Summer is the perfect time to sit with children and enjoy a book together. For example, one has the grandkids visiting for a week of fun. So, come bedtime when they are running around like chickens, whip out Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island to calm them into a dream filled slumber.

Almost any book for tweens, kids between the ages of 8 and 12, can be enjoyed as a read-aloud. Such as my example, classics are no-brainers, but I suggest Newbery winners as a modern alternative. Two in particular, Kira-Kira by Cynthia Kadohata and Crispin: The Cross of Lead by Avi, have that modern appeal.

Kira-kira is the first Japanese word Katie Takeshima learns as a baby. Translated it means “glittering,” but our young heroine Katie constantly misuses it for cars, pets, houses, butterflies, and colored Kleenex. Older sister Lynn clarifies the meaning as a type of see through shimmer more associated with clear-blue eyes, babbling creeks, and translucent Iowan skies.

This is Katie’s first memory before the Japanese-American family is uprooted to rural Georgia. In search of the American dream, they begin working in separate chicken factories owned by mean, Mr. Lyndon. As a chicken “sexer,” father becomes known for his accuracy and speed. Mother spends her time, and any extra, as a chicken “slicer.”

Now the plot thickens, as Lynn becomes sick, and the family struggles to make ends meet. Girls may find this book a bonding experience as kira-kira (colored Kleenexes) will be in use.

For boys, Crispin, is the ultimate in quest adventures. Recently orphaned, our hero, Crispin, has been falsely accused of stealing from the manor and killing a priest. For this, a “wolf’s head” is placed on his name allowing others to hunt and kill him as an animal. So, he runs, he runs so far away. Please, excuse my obvious use of lyrics, from a Flock of Seagulls.

Unbeknownst to Crispin, he is the illegitimate son of the manor’s Lord, and the reason for his bounty. For the Steward’s plans of becoming the next Lord are in jeopardy, if Crispin is allowed to live. Thank goodness, Crispin meets an agreeable fellow in the jester, Bear.

Will he make it to the next village alive? Is Bear really looking out for his best interests? What does the “cross of lead” symbolize? All these questions make for complete serialized dreams as the kids go to bed, with Crispin in their heads.