Sometimes those lists of books given to students to read over the summer aren’t just suggestions. In some instances, school districts require students to read a certain number of books during the summer break. For instance, in Dobbs Ferry, students entering sixth grade must read at least three books, including one from a prepared list. Older students are also given reading assignments.

While the lazy days of summer make it easy to overlook these requirements, schools often ask students to write a paper on a book or to answer questions in class when the school year starts. In some instances, the book ties into the curriculum for a class, so blowing it off reading could affect a student’s grade.

If a reading list was somehow “lost,” chances are a copy can be found on a district’s website or even picked up at a school or district office. The state also promotes a summer reading program through local libraries that could have suitable alternatives if that “lost” list can’t be found.

Either way, with just six weeks left in the summer break, students better get crackin!

UPDATE: Read about the Westchester Library System’s summer reading program here and download “Catch The Reading Bug,” a fun supplement with reading suggestions and games that Newspaper In Education published in conjunction with the library system.

(Photo by Kathy Gardner)