The County Library discussion
Reading Challenges
>
2022 Summer Reading Challenge
so does that mean we can read any book that has to do with the ocean?
The titles I will read are:✅ The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration Into the Wonder of Consciousness by Sy Montgomery ( Review )
✅ The Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen
✅ The Pout-Pout Fish Cleans Up the Ocean by Deborah Diesen
✅ Ocean: Waves for All by Stacy McAnulty
✅ Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt ( Review )
Lisa wrote: "so does that mean we can read any book that has to do with the ocean?"yep
Debbie wrote: "The titles I will read are:- The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration Into the Wonder of Consciousness by Sy Montgomery
- The Pout-Pout Fish b..."
I really liked Soul of an Octopus - I read it as part of the animal challenge, last year. I hope you'll like it, too!
My 5 books are:Complete - 6/5/22 - Plastic Ocean by Charles Moore and Cassandra Phillips
Complete - 6/9/22 - The Outlaw Ocean by Ian Urbina
Complete - 6/13/22 - Empire of Blue Water by Stephan Talty
Complete - 6/15/22 - Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Plet
Complete - 7/14/22 - Over the Edge of the World by Laurence Bergreen
Elizabeth wrote: "You have to read five books from June-August that all match the theme."The reading challenge on the county library site has the date from June 1 - July 31. The Beanstack page has it from June 1 - August 1. Here, it seems to indicate that the challenge runs through August. Could you clarify whether this goodreads challenge includes August?
Thanks!
If I didn't have so much else on my plate, I'd do 10 books, 5 fiction and 5 non-fiction. Greg, our summer challenge here has always gone through the end of August. I don't know why the others don't, too. That is what has always seemed odd to me and why I remember this ends August 31.
Greg wrote: "My 5 books are:Unread -
Plastic Ocean
..."
I see you are reading Remarkably Bright Creatures, too! I thought about reading Plastic Ocean but decided to do it another time since I'm doing 2 adult books for this challenge anyway.
I'm curious, what does Marco Polo have to do with oceans? I thought he traveled by land everywhere he went.
Debbie wrote: "I'm curious, what does Marco Polo have to do with oceans? I thought he traveled by land everywhere he went."Wow. I totally mixed up my explorers! Fortunately, Mr. Bergreen has also published a book about Magellan, about whom I had actually intended to read!
Thanks for setting me straight!
I am still thinking about what books to read. Going through my TBR's there are a few books that involve the ocean. Here are some books I am considering if anyone else needs ideas.The Great Quest by Charles Boardman Hawes
The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle by Hugh Lofting
The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh
Becoming Lady Lockwood by Jennifer Moore
The Slave Dancer by Paula Fox
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and other Classic Novels by Jules Vern
Slideout: A Military Thriller by Gary Darby
The Black Pearl by Scott O'Dell
Life of Pi by Yann Martel
A Ring of Endless Light by Madeline L'Engle
The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi
The Prince and the Sea Witch by A G Marshall
The Sea Cloak and other stories by Nayrouz Qarmout
The Siren by Kiera Cass
The Light Between Oceans M L Steadman
Some of these books only take place partially on or in the ocean...do they still count?
Deborah wrote: "I am still thinking about what books to read. Going through my TBR's there are a few books that involve the ocean. Here are some books I am considering if anyone else needs ideas.[book:The Great ..."
I really enjoyed Charlotte Doyle. Light Between Oceans broke my heart, but I loved it. Doctor Dolittle bored me. The Slave Dancer won the Newbery award so I've read it but long ago enough I don't remember it even after reading its synopsis. One I had considered is Scott O'Dell's Island of the Blue Dolphin. I've not read his Black Pearl.
Excellent list!
Greg wrote: "Debbie wrote: "I'm curious, what does Marco Polo have to do with oceans? I thought he traveled by land everywhere he went."Wow. I totally mixed up my explorers! Fortunately, Mr. Bergreen has also..."
