Why don’t teachers assign books more like these?
The excitement of summer vacation is somewhat dampened by the distribution of summer assignments, in particular the summer reading list. I thought students would appreciate classics that are humorous and fun, so here are a few books that should make readers laugh:
Ages 7-8
Mr. Bliss by J.R.R. Tolkien: Written and illustrated for his children, this short story proves that even a literary giant can be silly sometimes.
James and the Giant Peach by Raold Dahl: a transatlantic flight and a lesson about insects rolled into one.
Ages 9-10
The Thirteen Clocks by James Thurber: a clever spoof on "happily ever after".
Five Children and It by E. Nesbit: be careful what you wish for – it might come true!
Ages 11-12
The Twenty-One Balloons by William Pene duBois: a twist on the eruption of Krakatoa.
The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster: apathy turns to adventure in a world of literal meanings.
Ages 13-14
Cheaper by the Dozen by Frank Gilbreth: true life story about an exceptional family.
The Little World of Don Camillo by Giovanni Guareschi: post-WWII Italy seen through the eyes of a parish priest.
Ages 15+
All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot: autobiographical anecdotes about a Scottish veterinarian’s first job.
Travels with My Aunt by Graham Greene: a zany vacation with an elderly relative.
Jennifer Minicus is a mother and teacher living in Ridgewood, NJ. This article was first published at MercatorNet.com.
