Top 5 Books to Read on a Raft

I was reading in the pool today, contemplating the end of the summer. Occasionally the brightness was disrupted by a soft cloud or large bird. Like study groups at the library, the filter’s hum provided that white noise that can be so comforting to a reader, and dipping my legs into the water provided temporary relief from the midday sun. There was a point while soaking in the heat and summer sounds, where I realized that this is what summer has come to be for me. It’s a sweltering day, my modest backyard pool, a raft, and a book in my hands that will help me when the school year resumes. As filtered water babbled into the pool from the jet, I felt compelled to conclude the summer with this blog. Compiled from personal experience, here are the Top 5 Books to Read on a Raft in the pool during the summer. 

Honorable Mention #2. Reading with Meaning by Debbie Miller. This book was originally on my list, but it is too easy to debate it off. I read it this summer, and it’s an exceptional guide for teaching reading. But, the pool setting just doesn’t add as much to the text as it does for selections 1 – 4.

Honorable Mention #1. The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway. This one seemed too obvious. Terrific story, but it won’t necessarily help the elementary teacher.

5. There Are No Shortcuts by Rafi Esquith. This book is good anytime anywhere, but especially as a summer read for any teacher. It will have you ready to get back in the classroom, and motivated to do more once you get your self out of that pool.

4. Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson. It’s hard to cry on a raft on sunny summer day, but this book will make it happen. In my pool I felt as if I were watching the story unfold from the river.

3. Holes by Louis Sachar. When it’s 110 degrees out, and the sun is beating down mercilessly, you can experience the heat the way the kids did as they dug. Unlike Zero and the gang, you can just jump in to cool off.

2. The Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White. I read this on a raft rather than a swan boat. But, like Bridge, I felt like I was in an unnoticed corner of the pond watching the tale of friendship unravel.

1. Call It Courage by Armstrong Sperry. Taking place in the Philippines, the indigenous people depend heavily on fishing. On my raft I was in the boat with Mafatu as he sought to overcome his fear of the sea. The story starts slowly, and I ordinarily do not care for that. Nevertheless, I consider this my current favorite book for many reasons. If I hadn’t read this book while afloat myself, it may not even be in my Top 5 Books.

Although the weather indicates that summer is still the season, the fact remains that teachers will report to work tomorrow. Getting used to having a baby in the house, finding time to relax more easily, and being productive in a variety of ways has highlighted an amazing break. In addition to the blog, my 0 followers may continue to follow me and our classroom this year on facebook at: 
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mr-Mikulas-3rd-Grade-Class/125464610878201?ref=ts