Question of the Week: Summertime reading

What book or books would you recommend for great summertime reading?

Rose Sellman, eighth grade, Connecting Waters Charter School

"The Homelanders," by Andrew Klavan. Its a four-book series that has a great meaning and kept me in suspense through each book.

Toshali Katyal, Sophomore, Modesto High School

I would recommend reading the "Hunger Games" trilogy. So far, I have only read the first book, "The Hunger Games," which is a fast-paced and creative novel in an action-packed world. It was the kind of book I had been looking for with a grasp to pull the reader into the harsh and cruel test of survival. My goal is to finish the whole trilogy by the end of summer! I have been recommended by my friend Mackenzie O'Dell to read "Greektastic," a comedic short story collection which is about different types of geeks in society.

Kaysie Gonzalez, Junior, Enochs High School

Well it's always good to read your summer assigned reading for school FIRST (instead of succumbing to Sparknotes)! But, if you are looking for similar books to "The Hunger Games," definitely check out "Legend," by Marie Lu, and "Divergent," by Veronica Roth.

Rubani Virk, Junior, Pitman High School

I would definitely recommend "Summer of My German Soldier," by Bette Greene, as well as "To Kill a Mockingbird," by Harper Lee!

Gabriella Germann, Freshman, Central Valley High School

For summer reading, I would reccomend the Harry Potter series for three reasons. First of all, the series(and the books) are long enough to last you the whole summer. Secondly, you will cry, laugh, and cackle evilly, convenienly, all from one book. And finally, they are such a joy to read that after reading them you may become like me and continue to read them again and again after you have finished them. And yes Maureen, I certainly think you should read them if you haven't already.

Julie Fogarty, Sophomore, Central Catholic High School

This summer, I'd recommend these books for people my age: "Divergent," by Veronica Roth, "Delirium," by Lauren Oliver, and "Matched," by Allie Condie, for anyone who enjoyed "The Hunger Games," as well as most of Nicolas Sparks' books, "The Life and Death of Charlie St. Cloud," by Ben Sherwood, the "Mortal Instruments" series, by Cassandra Clare (the first book is called "City of Bones"), and the prequel series "The Infernal Devices" (the first book is "Clockwork Angel"). Most of these aren't brand new, but if you haven't read them yet, you should check them out.

Natalia Lima, Senior, Turlock High School

Hands down Gullible's Travels by Mary Bodell. I would sit here and describe the book about a family of eight and their comical adventures traveling around Europe via VW bus (which are all true by the way) but time spent reading my review is time that you could be spending reading that far better written book.

Dominique Germann, Senior, Central Valley High School

I would recommend the novel Birthmarked because it has tons of action and adventure that is actually exciting; unlike the corny Peeta and Gale battle for Katniss,the malnourished plot and the unsubstancial imagery of The Hunger Games.

Patrick Germann, Graduate, Central Valley High School

For summer reading, I definitely recommend a healthy dose of comics. They help balance out the task of reading larger volumes such as the Harry Potter series or the Hunger Games trilogy.

Taylor Menezes, Junior, Central Catholic High School

My favorite books this summer are "Along for the Ride" by Sara Dessen, "Until the End" by Christopher Pike, "Catching Jordan" by Miranda Kenneally, "First Love" by Melissa Johns, "Noah" by Elizabeth Reyes, and "Any Other Night" by Anne Pfeffer.

Annie Mathews, Senior, Gregori High School

I am a huge fan of urban fantasy and spooky tales, so I'm recommending a few of my old favorites: Neil Gaiman's "Neverwhere," the story of a man who becomes trapped in the hidden world of danger and magic hidden underneath modern-day London; Holly Black's "Tithe," a modern fairy tale about a 16-year-old girl who is not human, but doesn't know it; and Kelly Link's "Pretty Monsters," a deliciously dark collection of short stories that will keep you riveted page by page.

Maggie White, Senior, Valley Charter High

I just finished reading the series "A Game of Thrones" and really enjoyed it. Each of the five books is about 1,000 pages long, so the series should keep you occupied for at least a few weeks!

Victoria Lee Powell, Student, Modesto Junior College

I would have to say that the most useful book I've read is "The Modern Girl's Guide to Life" by Jane Buckingham. Since my goal this summer is to become more self-sufficient, this book has been useful for everything from stain-fighting to what to pack for a weekend vacation. It's definitely a book every girl needs and will continue to need throughout her life. It details everything from fabulous entertaining to how to impress at a job interview. Though it may not be as thrilling as an action-packed novel, this guide is filled with humorous anecdotes that set it apart from your average etiquette and domestic how-to books.