Reading Beyond the Limits

BY NILE PITKOW

Some think that the minute school ends for the year, picking up a book is like going to summer school. But summer is one of the best getaways for reading. Here are some recommended series to try.

The Land of Stories (6 books) by Chris Colfer – This series is very fun and exciting for 2nd-5th grade. Two kids interact with famous characters from fairytales and children’s fiction. It is funny, entertaining, and silly.

The Harry Potter books (7 books) by J.K. Rowling – This popular series is good for all elementary-school ages. The lonely boy wizard finds friends and adventures. Sometimes it is quite scary for younger readers, but it is extremely entertaining.

A Tale Dark and Grimm (3 books) by Jonathan Auxier – This trilogy is extremely gruesome and violent but not necessarily scary. It is recommended for 4th-5th grade readers. You will recognize some familiar fairy tales that the author tweaked.

A Series of Unfortunate Events (13 books) by Lemony Snicket – This series is also a very dark. The books are about the misfortunes of 3 orphans. The Baudelaire children are such interesting characters that you keep reading. Lemony Snicket is the narrator, and he has a lot of funny wordplay. Recommended for 3rd-5th grade readers.

WHAT IF THERE IS NO BOOKSTORE NEAR YOU? You can join your local library for free or try swapping titles with a friend to find something new for both of you. You can also browse the many free book boxes found in people’s front yards. You can even order books online, or read an e-book if you have the technology.

Summer reading is great with cold treats, too! To promote summer reading, the Refresqueria in Rice Village is offering $2 off your purchase if you give them a book summary this summer. See the Good News Review example if you love cold, fruity drinks at a discount in summer! Happy reading!

AT-HOME ACTIVITIES

One indoor activity to beat the heat is making slime. Here is a simple recipe.

rite restaurants is The Rainforest Café. It has great food and even its own rainforest-themed ride.

Outdoor Adventures

Another fun summer activity is going to a waterpark such as Big Rivers Waterpark in New Caney, TX. Big Rivers has a huge rainbow tube slide, a kid’s water slide area, a four-person tube slide, a lazy river, food trucks, obstacle courses, archery, ziplining, and a lake with a water-obstacle course on it. Do you like obstacle courses or flipping on a trampoline? Well, then you should visit Urban Air. They also have rock climbing, a racetrack, and ziplining. It is a wonderful place for birthday parties or for any other day.

The Museum District

If you love animals like I do, then you should go to the Houston Zoo. I hear they just opened a new exhibit called The Galapagos Island. While at Herman Park, you could ride the train around the park, tour the lake on a paddleboat, check out the rose garden, or catch a show like Maria’s Magical Music Adventure at Miller Theater on June 8, 2023, at 11 AM.

SPORTS DURING SUMMER

If you are an athlete and you do not want to stop playing sports during summer, then you could go bowling or surfing. If you enjoy horseback riding, Magic Moments Stable, which is near Interstate 10 West and the Beltway, is the closest stable to Roberts. Astros games are always fun! Grab a friend and play tennis, pickleball, or head to Roberts’s playground for some basketball. Okay, that is all for right now. I hope you have a nice summer, and I look forward to seeing you next school year.

SLIME

Step 1: Find a big mixing bowl.

Step 2: Add two parts white school glue.

Step 3: Add one part magic liquid activator. Step 4: Mix thoroughly with a spoon and then knead like when making bread. You can add sparkles or food coloring once mixed.

Step 5: Enjoy.

Also, you could try a new recipe, make arts and crafts, or find a comfy spot around the house to read.