Summer is almost here, and you’re likely already thinking about how to keep your child engaged over the coming months. Reading is not only fun, but also offers benefits, including improving vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking skills. 

To help you make the most out of summer reading, we're sharing this summer reading challenge checklist and reading recommendations from our staff below.  

Summer Reading Checklist Challenge

We’re challenging our community to read, read, read this summer! Complete your reading challenge by checking off as many of these ten items as you can. Want to share your child’s summer reading progress? Post a photo of them reading this summer and use the hashtag #kippnjbookworm. Don’t forget to tag us (@kippnj)!   

Read…

• a book about a fantasy world
• outside
• in the car or on a bus
• a comic book
• a book that's also a movie
• to a pet or stuffed animal
• a book by flashlight
• a book with a one-word title
• a science book
• a book set in a different country

Summer Reading Recommendations to Get Started!

For Elementary Students

…From Quiana Drummond, KIPP SPARK Academy Teacher 

• Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborne
• My Weird School Series by Dan Gutman
• Jigsaw Jones Mysteries Series by James Preller

For Middle School Students

…From Crystal Peralta (Assistant School Leader, KIPP Hatch Middle School) and Karen Bonnano (English Teacher, KIPP Lanning Square Middle)

• Wonder by RJ Palacio
• Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo
• Piecing Me Together by Renee Watson

For High School Students 

…From Charles Ware, KIPP High School Principal

• Notes of a Native Son by James Baldwin
• Just Mercy By Brian Stevenson
• Code Girls By Lisa Mundy