Summer Reading through the Decades

SUMMER READING THROUGH THE DECADES 1950s-2000s Summer is here! It's time to grab a book and find a nice, cozy spot in the sunshine. Here's a look at some popular children's titles from throughout the years. 195Øs THE 101 DALMATIANS title: THE 101 DALMATIANS author: DODIE SMITH DODIE SMITH 1956 Pongo and Missis, a pair of Dalmatians, embark on a journey across England to find their stolen litter of AGES 8-11 puppies before they're turned into Cruella de Vil's newest fur coat. They quickly realize there are more puppies in danger than just their own. 196Øs ISLAND OF THE BLUE DOLPHINS title: ISLAND OF THE BLUE DOLPHINS author: SCOTT O'DELL After a bloody trade disagreement, young Karana is left to fend for herself. As Karana gets accustomed to solitude, she 1960 AGES 9-12 forges relationships with several of the animals living on the Island of the Blue Dolphins. SCOTT O'DELL 197Øs JULIE OF THE WOLVES title: JULIE OF THE WOLVES author: JEAN CRAIGHEAD GEORGE Shortly after her arranged marriage, thirteen-year-old Julie runs away from her home in Alaska. As she makes her way to San Francisco, she quickly realizes that in order to 1973 AGES 10-12 survive, she must befriend the wolves of a nearby pack. JEAN CRAIGHEAD GEORGE 198Øs DEAR MR. HENSHAW title: DEAR MR. HENSHAW author: BEVERLY CLEARY Prompted by a school assignment, second grader Leigh begins to write to Mr. Henshaw, an author he holds in high esteem. Though initially frustrated by Mr. Henshaw's responses, Leigh continues to write and tell his story through letters. 1983 AGES 9-11 BEVERLY CLEARY 199Øs HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE title: HARRY POTTER AND THE SOROCERER'S STONE author: J.K. ROWLING Orphaned as a baby, Harry Potter has only known the miserable life of living with his dreadful aunt and uncle. Harry's life takes a magical turn after he receives a letter-delivered by owl-announcing his acceptance to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. 1997 AGES 8-10 J.K. ROWLING 200Øs DIARY OF A WIMPY KID title: DIARY OF A WIMPY KID author: JEFF KINNEY Greg Heffley chronicles the trials and tribulations of 2005 being a “wimpy kid" surviving middle school. Navigating the uncertainty of social hierarchy is harder than expected- especially when Rowley, Greg's best friend, starts to rise in the popularity ranks without him. AGES 8-12 JEFF KINNEY PROVIDED BY: PENNINGTON CREATIVE PenningtonCreative.com Sources: www.whatdowedoallday.com/tag/20th-century-classic-books www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/newberymedal/newbery- winners/medalwinners