Need some help motivating the kids to read over the summer months? Participating in a Summer Reading Program might provide just the right incentive to keep the kids reading during those hot summer days — on car trips, at the beach, by the pool, on indoor afternoons. Here’s a roundup of such programs in the Austin area…
— H‑E‑Buddy Summer Reading Club
Children who are residents of Texas and between the ages of 3‑12, are invited to participate in this annual reading program. Kids simply have to read ten books and record them on a reading log (adult initials required by each). Once the log is complete, you can mail in the form (by October 1, 2019) to receive a free t-shirt. Click here for more details and the mailing address.
— BookPeople’s 5 Book Dive Summer Challenge
BookPeople believes that there is nothing better to do on a lazy summer day than to dig into a great book. Kids are asked to read 5 books, any books of their choice, and record them on the Reading Log (found here). BookPeople will reward kids with a $5 gift certificate for being such awesome readers! (This will be an e-code that you are able to use to shop their website, bookpeople.com.
— Austin Public Library Summer Reading Program
Kids can keep a traditional summer reading log to record the books they read from June through August to earn a free virtual badge upon completion. Or kids can opt for a Quest Log in which they complete several at-home literacy-inspired creative activities. The library has loads of virtual fun for all ages all summer long, including streaming story times and activities. For more information, click here.
— Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program
Students in grades 1-6 can earn a free book by reading eight books this summer. They just need to record them in the summer reading journal and bring the completed journal to a B&N between July 1 – August 31, 2020 to receive a free book from their in-store selection.
— Half Price Books “Feed Your Brain” Summer Reading Program
The Feed Your Brain program has gone virtual this year, with kids sharing their reading logs on social media for a chance to win prizes. Kids are simply asked to read for 15 minutes a day in June and July. Visit the website for more details.
Need some ideas on what to read this summer? Below you’ll find lists of books that can help inspire engaging conversations about how to best support our Black community.
Children’s Books About Racism & Social Justice:
— Black Pearl Books is an independent bookstore in Austin that has posted a wonderful Reading List for Helping Children Understand Racism, Diversity, and Inclusion on their website. Plus, you can order your titles directly from this minority-woman-owned bookshop to show your local support.
— BookPeople, a favorite Austin book store, has put together an An Antiracist Reading List for Young Readers that focuses on books recommended for ages 0-12. You can find their suggested reading list for teens here and for adults here.
— The Conscious Kid works with organizations, children’s museums, schools, and families across the country to promote access to children’s books centering on underrepresented and oppressed groups. Check out their list of list of 25 children’s books celebrating Black boys as well as the list they helped curate on the EmbraceRace website of 31 Children’s books to support conversations on race, racism and resistance.
— Common Sense Media offers several helpful reading lists including a full list of Coretta Scott King Book Award Winners, Books with Characters of Color, and Books About Racism and Social Justice.
In addition to the Austin Public Library’s program, all area libraries offer their own reading incentives during the summer months. Please check with your local branch to inquire about their programs.
Happy reading!