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The United States of America was born on July 4, 1776, when a congress of the colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, proclaiming freedom from Great Britain. The Declaration reads in part,
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal..."
HELLO JULY!
Well, I guess summer has officially begun. How are you going to spend yours? Maybe a trip to the beach, a camping trip, or yes, maybe even an amusement park? Kids can't wait for summer; school is out and lazy fun filled days are ahead. Bikes and picnic baskets are dusted off and ready to use. Pools are bulging at the seams with all the squeals and delights of splashing. But kids aren't the only ones who can enjoy a hot summer day. What about us adults? Do you ever wish you could jump into a hammock in your back yard? Curl up with a good book and listen to the quiet and gentle breezes?
Well, let's dive into a few....
HOT SUMER READS
First, let me recommend The Seamstress of New Orleans by Diane C. McPhail. What a riveting book! It's the first all -female Mardi Gras krewe at the turn of the century New Orleans. So why is this book title about a seamstress? How does a widow named Alice who is expecting a child find her way to New Orleans after the disappearance of her husband, teaching sewing at an orphanage coincide with the life of the elite independent thinking Constance Halstead? Who is the gang Black Hand in the notorious district of Storyville? What do they want with these ladies? Whose gambling debts are they trying to collect? What secret bonds these two ladies? Take a seat and hang on during the Les Mysterieuses Leap Year Mardi Gras Ball! It has an ending I didn't quite see coming.
There is also the book The Alice Network by Kate Quinn. This novel spans from 1915-1947, about a young girl named Charlie St. Clair who is banished to Europe by her parents to take care of the unborn child she is expecting out of wedlock. She however travels to London determined to find out what happened to her cousin Eve Gardiner. Take a leap on this one and find out why Eve was working as a spy in enemy-occupied France. Who or what is the Alice Network? Who is the "Queen of Spies"? What happens thirty years later in London? How will these two cousins reunite and be bound on a mission to find the truth? Sound intriguing? This book is also a Reese Book Club pick.
For your little ones who might want to get into the July spirit how about Fourth of July Mice by Bethany Roberts. There is so much for four little mice to see and do. There's the parade, a picnic, swimming in the pond and of course fireworks. So grab your little one and celebrate this special month together reading this precious little book written just for them.
Have your tweens or older kids started reading the A to Z mysteries or the Calendar Mysteries by Ron Roy? They are still a bookmobile favorite. There's a mystery in every book. Well, July Jitters is no exception. This is an early chapter book mystery. The mayor is hosting a fourth of July contest for whoever's pet has the best Independence Day costume. Read how five friends transform Polly the pony into Thomas Jefferson and Pal the dog into the Declaration of Independence. But when parade time rolls around why can't anyone find these animals? Well, maybe these junior sleuths can lend a hand. Such a fun and easy summer read.
RECIPE TIME!
How about an easy recipe?
CHEESY CAMPFIRE POTATOES
Ingredients
6 Potatoes, sliced
1/4 cup diced onion
2 tbs. cold margarine
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Add salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Build a campfire and allow the fire to burn until it has accumulated a bed of coals. Rake the coals into a flat-bed on one side of the fire.
Cut 2 lengths of heavy duty foil approximately 18 in square, placing one on top of the other for strength. Spray top one with non-stick cooking spray. Spread potatoes on foil leaving plenty of room to fold up later. Scatter the onion over potatoes, slice the margarine over the potatoes; layer the parmesan, mozzarella, and cheddar cheeses over the potatoes; season with salt and pepper. Bring opposite edges of foil together and seal.
Place the packet directly onto your campfire and cook until potatoes are soft, about 35 minutes.
These can also be made in the oven. (Just place the packet on a cookie sheet or pan to collect any drippings) bake at 350 degrees for the same amount of time checking for doneness. Enjoy!
FINAL THOUGHTS
Summer Reading Program for adults and kids has started up aboard the bookmobile, we're going camping folks, a camping theme that is. We've got fireflies on the ceiling and s’mores on the walls. Our program runs until the week of August 8, so dust off your sleeping bag and check our schedule to see where we are headed next. We've got crafts galore and books to explore!
Please remember to check with library staff or our website for dates, schedules and locations of our Summer Reading Programs. Don't forget to like us on Facebook @RCPLONWHEELS! You guys have a great summer! Hope to see you soon!
"All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them." --Walt Disney
~The Bookmobile Lady~