Libraries

Summer Studies

When planning this trip, our goal was to visit as many university libraries as possible.  Since our initial destination, Willamette University in Salem, OR, was passed over with a quick snap shot due to the beckoning Shakespeare festival, and Humboldt University in Eureka, CA was closed due to Memorial Day, we quickly saw the challenges.  Although we did stop near the University of Utah, University of Wyoming, University of Colorado and Colorado State University, it was no longer our inspiration and goal.

Therefore, we created our own library within the Escape Van.  Henry has always been a fine motor skills guy, and this trip has given him plenty of opportunity to learn and explore in this way.  So we stocked his library with books, art supplies, and a computer.

Favorite Summer Reads – reviews by Henry

The Willoughby’s by Lois Lowry

Funny, but complicated, it is almost too good.  A story for anyone from five years old to infinity.

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

This story shows the true sadness of captivity for animals.  A gorilla makes a promise, an elephant dies, and a man gets fired.  But like in most stories, it’s a happy ending.

Frindle by Andrew Clements

A new word can change everything.

The Underneath by Kathi Appelt

Mysterious things happen in the Bayou Tartine, and an eerie stillness almost always hangs in the air.

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo

You can never tell what will happen to this rabbit.  Not purposefully, he is always getting into mischief.

Here’s a short list of more great books:  Lunch Money by Andrew Clements, Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly, My Life as a Book by Janet Tashjian, Warriors (graphic novels) by Erin Hunter

It’s hard to take a summer break from education when you’re homeschooling, even when surrounded by such great books.  Always wondering if he’s behind, I signed Henry up for an online grammar class with the Center for Talented Youth at Johns Hopkins.  He’s been scrubbing away at assignments spending time at the Barking Dog Café in Lyons, and at hot spots near the campgrounds.  And in days, Henry begins an online photography class.  Learning in many ways, his studies are now inspiring my own.