LETTERS to Boomer

Dear Boomer,

For summer reading, I like the “I Survived” series. I like all of them!

Your friend, S.P. Boomer Bear, I would like to meet the lady who writes the “I Survived” books.

Young Reporter D.K.

Summer’s a great time to read, S.P. & D.K.!

The “I Survived” books are written by Lauren Tarshis. This series of realistic fiction started in 2010 with “I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912.” And her 22nd one is “I Survived the Wellington Avalanche, 1910.” The next one comes out in October about the Great Alaska Earthquake of 1964.

Drop by your nearest Pima Public Library branch to get reading trackers for your entire family for the summer learning program “All Together Now.” The goal is for everyone to read at least 20 minutes a day! Or your parent can register everyone online and track everyone’s reading times there: pimalibrary.azsummerreading.org/

Readers are winners, Boomer Bear

Hello, Boomer Bear!

School’s out, and I went to Rose Canyon Lake and caught crawfish.

Yours truly, L.B.

What a cool little escape, L.B.!

For those who don’t know about this little lake, it’s up in the Santa Catalina Mountains and part of the Coronado National Forest. While I don’t think you need a license to catch crawdads, if you plan on fishing for trout there, you will need a fishing license!

Enjoy, Boomer Bear

Hi, Boomer!

This summer, my family is going to the Hoover Dam and to London Bridge.

Your friend, I.W.

What fun, I.W. !

Two famous landmarks are just a car drive away.

Completed in 1936, the Hoover Dam is massive, holding back the Colorado River to create Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the United States. The dam is 721 feet tall, and when you walk on top of it, the views of the river and desert are unforgettable.

The London Bridge was originally built in the 1830s and spanned the Thames River. It was bought in 1968 and moved to Lake Havasu, AZ, and reopened in 1971.

Take some photos! Boomer Bear

Boomer Bear, This summer, I’d like to go to a Spanish dance camp and (also) a math and science camp.

Your friend, F.A. Great choices, F.A.!

I saw a great group of folklorico dancers perform in March at the Tucson Festival of Books. The colorful costumes, dance moves and lively music were amazing.

Summer is a great time to do more handson projects that explore subjects like math and science. I need to work on my math, too!

Enjoy, Boomer Bear Dear Boomer Bear, When were you created, and who made you?

Thank you, M.C.

Interesting question, M.C.! I was born almost a decade ago up in the northern reaches of Canada. But my parents moved us to sunny Arizona when I was still a cub. These days, I like to call myself the coolest polar bear in the desert! Your buddy, Boomer Bear

Hello, Boomer! Do you write any stories for Bear Essential News?

Sincerely, T.M.

Nice question, T.M.!

Answering my fan mail and giving advice here in “Letters to Boomer” is one of my favorite parts of my job here at the newspaper. Most of the stories are covered by my Young Reporters, but I do write some of the main features and News Highlights. But my main job is deciding what stories go into Bear Essential News each month. Readers are winners, Boomer Bear Boomer, This summer I’d like to attend the Girl Scouts camp again because it is fun!

Yours truly, S.B. Scout camps are a great choice, S.B.! This year, Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona is calling their camp “It’s in our nature—to camp!” You and your parents can find cool summer camps in my 2023 Summer Camp Guide online. Go to BearEssentialNews.com and look under Guides. Camps ROCK, Boomer Bear

Hello, Boomer

I like writing for other kids because I like writing for anyone about anything and I like reporting!

Young Reporter C.W.M.

My Young Reporters are SO GOOD!

And if you want to have a great time as you become a better writer and interviewer, join my free Young Reporters Program! With so many places to see and things to do, summer is a perfect time for kids in grades 3 thru 8 to join! Just mail in the sign-up form from BearEssentialNews.com.

Yours truly, Boomer Bear