Glad I asked! I thought maybe he may have travelled wider than I thought. I'm sure you would have caught it before reading. I did notice the author had written what looks like an interesting book about Magellan though it never occurred to me that was the book you meant. Glad to see you updated your list. (In case others see this exchange and wonder 'what book about Marco Polo?')
I am currently about 300 pages into The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. Trying to decide if there will be enough on the sea/ocean for it to count for this challenge? Any opinions from anyone who has read it? My husband says that there's not a lot of ocean stuff after the part that I've already read.Here are some other books that I am considering in case anyone wants ideas. It looks like Deborah and I have a couple of the same books on our lists :)
Skin of the Sea by Natasha Bowen
Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne
The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh
Life of Pi by Yann Martel
Call It Courage by Armstrong Sperry
Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell
Fable by Adrienne Young
Castaways of the Flying Dutchman by Brian Jacques
The Toilers of the Sea by Victor Hugo
Haroun and the Sea of Stories by Salman Rushdie
The Hunt for Red October by Tom Clancy
Brittany wrote: "I am currently about 300 pages into The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. Trying to decide if there will be enough on the sea/ocean for it to count for this challe..."I loved Skin of the Sea...it does tear at the heartstrings a bit.
Brittany wrote: "I am currently about 300 pages into The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. Trying to decide if there will be enough on the sea/ocean for it to count for this challe..."The ocean was core to most prisoners losing hope. But for Edmond, it was the impetus for and method of his escape. It marked his rebirth into a new life. Also, the base for his wealth came from another island. In the ocean. In a sense, the ocean was a second womb.
While the ocean may not have played much time in the events of the book, it is critical in creating Edmond's post incarceration life. So I vote yes.
Debbie wrote: "Brittany wrote: "I am currently about 300 pages into The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. Trying to decide if there will be enough on the sea/ocean for it to coun..."I agree with Debbie concerning The Count of Monte Cristo
Thanks! I will definitely be including that one in my list then :)
Soul of an Octopus was great. I read that for Daybreak's reading thing on here.Life of Pi remains to this day one of the weirdest things I've ever read. I think I read it when it was new....which feels like a lot of years ago.
We're embarking on an epic road trip, so there are many kids' audiobooks in my future. I'll have to see if there's anything ocean-related....
I can suggest The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, The Devil and the Dark Water, Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption, In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex; any Titanic book should fit.
For kids, there is always Island of the Blue Dolphins. I loved it. County has it as an audio book, although there is currently a short wait.
Island of the Blue Dolphins is one of the books planned for our road trip, so I'll have at least one!
Debbie wrote: "For kids, there is always Island of the Blue Dolphins. I loved it. County has it as an audio book, although there is currently a short wait."I hated it as a kid -- too boring -- but I re-read it last year and it was fine.
Island of the Blue Dolphins is one of my favorite books. I'm thinking about rereading it for this challenge.
Britt, Book Habitue wrote: "Soul of an Octopus was great. I read that for Daybreak's reading thing on here.Life of Pi remains to this day one of the weirdest things I've ever read. I think I read it when it was new....which ..."
I don't know how old your kids are, but there are the Shivers the Pirate books that are fun for younger kids. I don't know how many of them are on CD though.
I think I've seen the Shivers books but we haven't read them. I'll put the first on hold. :)
So far, I have read:1) Ocean Meets Sky
2) And the Ocean was Our Sky
3) You are My Baby: Ocean
I still plan to read:
Fable
The Tail of Emily Windsnap
Olive’s Ocean
Vampirates: Demons of the Ocean
In the Heart of the Sea
A scan of my TBR list gives me the following, which I think are ocean related:1. Transatlantic by Colum McCann - Loosely connected stories of several people's transformation upon crossing the Atlantic. Complete 6/13
2. The Glass Ocean by Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willing, Karen White - Several characters cross the Atlantic on the Lusitania. Complete 7/10
3. Final Option by Clive Cussler - One of the adventures of the Oregon. Book takes place near, over, and under the ocean. Compete 6/23
4. The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See - About a society of female deep water divers in Korea. Complete 8/6, and challenge complete.
