Summer Reading
Include Reading in Your Summer Fun!
Research shows summer break away from school can cause students, especially struggling learners, to experience "summer slide" or some loss of what they've learned over the school year. We're launching a summer reading initiative to encourage students and parents to keep reading. Be sure to share what your child is reading, no matter the grade level. You can even post a photo of your child reading, a mini-book review from your child, or just kudos from you for completing a book! Post on your Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and be sure to use #NSDsummerreading.
Scholastic suggests three easy strategies:
- Six books to summer success - Research shows that reading just six books during the summer may keep a struggling reader from regressing. When choosing the six, be sure that they are just right — not too hard and not too easy.
- Encourage your child to take advantage of every every opportunity to read - Find opportunities throughout the day.
- Keep reading aloud - Reading aloud benefits all children and teens, especially those who struggle. One benefit is that you can read books your child can't, so she will build listening comprehension skills with grade-level and above books.
Reading Lists
Association for Library Service to Children
The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) is the world's largest organization dedicated to the support and enhancement of library service to children. From creative programming and best practices to continuing education and professional connections—ALSC members are innovators in the field of children's library service.
- Birth to Preschool ALSC Summer Reading List
- Grades K-2 ALSC Summer Reading List
- Grades 3-5 ALSC Summer Reading List
- Grades 6-8 ALSC Summer Reading List
We Are Kid Lit Collective
Early in 2015, Edith Campbell invited a handful of colleagues who share a passion for children, literacy and diversity to work with her on a Summer Reading list for We the People (We Are Kid Lit). She invited them to suggest titles they had read and wanted to recommend. As conversations took place, the focus of the list became clear. They realized they needed to read closely to identify microaggressions, cultural misappropriation or examples that negated the struggle for social justice and inclusion. They wanted to create a list of books that they would be comfortable to put in any child’s hands.
Scholastic
According to the Scholastic Kids & Family Reading Report™: 7th Edition, 77% of kids ages 6–17 and 94% of parents believe reading books over the summer helps kids during the school year. The Scholastic Read-a-Palooza Summer Reading Challenge is a free program designed to be both educational and fun to help prevent the effects of the summer slide—the learning losses that can occur during the summer months. Over the course of 18 weeks, kids can enter their summer reading minutes online, unlocking digital rewards as they complete weekly reading challenges; and access book excerpts, videos, and other summer-exclusive content.
Community Reading Programs
King County Library System
King County Library System offers a variety of events, programs and reading lists to keep you reading all through summer!
Sno-Isle Libraries
At Sno-Isle Libraries, children can take advantage of one of their many free library programs that build skills for school success and spark curiosity--plus they're FUN!
Barnes & Noble
Read eight books and complete the Barnes and Noble summer reading log to earn a free book.
Half Price Books
Read for 300 minutes in June and July to earn Bookworm Bucks to use at Half Price Books.
Third Place Books
Visit any Third Place Books and pick up this year's Summer Reading Passport. Use the passport to keep track of the books you read. For every book you read, you'll receive a stamp. Collect stamps to win prizes.
University Book Store
Read books and earn prizes. Sign up at your nearest University Book Store location.