome

The first title in Arthur Ransome’s classic series, originally published in 1930: for children, for grownups, for anyone captivated by the world of adventure and imagination. Swallows and Amazons introduces the lovable Walker family, the camp on Wild Cat island, the able-bodied catboat Swallow, and the two intrepid Amazons, Nancy and Peggy Blackett.

Thimble Summer by Elizabeth Enright

A few hours after nine-year-old Garnet Linden finds a silver thimble in the dried-up riverbed, the rains come and end the long drought on the farm. The rains bring safety for the crops and the livestock, and money for Garnet’s father. Garnet can’t help feeling that the thimble is a magic talisman, for the summer proves to be interesting and exciting in so many different ways.
There is the arrival of Eric, an orphan who becomes a member of the Linden family; the building of a new barn; and the county fair at which Garnet’s carefully tended pig, Timmy, wins a blue ribbon. Every day brings adventure of some kind to Garnet and her best friend, Citronella. As far as Garnet is concerned, the thimble is responsible for each good thing that happens during this magic summer―her thimble summer.

All Summer Long by Hope Larson

Thirteen-year-old Bina has a long summer ahead of her. She and her best friend, Austin, usually do everything together, but he’s off to soccer camp for a month, and he’s been acting kind of weird lately anyway. So it’s up to Bina to see how much fun she can have on her own. At first it’s a lot of guitar playing, boredom, and bad TV, but things look up when she finds an unlikely companion in Austin’s older sister, who enjoys music just as much as Bina. But then Austin comes home from camp, and he’s acting even weirder than when he left. How Bina and Austin rise above their growing pains and reestablish their friendship and respect for their differences makes for a touching and funny coming-of-age story.

The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy by Jeanne Birdsall

This summer the Penderwick sisters have a wonderful surprise: a holiday on the grounds of a beautiful estate called Arundel. Soon they are busy discovering the summertime magic of Arundel’s sprawling gardens, treasure-filled attic, tame rabbits, and the cook who makes the best gingerbread in Massachusetts. But the best discovery of all is Jeffrey Tifton, son of Arundel’s owner, who quickly proves to be the perfect companion for their adventures.

The icy-hearted Mrs. Tifton is not as pleased with the Penderwicks as Jeffrey is, though, and warns the new friends to stay out of trouble. Which, of course, they will—won’t they? One thing’s for sure: it will be a summer the Penderwicks will never forget.

Boy’s Life by Robert McCammon

Zephyr, Alabama, is an idyllic hometown for eleven-year-old Cory Mackenson—a place where monsters swim the river deep and friends are forever. Then, one cold spring morning, Cory and his father witness a car plunge into a lake—and a desperate rescue attempt brings his father face-to-face with a terrible vision of death that will haunt him forever.

As Cory struggles to understand his father’s pain, his eyes are slowly opened to the forces of good and evil that are manifested in Zephyr. From an ancient, mystical woman who can hear the dead and bewitch the living, to a violent clan of moonshiners, Cory must confront the secrets that hide in the shadows of his hometown—for his father’s sanity and his own life hang in the balance.

The Body by Stephen King

Author Stephen King’s timeless novella “The Body”—originally published in his 1982 short story collection Different Seasons, and adapted into the 1986 film classic Stand by Me—now available for the first time as a stand-alone publication.

It’s 1960 in the fictional town of Castle Rock, Maine. Ray Brower, a boy from a nearby town, has disappeared, and twelve-year-old Gordie Lachance and his three friends set out on a quest to find his body along the railroad tracks. During the course of their journey, Gordie, Chris Chambers, Teddy Duchamp, and Vern Tessio come to terms with death and the harsh truths of growing up in a small factory town that doesn’t offer much in the way of a future.

A timeless exploration of the loneliness and isolation of young adulthood, Stephen King’s The Body is an iconic, unforgettable, coming-of-age story.

What’s your favorite summer read?

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