Hot Take: Summer Reading Lists and Schools

 

This is my personal hot take - after 10 years as a Young Adult Librarian and 10 years as a Children's and Young Adult Librarian.

Schools should assign summer reading. 

It can be as simple as read any two books of the student's choice.

And the project due could be as easily graded as a check mark. 

* A short review: What did you like about the book. What did you not like? What would you change?

 * Create something based on the book.

* Write a letter to the author (send or not)

We all know about the Summer Slide - this would help students.

But also, it would help public libraries. And let's be honest, we need help right now. Having a summer reading assignment gives families another reason to come into the library and check out books. Once they're at the library, they'll hear about all the awesome programs we have going on in the summer. They might attend a program. They might find new books that they enjoy. They might come back.

I'ved worked at four different libraries in my career and only one of them had a school with summer reading assignments. 

If your child isn't a huge reader, talk to the librarians. They can recommend books your child might enjoy. Honestly recommending books is one my favorite parts of the job. Connecting books to kids is so important, especially right now.

Let the readers pick books they're interested in. It's summer and they should be allowed to choose. Choosing gives them control and therefore more enjoyment. Let them read audio books, graphic novels, novels, nonfiction.... anything they choose. 

And as parents, make sure they are seeing you read too! It's super important to model behavior. They're not going to want to read if they never see you reading. You are their first influencer. 

Get yourself to the library. Get a library card if you need one. And start checking out books. Make reading and going to the library a habit. See what your library has to offer - it's not just about books anymore!