Summer Reading

The Suggested Summer Reading Lists are lists of books that your children may enjoy.

The administrators, teachers and staff of the East Baton Rouge Parish School System encourage parents to read to and with their children each day during the summer vacation. The more children read, the better readers they become. In reading as in many other areas, practice makes a difference.

We encourage you to obtain a library card for your children at your local public library. Sign them up for the Summer Reading Club and visit the library often with your children. We recommend that your children read at least 10 books during the summer months. Children are encouraged to choose from the list for the grade they will enter in the fall.

Elementary Summer Reading

Tips for Parents of Elementary Children

Encourage your children to have fun with reading!

• Allow children to choose books that interest them while encouraging them to explore different authors, themes, and genres (biography, adventure, historical fiction, science fiction or fantasy, poetry, and others)
• For strong readers, choose books with an appropriate but stimulating reading level
• For reluctant readers, choose books they can read without difficulty while holding their interest
• Encourage children to read for a specified period of time every day (30 minutes to 1 hour) at a regular time
• Read with and to your children and talk to them about what they are reading
• Set aside a specific time for family reading
• Attend public library children’s programs

Reading Web Sites for Children and Parents

• Book Adventure-Kids Zone
• Story Place
• Guys Read
• Kids Read

Middle School Summer Reading

Tips for Parents of Middle Schoolers

Summer reading lists are provided to give students a variety of books to consider for reading in the summer. Some middle schools have required reading lists. Check with your child’s school to find out if they have one and to obtain a copy. Public libraries also have copies of most schools’ lists.

The need for encouragement and support in reading does not end when children leave elementary school. Middle school age students need encouragement from parents and/or other family members to continue reading and improving their skills. More reading leads to improvement in reading proficiency and greater proficiency leads to increased enjoyment of reading.

Make reading with or reading aloud to your children a fun part of your family’s day!

Reading Web Sites for Parents of Middle Schoolers

• Book Adventure—Kids Zone
• Bookhive
• Guys Read
• Kids Read
• Readers Club for Teens
• Teen Reads

What Can Families Do to Encourage Older Students to Read?

• Even older children enjoy a shared reading aloud of a good book.
• Ask your child to read something he/she enjoys aloud to you or to a younger child.
• Be a good role model. Let your tween or teen see you reading a newspaper, magazine, book or other materials, not just for information but also for enjoyment.
• Talk about good books you have read, even read portions of one aloud – but avoid demanding your child read a book just because you liked it.
• Take your tween to the public library regularly, and encourage her/him to use their school library.
• Encourage your teens to ask the young adult librarian for recommendations.
• Encourage your tweens to read other materials such as newspapers and magazines.
• Remember the primary purpose for summer reading is pleasure reading!
• Allow tweens and teens to choose books that interest them while encouraging them to explore different authors, themes, and genres. (biography, adventure, historical fiction, science fiction or fantasy, poetry, and others).
• Ask about a favorite part of the book or a favorite character and listen to comments on the book.
• Reluctant readers should choose books they can read without difficulty but will hold their interest.
• Encourage reading for a specified period of time every day (30 minutes to 1 hour) at a regular time. Accomplish this by setting aside for the entire family to read.
• Read some of the books your student is reading. Discussing a book is a great way to open a dialogue. You might be surprised how well written and enjoyable young adult literature is.
• Find out what the public libraries have to offer for teens in the summer and encourage your tweens and teens to get involved!