During the past week, I enjoyed some more beautiful summer weather in Germany and read a thought-provoking novel for older (Secondary School) readers: Sommer Unter Schwarzen Fluegeln by Peer Martin (unfortunately, so far the book is only available in German). Set in present-day Germany, it tells the story of a young woman from Syria, who lives with her family in a refugee center, and a member of a radical rightwing youth group, who fall in love. As Nuri tells the story why and how she and her family fled Syria, the reader learns much about the war that forced so many people to seek refuge in neighbouring countries and Europe, but also introduces the reader to Syrian culture, tradition and beliefs. At the same time, the story gives insights into how rightwing groups in Germany gain support. It was quite haunting at times and I had to read the story in small chunks but I am glad I got to read it and gain a better understanding of this terrible war and the resulting refugee situation. I am hoping that the book will be translated into many languages and read by many. Such an important story!

And here a bit from my summer holidays, not related to reading. Last week, I enjoyed a very special event with my family: watching an exhibition match between Bayern Munich and Manchester City. I have to admit, I am not a Bayern fan (but my daughter and my nephew are) but the atmosphere in the stadium was really great and so I had the best of times as well.
​What kind of adventures are you up to during this summer break? Maybe you would like to share a bit in a comment to this post? I would love to hear from you :)

And if you want more mystery and adventure from the Caribbean, have a look at Carol Ottley-Mitchell's Caribbean Adventure Series. I hope also this week, you discover something new and exciting to read. 

Image source: ​http://www.caribbeanadventureseries.com

I hope you continue to enjoy your holidays. See you here on this blog next week :)

(I am posting this a bit earlier than usual since I am not sure about my Internet connection over the next couple of days. In case you are wondering, where I currently am, the pictures above give a clue :)

Our next (summer reading) stop takes us to Europe, which is theoretically not its own continent since it is connected with Asia. Modern day Europe consists of 50 countries, each with their own language and culture. It is the second smallest continent (Australia being the smallest). From a literature point of view though it is far from being small. Think of all the tales, stories, novels, and plays that have been and are still being written in Europe. Think of the Brothers Grimm or Shakespeare for example.
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If you have a bit of extra time, check out this great video with 25 Facts About Europe That Most People Don’t Know – really surprising! 

And here a sneak peek at where I am at the moment and what books I have enjoyed recently.
See you next week :)

How has the start to your holidays been? I hope everything has been great so far. The weather here in Hong Kong is definitely treating us to a magnificent start and I have enjoyed being outside reading.

Hong Kong is such a fascinating place, with so much to see and discover, we cannot embark on our reading journey around the world before having spent some time reading and appreciating a couple of (fiction) books set right here in Hong Kong. And should you still be in Hong Kong at this time, why not try to find one or more of the locations in the books? Wouldn’t that be fun?

Here are the books and some ideas what locations to visit (you could draw a picture of yourself visiting the place or have someone take a picture for you to add to your summer journal):

• Visiting Hollywood Road, checking out some of the antique stores just like Lulu the Hong Kong Cat;
• Taking a ride on some of the public transport mentioned in Matt Cooper’s Lost in Hong Kong;
• Going on a hike over the Dragon’s back after reading Theodora Whittington’s book;
• Having lunch at the famous Floating Restaurant in Aberdeen where John Berkeley’s Chopsticks takes place;
• Enjoying some of the wonderful street food mentioned in Hong Kong! by chef Giada De Laurentis.

See you next week for more summer reading fun - and/or check out other summer reading resources on the HKA Primary Portal.

Welcome to our reading adventure around the world! I am thrilled that you are joining me to continue to read and have fun over the next nine weeks. Let’s use these first couple of days to get ready for the break and our summer reading journey. Here are some of the things you might like to prepare and pack in your (reading) bag/hand luggage. Can you think of anything else that might be handy on a reading journey?

5. Reading Wish List
I love preparing for holiday reading! What a wonderful reason to go book shopping! I have already downloaded a number of books to my iPad – e-books to my Kindle app and audiobooks to the Audible and OverDrive apps. But I am sure I will be adding more and more as I always need a good selection to pick from. Create a list of titles you might enjoy to read during the break. You can explore the suggestions I have made on the library blog (you can download the file from the blog as well) or maybe ask a parent if they would take you to a bookstore or public library for some exploring.

In addition to our Read Around the World package, which includes many title recommendations - picture books and chapter books from around the world - I have compiled an annotated list of summer reading suggestions for various grade levels (see file for downloading above). Please consider this list a mere starting point as you look for books to read during the break. The grade-level boundaries are meant to be broad and are mainly geared towards interest level since reading levels vary within grades as each reader develops at his/her own pace. Also keep in mind that stories can be enjoyed in many different ways: a child reading independently, a child and an adult sharing the reading, an adult reading out loud to a child, or a child listening to an audiobook for example.

It is my hope that through the list, you discover stories you enjoy reading this summer. 

Happy Summer Reading!

(I will be posting Week 1 of the Read Around the World program tomorrow, then every following Monday.)