Summer Reading 2013

 Ahhh.....the lazy days of summer are almost upon us.  That means lots of time to soak up some really great reads. With so many amazing books written for children it's hard to know where to dive in first.  Picture books, chapter books, graphic novels, informational books, biographies, the list goes on. Summer allows children an opportunity to engage in reading for pleasure as they explore various genres and navigate their way towards the books and stories that bring them the most pleasure.  

Beyond the sheer joy, there are also many benefits to summer reading that support student learning and prevent a loss in reading abilities while away from school.  Access to reading materials (think public library) and time spent engaging with text are the most critical components to ensure children don't suffer reading loss over the summer months.  Click here to read an article on how to make summer reading effective for your child.  You can also get some useful parent tips about summer reading here.

Below you will find resources for families to take advantage of this summer to support the summer reading habit with your child.  From national book challenges to local programs at the public library there is something for everyone.  You will also find book lists, read-alikes and more that will be helpful as you navigate the world of children's literature with your child.

Summer Reading Programs: 

 Chapel Hill Public Library Reading Program 

How can you resist staying away from the newly renovated Chapel Hill Public Library and the enchanted forest that was created for children and youth?  This summer's reading theme is "Dig Into Reading" and kicks off on June 1. To find out more about all the fun  happening at the library this summer from performances to reading clubs click here.  And for even more fun - check out this song written by Randy Sauer to go along with the 2013 reading theme. 

Scholastic Reading Challenge

Participate in the Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge and Read for the World Record!  The Scholastic Summer Challenge is a free reading program dedicated to stopping the “Summer Slide” and encouraging kids to read every day this summer. Now in its seventh year, the Summer Challenge invites kids to log the minutes they spend reading as they Read for the World Record. The top school with the most minutes read/logged will win a school visit from Dav Pilkey, the bestselling author of the Captain Underpants series. The top 20 schools with the most minutes logged will receive recognition in the 2014 Scholastic Book of World Records. The top 20 schools (along with the top school in every state) will also receive a “Reading Plaque” to display at school and a badge for their websites.  How awesome would it be for Northside to be one of the top reading schools?!!  Click here to sign up and begin logging those minutes. 


Barnes and Noble Summer Reading: Imagination's Destination

Each summer Barnes and Noble holds a special summer reading promotion in which children can earn free books.  With two locations nearby at New Hope Commons and Southpoint Mall, it's a quick and easy way to support the summer reading habit while also getting more books in your child's hand.  The New Hope Commons location will host a Summer Reading Kick-off Party on Friday, June 14 at 7pm.  Author Edward Kemp will be discussing his new book about a boy wizard called Woodard's Crest!  To learn more about this program click here.

And.....mark your calendars - Northside Elementary School will be holding an in-store bookfair and "Think Fun" game day at the New Hope Commons Barnes and Noble on Saturday, July 20.  NES will receive a portion of the money raised from sales to spend on our school and classroom libraries.  More information will be provided at a later date.  

We Give Books: Read For My Summer

We give books is committed to combing the joy of reading while helping others.  By simply signing up for a free online account, users have access to hundreds of free digital books.  Many popular titles are included and the best part about the program is every time a user logs on and reads a book, a print book is donated to someone in need around the world.  Currently, they are sponsoring a "Read for My Summer" campaign.  This campaign highlights a special book for parents and children to read online from the We Give Books library every week, along with fun activities and reading tips to make each book come to life, including custom activities from Read Write Think. This free 10-week program helps parents, schools and libraries offer children an exciting online reading experience, while helping to share books with public libraries in the US.  To learn more visit www.wegivebooks.org


BookLists and More: 

  

The CHCCS librarians have compiled suggested reading lists by grade level if you are looking for book titles that kids are sure to love.  To access these lists click on the grade range below that your child will be entering this fall.

K-1     2-3      3-5     Middle School

You may also want to check out the "Just Right" booklists I created for students.  These lists were created to give students suggestions based on their "just right" book level.  Click here to access these lists. 

Scholastic has published recommended reading lists by age range.  Each lists designates titles based on the following: read aloud, recommended for reluctant reader, nonfiction, available in Spanish, available as an e-book, series book, award winning, and Common Core Standards ready.  To view these book lists click here. 

Finally, check out the library's Pinterest page and follow us if you are a "pinner" to find more great information about summer reading and book recommendations.  Information will be continuously added throughout summer and school year.

With lots to keep you busy this summer I hope you find time each day to read, relax and laugh a little.  Have an enjoyable and fun summer and we look forward to seeing you in August! Happy Reading!