The Best Kids’ Books Ever -- Summer Break and IQ | Hacker News Reader

The Best Kids’ Books Ever -- Summer Break and IQ

nytimes.com

16 pointsjseliger9 comments

I think it is a replicated result among students of gifted students that they GAIN ground intellectually during the summer school vacation, because they pursue their own intellectual interests by independent reading and aren't slowed down by the school curriculum. At least, that was my experience in childhood.

A really good book for a teenager would be The Chosen by Chaim Potok,

http://www.amazon.com/Chosen-Chaim-Potok/dp/0449213447/

which I think I read at age fourteen. It's an excellent story about two very bright boys growing up in Brooklyn during World War II.

"I think it is a replicated result among students of gifted students that they GAIN ground intellectually during the summer school vacation"

The way you phrase that makes it sound like there are studies that show this. Do you know of any, or are you just saying that was true for you and others you know?

That means I don't have the citations at hand, but I recall reading that gifted students in general gain knowledge (as shown by curriculum-based achievement tests) during the summer, regardless of whether they are in programmed activities or reading on their own.

Malcom Gladwell cites something similar in his book, Outliers - a study which showed that economically advantaged (high SES) kids progress in reading/math skills over the summer, while low SES students either stay within similar scores or score worse on reading/math tests over the summers. And by "something similar", I suppose I mean "the exact opposite" - kids whose parents engaged them in academic activities over the summer gained intellectually, while those left to "pursue their interests without a curriculum" fell behind.

I'll chime in: I read The Hobbit to my 7- and 4-year old kids, and they loved it. We're also reading (and enjoying the artwork of) The Adventures of Tintin.

Am I the only one who think that the Harry Potter books are not for children? I read them all and after the 4th the story becomes very dark. I really liked them, It has been years since I wasn't so eager to read the next chapter in a book, but I am not sure I would like to give this to my children. At least not very young.

I'm with you. Not sure what the appropriate age is, but my friends read their 4 year old the books... and, don't think that was necessarily the best idea. I'm actually screening the Aristocats tonight to see if it's OK :)

That being said, my babysitter growing up lived in the woods... we ate bear stew for most dinners... and they only rented me horror movies. I saw all Nightmare on Elm Street and Friday 13th movies by the time I was about 8. Yeah, I had some twisted nightmares once in a while, but I think most kids do anyhow, and... I turned out alright!

No 'Little House on the [Prarie, other locations]'? Oh dear. I grew up in Ireland, but these simple documentary novels of life in in the 19th century west were both exciting, informative, and humbling. I am looking forward to reading them to my children.

Good grief. Read the Harry Potter books aloud over the summer? How long are the summer holidays where he lives?

But while on the subject, the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan is a great choice with both genders and is great fun for adults too.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com