As the end of the school year approaches, school media specialists and teachers are equipping their students with lists of books to read over the summer break. Meanwhile, public librarians are prepping for their busiest season. From audiobook classics to DIY fun, the following is a compilation of tools that can be used in the summer months (or even throughout the year). SLJ’s summer reading resources page will be updated continuously. Feel free to add your summer reading suggestions in the comments section below.
From the experts
Need a reminder about why Summer Reading Programs are an essential part of the public library’s mission? Carole Fiore and Susan Roman’s extensive study proves that they boost student achievement.
The significant decline in reading skills many students experience over the summer is no secret, but it’s particularly damaging for children in low-income neighborhoods. Curriculum Connections columnist Alicia Eames reviews Richard L. Allington and Anne McGill-Franzen’s The Summer Slide and the Rich/Poor Achievement Gap. In an interview with coauthor Richard L. Allington, Eames delves deeper into this important issue.
A new twist on summer reading
Some kids may not want to run at the sight of a book cover, and audiobooks just might be the thing to keep them interested. Listen In authors Sharon Grover and Lizette Hannegan have just the thing to beat the summer wipeout. For film buffs, librarians can easily pair audiobooks and films to spark discussion and writing.
For more, visit our Summer Reading resources page.
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