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Even though we’re barely into August, if feels like summer’s almost over and school is about to descend on us. First, Tracey C. is having a Picture This Summer - A Photo Contest.

Then my friend Karen greeted me this morning by announcing, "Only 14 days until school starts!!!" No kidding. In the next seven days, I have two school committee meetings and a board meeting. I’ve already signed up to volunteer in Nathan’s classroom. (I’m reading stories to the kids on Monday afternoons.) The teachers and principal keep emailing me stuff to post on the school website, and I just realized I have to update the staff pages. (Beside being the president of the board, I’m the WebMom at Carbon Valley Academy, too.)

Lately, it seems that every parenting e-newsletter I get is about back-to-school. Scholastic’s featuring Back to School: Smart Start! on their website. And Woman’s Day magazine has a few school lunch ideas as well as some tips to take the stress out of going back to school on theirs.

Finally The Denver Post ran a story on school lunches, Taking lunch outside the box. There’s a terrific recipe for Cherrio pop-ems, like Rice Krispie treats but healthier.

Cheerio Pop-Ems
We all love Rice Krispy treats, but Cheerios are healthier because they contain whole grains. Makes about 30 pop-ems.

Ingredients:

1. 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
2. 1 package (about 10 ounces) mini-marshmallows
3. 1 tablespoon peanut butter (optional)
4. 6 cups Cheerios

Directions:

1. In large saucepan, melt butter until it begins to bubble. Remove from heat.
2. Add marshmallows and peanut butter (if using) and stir until marshmallows melt and mixture is smooth, returning to heat if necessary.
3. Add Cheerios and stir gently, coating all Cheerios with marshmallow mixture.
4. Allow mixture to cool for 15 minutes, then form into balls. Place on parchment paper to cool.

So are you ready for school to start? Are the clothes and supplies bought? Or do you wait until the last minute?

The Denver Post recently ran a front page story on the changing world of teen books. In Teen lit gets steamy Books for youngsters tackling once-taboo topics, writer Cynthia J. Pasquale reports:

Such a plethora of books on adult subjects wouldn’t have been on shelves 20 years ago, says Suzi Fischer, who buys for the Bookies in Denver. "Sticky subjects like sex, abuse, gay relationships and drugs. Some publishers are pushing for the gritty subjects just because it gets noticed. But people are asking for it. … It’s needed in today’s world," where kids grow up much faster and get much of their information from television.

Before you ban your tween or teen from your local book store or library, Pasquale writes there’s already a backlash:

"Buyers and librarians are looking for a change, the ‘clean teen,’ where a character is more of a model for teens. Publishers are getting the message, and in the next year, we’re going to see some changes," say Judy Bulow, book buyer for the Tattered Cover.

Young people have first amendment rights and complete access to any book at a public library (see the American Library Association’s Bill of Rights.) Still parents must be aware of what kind of books their children are reading and checking out and what websites they’re viewing. Again, the ALA provides many resources for online safety.

The best thing you can do is talk to them in a non-threatening way about what they’re reading. Some examples are, "So what are you reading? How do you like it? Do you think that character made the best choice for themselves?"

Read what your kids are reading, and discuss the books with them. This is an ideal time to teach the moral values you believe in, and to tackle subjects like sex, drugs, growing up, and feelings. Bottom line - it’s all about talking, sharing, and keeping the lines of communication open between you and your child.

(Click here for YA novel reviews.)