Siobhan Summer Reading Challenge

[Siobhan]

June
1. National Ballpoint Pen Day
June 10th, the anniversary of the patent filing. Fun fact: the world's most popular ball point is the Bic Crystal, which sells on average 57 pens per second.
c. A book about a writer, bookseller, or librarian - You Should Be So Lucky by Cat Sebastian

2. National Prune Day
June 15th. Fun fact: prunes, the dried version of plums, were originally from China.
a. A book written by someone over the age of 60 - A World on the Wing: The Global Odyssey of Migratory Birds by Scott Weidensaul

3. Let's Catch a Movie
The term 'blockbuster' was originally used to describe especially destructive bombs, and then came to mean shocking news stories. It's current use as a movie with huge box office returns is often attributed to producer Max Youngstein
c. A book published in the last two years - Damaged: The Protectors by Sloane Kennedy

4. Happy Birthday Paul Gauguin
Born on June 7th 1848 Gauguin was a French artist most known for his contributions to the Post-Impressionist and Symbolist movements. He lived in France, Peru, Martinique, Tahiti, and the Marquesas Islands.
b. A translated book - Drive Your Plow over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk

4/4

July
1. Happy Birthday Satchel Paige
Baseball pitcher Leroy R. (Satchel) Paige (1906-1982) was the first African American pitcher in the American League. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1971.
c. A book with a black main character Undone by the Ex-Con by Talia Hibbert

2. The Apollo Moon Landing
Apollo 11, the first manned landing on Earth's moon, touched down on the surface on July 20, 1969.
a. A book set in space - Thrawn: Alliances by Timothy Zahn

3. Let's Go on a Hike
Fun fact: Yellowstone National Park averages 1 bear attack per year, and there have only been 8 bear-caused fatalities in park history. For perspective that is 1 bear attack per 26.2 million park visits.
b. A book set in a rural area - The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle

4. Dog Days of Summer
Fun fact: this phrase refers to the time when Sirius the dog star is visible in the sky.
b. A book with a hot setting - Crimson Angel by Barbara Hambly

4/4

August
1. The Destruction of Pompeii
Pompeii was a Roman city that was buried under volcanic ash and pumice during the eruption of Mt Vesuvius on August 24, 79 CE. Because of the particular method of its destruction it is extremely well preserved and offers a unique look at life in the ancient Roman Empire.
b. A book with red on the cover - The Sword Dancer by Jeannie Lin

2. Vacation Time
Fun fact: 60% of the Earth's lakes are located in Canada. Something to think about next time you're by a lake.
b. A book by a favorite author - Bad for the Boss by Talia Hibbert

3. Let's Play a Game
Fun fact: In Chile the Clue character Mr. Green is named Chef Lettuce.
b. A book by an author whose initials appear in SCRABBLE - The Thirteen Problems by Agatha Christie

4. Back to School Sales
Fun fact: in 2023 the average American household spent $890 on back to school shopping, according to an online survey. Ok, that one's not actually that fun.
b. A nonfiction book - The Lady Queen: The Notorious Reign of Joanna I, Queen of Naples, Jerusalem, and Sicily by Nancy Goldstone

4/4