Written with the NPES Literacy Coach, this is a list of authors students may enjoy checking out this summer, as well as a great list of websites and resources for summer learning!
1. Summer Reading and Learning
We know you have heard it – summer reading is important! But, you may wonder, why is it
so important? Loss of reading skills during the summer months, also known as the “summer
slide,” is cumulative. This means that it can take longer to catch up and get back in the
swing of things when the new school year starts and summer reading losses add up. By fifth
grade, summer reading loss can leave students who do not read in the summer, 2 ½ - 3
years behind their peers who do read during the summer months. Let’s not forget the other
obvious benefits we know about reading – reading often improves vocabulary,
comprehension, and overall reading skills and fluency. Check out this list of authors and
illustrators to explore, as well as resources, websites, and incentives to motivate your NPE
lion(s) to read this summer so he/she won’t experience the summer slide!
Questions?
Contact Brenda Weeks, Literacy Coach (bweeks@lexington1.net) or
Valerie Byrd Fort, School Librarian (vfort@lexington1.net)
AUTHORS AND ILLUSTRATORS
Tedd Arnold
Avi
Brod Bagert
Phil Bildner
Sophie Blackall
Peter Brown
Eric Carle
Sharon Creech
Nina Crews
Christopher Paul Curtis
Rahl Dahl
Tomie DePaola
Kate DiCamillo
Gail Gibbons
Kevin Henkes
Matthew and Jennifer Holm
*Babymouse and Squish!
James Howe
Steve Jenkins *Animal Non-fiction!
Oliver Jeffers
Ezra Jack Keats
Jeff Kinney*Author of Diary of a Wimpy Kid series
Jon Klassen
Jarrett J. Krosoczka
*Author of Lunch Lady Graphic Novels
Brain Lies
Leo Lionni
Megan McDonald
*Author of the Judy Moody and Stink books
Robert Munsch
Gary Paulsen
Lincoln Peirce *Big Nate series
Dav Pilkey *VERY FUNNY!
Patricia Polacco
Jack Prelutsky *Funny poet!
Cynthia Rylant
Louis Sachar
Jon Scieszka
David Shannon
Mo Willems
Seymour Simon
Charles R. Smith, Jr.
Jerry Spinelli
*You can ask the librarians at the public library for
more suggestions*!
RESOURCES, WEBSITES, AND INCENTIVES
Lexington County Public Library Summer Reading Program
The Lexington County Public Library has a summer reading program for all ages (0-adults)!
Elementary school children can work towards a final prize that includes a “gold” medal. This
program runs from June 1st-July 31st. The kick-off for the summer reading program is June 7th from
3-6pm at the main branch of the library, located at 5440 Augusta Road. Call 803-785-2600 for
additional information.
Reading and Math Camps at Pleasant Hill Elementary
Students entering grades 1st-6th in August 2017 will use critical math and reading skills, participate
in hands-on activities, and create projects and take-home games while preparing for next
school year in this enrichment camp. The AM session will be from 9 AM – 12 PM with a lunch
layover (for an additional $20 for the week) and reading will be the PM session from 1-4 PM. This
camp will run from June 19th-22nd and the cost is $85 per session. Please contact Jennifer Jones
(jjones@lexington1.net) or Debra Dele Crews (ddcrews@lexington1.net) with any questions.
Please register for this camp by Friday, May 26th.
2. Storyfest at the South Carolina State Museum
Storyfest is the kick-off for South Carolina public libraries annual summer reading program. It is a
free family event for adults and children statewide, devoted to reading, literacy, and storytelling.
Each year a different theme is celebrated, the theme for 2017 is “Build a Better World!” Two
award-winning children’s authors will headline, storytellers, face painters and other entertainers
will engage attendees during the day. Storyfest takes place at the SC State Museum on Gervais
Street in Columbia, on Saturday, June 3rd.
Chuck E. Cheese Summer Reading Program
Read 14 books for 14 days and get 10 free tokens. Visit https://www.chuckecheese.com/deals-
offers/rewards-calendars to print off a reading rewards calendar for your child(ren).
TD Bank Summer Reading Program
Children in grades K-5 can read 10 books and record them on a summer reading log. The log
can be then taken to the nearest TD bank and TD Bank will deposit $10 in a new or existing
Young Saver Account. Visit or call your local TD Bank for more information or to obtain the
reading log.
Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Program
Children read any eight books, record them on a Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Journal
and tell their favorite part and why. Take the completed journal to a Barnes and Noble store to
claim a free book. A list of featured books that children can claim is listed on the back of the
journal. Our nearest Barnes and Noble is located at Richland Fashion Mall 3400 Forest Drive
Columbia, SC 29204.
Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge
This is a free online reading program. It runs from May 8th – September 8th. The schools with the
most minutes logged will win a special prize. Visit
https://www.scholastic.com/summer/2017/index.htm for more information.
Book Adventure
Visit bookadventure.com to explore free, fun ways to motivate children to read. This site offers
book suggestions, kids can read the books offline and then come back to this site to take quizzes
on the books and earn prizes.
Clemson University Summer Reading Program
Clemson University is offering several summer reading programs for both children and adults
based on individual needs across fiction and non-fiction materials. Classes are held in locations
throughout South Carolina. For fees, other information, or to enroll, call 1-800-964-8888.
Reading Rockets
Reading Rockets is a national multimedia project that offers a wealth of research-based reading
strategies, lessons, and activities designed to help young children learn how to read and read
better. Our reading resources assist parents, teachers, and other educators in helping struggling
readers build fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension skills. Check out www.readingrockets.org
Book It! Summer Reading
The Pizza Hut Book It! program has an excellent website with information about summer reading,
including printables, book activities, and book lists. Check it out at
www.bookitprogram.com/summer/