One of the things I enjoy most about being an educator is that we have the summer off. I wonder sometimes how I would function if I had to work June – August. The best part for me is that I get to read more because I have more time. My goal this summer is to read 4 books – 2 for pleasure and 2 for growth. What are you reading this summer?

There are a plethora of reading programs, challenges, and activities to motivate children and adults alike to pick up a book.

Here are 5 opportunities for you to pick up a book or two for this summer season:

1. SYNC is a free summer audiobook program for teens 13+. Returning April 27, 2017 SYNC will give away two complete audiobook downloads a week – pairs of high interest titles, based on weekly themes. In 2016, 30 titles were given away over 15 weeks.

2. The Barnes & Noble Summer Reading program is available to students in grades 1-6. Visit Barnes and Noble summer reading program to download and print a reading journal. Bring the completed and signed reading journal into your local Barnes and Noble store through September 5. The free book is from a book list created by Barnes & Noble.

3. Books A Million (BAM)
This summer, whenever you read any 4 books from the Books-A-Million Summer Reading Challenge selection in-stores and online, you’ll receive a FREE Maze Runner series water bottle! Note that you must present the completed reading journal in-stores to receive the water bottle, while supplies last.

4. The DC Public Library’s Build a Better World Summer Reading challenge encourages all readers to explore books, resources and library services. Register and play online or pickup a game board at your neighborhood library. ( I live in the DMV so…yeah!)

5. Summer Reading Around the World is a free program by Arbordale Publishing that includes 25 interactive ebooks, a passport to reading and the opportunity to earn hardcover books. Children who read all 25 interactive ebooks will receive a free book and a reading award certificate! (Thanks to Washington Parent Magazine for this resource.)

BONUS! Check out #31DaysofBooks sponsored by IN THE LOOP Program of Success and Booked for Review! Lucky readers will win books during the month of July.

Want more? Here is a great article by Stacy Fisher that provides more summer programs that get kids reading.

Please share what you are reading on social media using hashtag #CCReads and any programs we missed. Enjoy!