5. This is Your Life, Harriet Chance! by Jonathan Evison - Harriet takes a cruise to Alaska. Complete 7/18
I will give them a read and report back!
I'm reading The Mists of Avalon, which is a whopping 900+ page epic. Avalon is in the middle of mystic lake, the people of the "North Countries" are preparing to attack Britain, which I assume are Norse from across the sea.
My son and I read Kondo and Kezumi Visit Big Island. They fund a map and construct a boat out of a bathtub so they can explore the islands.
Mod
Yes, absolutely. :D
Mod
The reading challenge on the county library site has the date from June 1 - July 31. The Beanstack page ha..."
Hey Greg,
The Goodreads Reading Challenge and the Summer Reading Challenge are different things. I know it's a little bit confusing. The Goodreads challenge goes through August 31. Please read 5 books that fit the theme over the course of 3 months.
The Summer Reading Challenge is June and July. I'm not sure why it says August 1st, but I'll look into it. For the library's Summer Reading Challenge you have 2 months to complete it. You need to fill in 30 spaces, either on a paper record you can pick up at a physical library, or on Beanstack. To fill in the spaces you can Read, Create, Learn, Play, and Connect. Once it's all finished, you need to let us know in person to get specific prizes, including a free book, a ticket to the natural history museum, coupons for both Tracy Aviary and County Parks and Rec, and an entry into a prize drawing.
We do three months here, rather than two, because we've made the challenge more difficult.
Thanks for asking.
Mod
Anything you think counts, counts. If you read a book that you feel counts for the challenge it probably does. If you read a book that you thought would count for the challenge, and you get to the end, and don't feel like it did, then you can always choose another book to read. We let you decide if it counts or not.
Mod
Life of Pi remains to this day one of the weirdest things I've ever read. I think I read it when it was new....which ..."
The Monster Missions is a Middle Grade novel, I think I recommended it above. What ages are you looking for?
For younger kids, I like the Purrmaids books (cat mermaids!)
My main readers right now are 12, 9, and 7. Audiobooks through Libby are ideal.
Just finished Life of Pi by Yann Martel, and I think it's my new favorite book for the year so far!Summer Reading challenge:
✓ 1. Life of Pi - finished June 8
2. Island of the Blue Dolphins - not yet started
3. Castaways of the Flying Dutchman - not yet started
4. Piranesi - not yet started
5. The Count of Monte Cristo - in progress
I've been wondering if Life of Pi was any good.I loved Count of Monte Cristo; Piranesi was different but quite interesting.
I finished 2 books so far. Sirena: A Mermaid Legend from Guam and Solving the Puzzle Under the Sea: Marie Tharp Maps the Ocean Floor.
These are the books I intend to read for the summer challenge. It may end up being more, but lets see how long it takes me to get through these five books first.√ 1. Chicken Soup for the Ocean Lover's Soul: Amazing Sea Stories and Wyland Artwork to Open the Heart and Rekindle the Spirit - Completed 6/13/2022
2. The Great Quest - currently Reading
√ 3. The Prince and the Sea Witch - Completed 6/19/2022
4. The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea - not started
5. Moby-Dick or, the Whale - not started
Elizabeth wrote: "Greg wrote: "Elizabeth wrote: "You have to read five books from June-August that all match the theme."The reading challenge on the county library site has the date from June 1 - July 31. The Bean..."
Thank you!
I'm glad to see another person tackling a big book for this challenge. Deborah, I hope you love Moby Dick!
Moby Dick is one of my favorite books. Melville has a wonderful, but subtle, wry sense of humor. The chapter where he describes Nantucket leaves subtle behind and really pokes fun. Enjoy that!
Mod
Sorry this took me a few days. Here are some suggestions. They're all in Libby as eAudiobooks and currently they're all available to check out, although that might not be true when you read this.
On the Ocean Floor - part of The Magic School Bus series
Sentinels in the Deep Ocean - This is part of the Wild Rescuers series, involves a girl raised by wolves, and they go on an adventure.
