Road Trip Reading

This morning, we are off for a week-long reunion with my family.

For some of you, the thought of traveling nine hours in a van with four children (including a two-month-old baby) sends you quaking with fear.

But for me? I've been looking forward to this road trip for weeks. Nine hours in the car equates to nine hours of uninterrupted reading time.

Okay, not uninterrupted. Slight exaggeration. Four kids means there are usually multiple interruptions per hour (or per minute, depending on their moods).

But generally, my kids are pretty good travelers (Clark being the wild card--he has not yet been tested on the infamous trek). Of course, it helps that they have a fondness for shows. I'm sure their eyes would stay glued to the screen for the entire nine hours if I let them.

But it won't be just me spending some time with a good book. Here's what we have lined up for the family:

1. The Alloy of Law by Brandon Sanderson

2. The Fenway Foul-Up by David Kelly, Afternoon on the Amazon by Mary Pope Osborne, Andrew Lost Under Water by J.C. Greenburg, and My Father's Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett

3. Dancing on Broken Glass by Ka Hancock, Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child by John Gottman, The Art of Flying by Judy Hoffman, and Things a Little Bird Told Me by Biz Stone

4. Can You See What I See? Treasure Ship, I Spy Spectacular, and Where's Waldo?

5. The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles by Julie Andrews Edwards, Henry and Ribsy by Beverly Cleary, and Toy Dance Party by Emily Jenkins

6. Henry Huggins by Beverly Cleary and James Herriot's Treasury for Children

I'm usually prone to optimism when it comes to reading (notice the number of books I'm bringing for myself compared with Mike). That, or I like variety.

Oh, and if all my well-laid plans backfire in my face (remember, Clark = wild card), you have my permission to laugh.