Hatrack River Forum: Congrats to my boy!

This is topic Congrats to my boy! in forum Books, Films, Food and Culture at Hatrack River Forum.

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Posted by DocCoyote (Member # 5612) on :

On Friday night, my son, Matthew, finished Ender's Game. He's been reading it since July, 2004. Matthew is 7 years old, and is quite proud of himself for sticking with it, and reading a "big person" book. We're quite proud of him as well.

When he came in to tell us he'd finished, we asked him for a synopsis, and he pretty much got it right. Ender might have been a little advanced for him, so I'm looking for something a little less involved.

Suggestions?

Posted by mimsies (Member # 7418) on :

does he have a preferred genre? Does he want to stick with Sci Fi? Does he like fantasy?

Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :

First, woohoo!

Second, The Hobbit is actual less challenging than Ender's Game, although clearly The Lord of the Rings isn't.

Posted by DocCoyote (Member # 5612) on :

He enjoys all genres. He's just getting the hang of mystery stories, and anticipating clues.

I was going to aim him toward Alvin Maker, but I don't think he'd understand the idiom. I think waiting a few years for Alvin would increase his enjoyment of the series.

Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :

The Sword in the Stone might be good, too, although the rest of the Once and Future King would be too much, I think.

Has he read the Narnia books yet? Also, the Prydain series by Lloyd Alexander. They're technically children's books, but they're not "kiddie" books.

Posted by DocCoyote (Member # 5612) on :

Thanks, Dag.

The Hobbit sounds like a great next choice.

Posted by DocCoyote (Member # 5612) on :

Dag, we're stepping on each other's posts. Thanks again for more good suggestions!

Posted by mimsies (Member # 7418) on :

I imagine he's read all the Harry Potter books.

The L'Engle Time series is good (Wrinkle In Time)

So You Want To Be A Wizard and sequels are also good.

Although these are not "Big Person" books, they ARE young adult books, and probably more interesting, and books that plenty of adults read.

Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :

The Dark is Rising Sequence.

Posted by Hobbes (Member # 433) on :

Calvin and Hobbes books help improve diction. [Smile]

Hobbes

Posted by larisse (Member # 2221) on :

Oh darn it... kq beat me to it. The Dark is Rising is an excellent series. I loved it as a kid and still love it as an adult.

You could have him read Ender's Shadow and then ask him about the differences and the similarities.

I'll try to think of another series or some stand alone books.

Ooops.... and congrats to him. He's lucky to have someone to introduce and encourage him to read.

[ April 10, 2005, 11:12 PM: Message edited by: larisse ]

Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :

Good for him! You both must be too proud.

We tried Calvin and Hobbes with my Matthew. Gave him too many ideas. [Evil Laugh]

Posted by Kayla (Member # 2403) on :

If he likes mysteries, have you considered Jigsaw Jones ? It's aimed at 6-9 year olds.

If you want more challenging books, there's always Encyclopedia Brown or The Hardy Boys , which are both aimed at 9 - 12 year olds.

Posted by Portabello (Member # 7710) on :

At about the same reading level of the Encyclopedia Brown books is the Great Brain series which I loved as a kid.

Posted by Orson Scott Card (Member # 209) on :

Why not take him to the kids' section of the library and stand back?

Posted by Kayla (Member # 2403) on :

Well, sure, if you want to do it the easy way.

Posted by DocCoyote (Member # 5612) on :

Mr. Card,

When I take him to the library and stand back, neither of us can carry all the books!

Not to sound too much like a fan, but the little guy will be thrilled to know you heard about his reading accomplishment.

Everyone else who's written:
When we went yesterday, we picked up an Encyclopedia Brown (one of my childhood favorites), as well as Island of the Blue Dolphin, and a half dozen others.

Thanks, everyone, so much for your suggestions. Keep 'em coming. Summer vacation is on the way, and that means more time for fun reading in our home.

Posted by Shan (Member # 4550) on :

Ahhh - that's when you engage in fun numeracy exercises, along the lines of:

We can check out as many books as you can safely carry, dear.

or -

We can check out as many books as you have fingers on your left hand.

or -

We can check out as many books as can be fit into the satchel.

[Big Grin]

I love the library. Nathan and I walk so that we won't be tempted to take out more than we can a) carry and b) read before the due date.

Posted by Raia (Member # 4700) on :

My first chapter book ever was "Charlotte's Web." [Smile]

Posted by Vadon (Member # 4561) on :

Well, I remember my first chapter books were the 'Little House on the Prairie' books, then I moved on to 'The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.' (Isn't that chronicles of Narnia? I can't remember.) Oh, you can't forget 'Boxcar Children', either! ^_^.

Hope those might help...

Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :

quote:
Not to sound too much like a fan, but

That is such a sci-fi reader preface. [Laugh]