Northwind If you liked Hatchet you'll enjoy this book also by Gary Paulsen.
Shadow of the Shark is part of The Magic Tree House Series and here is the fact file that goes along with this book Sharks and Other Predators: A Nonfiction Companion to Magic Tree House #53: Shadow of the Shark (This one is not available as an eAudiobook).
Shark Wars This is the first one in a series, and the shark is the main character.
Shark Beneath the Reef by Jean Craighead George.
Fins This one is a mystery!
I Survived the Shark Attacks of 1916 This one is probably my favorite. I have not yet met a kid (while doing booktalks in elementary schools) who did not love the I Survived series.
I have finished all five titles. Others may be added as the summer wears on, but I'm not making a commitment to that.I read:
✅ The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration Into the Wonder of Consciousness by Sy Montgomery ( Review )
✅ The Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen A cute story
✅ The Pout-Pout Fish Cleans Up the Ocean by Deborah Diesen Didn't care for it
✅ Ocean: Waves for All by Stacy McAnulty Very clever with fun illustrations
✅ Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt ( Review )
Thanks, Elizabeth! I got a couple of them. Libby is being weird so I'll probably wait to get more
Debbie wrote: "Moby Dick is one of my favorite books. Melville has a wonderful, but subtle, wry sense of humor. The chapter where he describes Nantucket leaves subtle behind and really pokes fun. Enjoy that!"I am looking forward to reading it. It has been on my list for years and this gave me the perfect push to bring it to the top.
My six year old and I are reading Where the Red Fern Grows. He loves it. He prefers the narrator of the audio book to me.Last night he wanted to fall to sleep listening to it. It was obviously too exciting for him to sleep, so I had to deny him a second 30 min extension.
I am thinking I could possibly count this as I'm sure he will sob an "Ocean " of tears at the end and I love how Billy chooses to act on the possibility of earning enough money to purchase the dogs and then train them himself. He doesn't realize his hunting is what will make the opportunities his parents dream of possible for his family.
One of the scenes we read last night was where Ann nearly froze to death in the partially frozen river. Billy's sudden inspiration as to how to save her was ingenious. We ended with Billy and the Pratchett boys going to hunt the Ghost Coon. I wonder how my son will react to this incident.
I'm trying to teach him to read critically by pausing the book and asking comprehension questions. I explain it helps him think about the story and I am preparing him to do this in school.
If you do that, he will be better prepared when it is book report time. Wise mom, thee.
JoAnn wrote: "My six year old and I are reading Where the Red Fern Grows. He loves it. He prefers the narrator of the audio book to me.Last night he wanted to fall to sleep listening to it. It was obviously to..."
I re-read that just last year. Remarkably good book, even after all these years. I hope he loves it!
The County Library
Books mentioned in this topic
Magyk (other topics)Gift from the Sea (other topics)
The Ocean Calls: A Haenyeo Mermaid Story (other topics)
Float Plan (other topics)
Olive's Ocean (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Deborah Diesen (other topics)Shelby Van Pelt (other topics)
Delia Owens (other topics)
Sy Montgomery (other topics)
Stacy McAnulty (other topics)
More...
It is time for our Summer Reading Challenge. You have to read five books from June-August that all match the theme. The Summer Reading theme is Oceans of Possibilities. You could take this as a settings challenge and read fiction titles that take place on or in the ocean, like 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and other Classic Novels, or The Monster Missions, or The Mitford Trial. You could learn something new while reading nonfiction titles like Ocean: Endangered or The Brilliant Abyss, you can even focus in on animals that live in the ocean like with Eloquence of the Sardine: Extraordinary Encounters Beneath the Sea.
Oceans are the name of the game. Don't forget to keep me updated with the the titles you've finished reading, so you can be entered into the prize drawing.
Make sure you also sign up for the Summer Reading Program. Read, Create, Learn, Play and Connect to earn prizes this summer at your local library. Visit this website for more info:
https://www.thecountylibrary.org/Summer