Summer vacation is here and along with sunburns, mosquito bites and endless boredom comes another thing middle school-aged kids dread: required summer reading. And who could blame them for their angst? Parents probably remember all too well the agony of being stuck indoors on a beautiful day, falling asleep under a copy of Huckleberry Finn or The Witch of Blackbird Pond, all while the swimming pool shimmers invitingly just beyond the screen door. But fear not, parents! You don't need to ruin your vacation and theirs by constantly nagging them to do their reading. Check out this list for some fresher titles that are as absorbing and fun as they are smart and substantial, sure to make both kids and their teachers (and thereby, you!) happy.
