Statistics show that one of the best ways to succeed in school is to read and read a lot. This year the summer reading program has changed from assigning specific books to asking that each student read as much as he or she can over the summer. The goal for the summer should be to read at least 10 books. Ten books is an A. More than ten books will be amply rewarded. Extra credit will be give to those students who can show proof of going to their local libraries.

 

All students needs to do is write down the name of the book, the number of pages, the names of the major character(s), and where and when the story took place, and have their parents sign off on each entry with the date the book was completed. Books over 500 pages are worth two! Read all kinds of stories: fantasy, historical fiction, adventure, science fiction, classics, thrillers, mysteries, biographies, etc! The students will have the chance to take the AR tests when they return to school, and they will be able to take their notes with them.

 

Students are not restricted to reading only new books. They may visit old friends. A Wrinkle in Time is a wonderful example of a book to revisit. Sorry, not the same book ten times! Talking to librarians is a great way to find books to read. Visiting bookstores is another. And don't forget online bookstores. They have the latest popular novels and old favorites and give excellent reviews along with basic book information.

 

Here are some books in my library: Nine Years Among the Indians, a true story of a boy from Fredericksburg, Texas who is captured by Apache Indians, Anne of Green Gables, the story of an independent redheaded orphan who goes to live on an island in Canada, The Yearling, the story of a poor Florida swap boy who raises a young deer, Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, two classics by Mark Twain about the adventures of two 19th century rascals from Missouri, Out of the Dust, written in blank verse about a girl living in the middle of the Oklahoma Dust Bowl, Julie of the Wolves, about a young runaway who lives with the wolves in the Yukon, two womderful dog stories written by Jack London: Call of the Wild and White Fang, and many more.

 

So, SSES Middle School Students, have a great summer and enjoy your many exciting adventures through books.

 

Mrs. Bambas

lisl@anvilcom.com (email me here if you have any questions.)