SUMMER READING CHALLENGE

The Summer Reading Challenge is the largest UK reading promotion for young people aged 4–11 years and is organised by The Reading Agency. It is run in public libraries during the school holidays and each year takes a different theme (2005 The Reading Voyage; 2006 The Reading Mission; 2007 The Big Wild Read; 2008 Team Read and 2009 Quest Seekers). The Summer Reading Challenge challenges children to read at least six books during the summer holidays. Each year lively themes and graphics are chosen allowing libraries to explore new images, events, activities, and partnership opportunities. There are posters, banners, wall displays and display bins. The core package consists of invitations, collector folders, stickers, posters, banners, bookmarks and medals. Evaluation is proving that taking part makes a difference to children’s reading confidence, skill, enjoyment, and motivation.

Summer Reading Challenge 2009 - Quest Seekers

The 2009 Summer Reading Challenge will be the 11th annual challenge. We will be inviting children all over the UK to embark on a fantastical adventure and become a Questseeker. The theme is all about the power of the imagination. It will take young readers into a mysterious and wondrous land where they can discover the joy of reading and nurture a life-long love affair with books. It also promotes the library as a place of wonder and excitement, where librarians can offer children invaluable advice and guidance to help them through their quest. Research shows that the Summer Reading Challenge improves children's confidence and sends them back to school fired up and ready to learn. It is now the UK's biggest promotion of children's reading and attracts major partners like the BBC. This year there are three tasks: Firebird Rising, Mountain Mission and Dragon’s Lair. Each task involves reading two books and if all three tasks are completed the Quest Seeker retrieves the golden book and the quest is complete!

The British Council is running Quest Seekers in over 20 countries around the world. The book collections are selected to suit the needs of English language learners and include some titles related to the theme and some general titles.

The Booklists can be viewed and downloaded:

Quest Seekers Booklist Ages 4 to 6

Quest Seekers Booklist Ages 7 to 12

Summer Reading Challenge 2008 - Team Read

This summer, as sport is celebrated in so many forms at home and abroad, we wanted to make the link with reading. Like athletes in training, new readers need a little gentle encouragement to grow in confidence. With our medal system, Team Read breaks the Summer Reading Challenge up into achievable goals for young readers. All children can join in at their local library in the UK, and their coaches (the librarians) will help children maximise their reading potential. Research shows that children who take part in the Summer Reading Challenge return to school energised and eager to learn, often with a renewed enthusiasm for reading and all the advantages it offers.The aim of the Summer Reading Challenge is to get children to read six books from their local library over the summer holiday. Children are given a membership card and keep track of the books they read  on a special fold-out poster, collecting some fun stickers along the way. There are three stages to the challenge to this year: read two books and readers get a bronze medal sticker, read two more and you can claim a silver medal sticker, and read two more (ie six in total) and you can get your gold!

The Booklists can be viewed and downloaded:

Team Read Booklist Ages 4 to 6

Team Read Booklist Ages 7 to 12

How do I take part?

All you have to do is get down to your local library to pick up your folder and get started. Most libraries in the UK are taking part.

What books should I read?

You can read any books you like from your local library. You can read novels, fact books, joke books, picture books - anything you like! It really is up to you to make your own choices.

Do I get anything if I finish the challenge?

Most libraries give out certificates, and some libraries offer other incentives too. You'll have to check with yours to find out exactly what's on offer.

Be interactive!

As part of the project we will be using the enCompass webboard to discuss books in the Summer Reading Challenge. Anyone taking part in the challenge is free to add their comments to the board. We may be arranging chats between reading groups participating in the Summer Reading Challenge. Also all the books will be listed on the site with the option for you to add reviews.

The British Council Summer Reading Challenge is organised by Katie Jellicoe (2009).