The Traverse Area District Library is working towards the goal of maintaining kids reading levels over the summer by implementing reading programs the whole family can participate in. Cathy Lancaster, Coordinator of Youth Services at TADL says, “the library wants adults modeling reading to their kids.” TADL offers programs for infants all the way up to adults. The Youth Services Department created a “Read to Me” program for younger children up to three years old to introduce early literacy skills such as phonological awareness, narrative skills, letter knowledge and vocabulary.
The theme at TADL this summer is all about superheroes, and creating a fun atmosphere to motivate young readers. The Library is offering all sorts of superhero fun; photo booths, a gotham wall, superhero decor and costumes.
Another way youth can get involved with TADL’s summer programs is by reporting on 6 or more books or activities. “Research has shown that kids maintain their reading level if they read at least 6 books over the summer,” notes Lancaster. Those who finish 6 or more books and activities will earn a super cool summer reading club t-shirt and entry into the grand prize drawing held at the finale, August 12th at Hull Park.
There are many fun summer TADL programs for kids to participate in. Here are a few of TADL’s weekly programs.
Tell-A-Tail, Mondays: children are encouraged to practice reading aloud to TADL’s kind and gentle therapy dogs.
Superhero Training Camp, Tuesdays: kids ages 4 to 8 are invited to come in to TADL to make superhero gear, learn superhero tricks and take away new reading adventures.
Stories in the Garden, Wednesdays: families bring their blankets and lunch to join TADL in the garden for stories and more.
Heroes in Our Community, Thursdays: kids can learn all about real heroes and meet them during story and craft time.
Are you looking for the perfect summer reading list for your child or teenager? Motivate your kids with great reads from this list of book recommendations from the Traverse Area District Library Youth Services Department.
Top 5 Youth Summer Reading Suggestions
The Book with No Pictures by B.J. Novak—A #1 New York Times bestseller is a funny read aloud. This book forces the reader to say every silly word.
Mr. Tiger Goes Wild by Peter Brown—This book teaches its readers that there’s a time and place for everything..even going wild. This summer read is about a tiger who’s bored with his proper behavior, and sets out to discover his true nature.
Ten Rules of Being A Superhero by Deb Pilutti—Captain Magma and his trusty sidekick, Lava Boy teach young readers all about becoming a good superhero.
Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales; Treaties, Trenches, Mud And Blood by Nathan Hale—A true-life tale about World War I. Hale gives his hazardous twist making it funny, informative and easy to understand some of the most well-known battles of the infamous war.
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson—In a series of eloquent poems, Jacqueline Woodson tells the story of her childhood and what it was like to grow up as an African American in the 1960s and 1970s.
Top 5 Teen Summer Reading Suggestions
Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard— A #1 New York Times bestseller about a sweeping tale of a seventeen-year-old common girl whose magical powers draw her into the dangerous plot of the king’s palace.
Ice War by Brian Falkner—For kids who love Halo and Call of Duty, this is it! In this sci-fi military thriller, Team Recon Angel must stop the alien invasion across the frozen Bering Strait, or all of humanity will be lost.
The Walls Around Us by Nova Ren Suma—An intense story about two ballet dancers and best friends, Orianna and Violet. Violet is murdered and Orianna is accused of the crime and sent to juvenile detention where she meets a girl and starts experiencing supernatural events linking the two girls together.
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaar Tahir—The first book in an exhilarating fantasy adventure series, An Ember in the Ashes is about the power of hope in the face of oppression. A seventeen-year old Laila is a scholar living under the rule of the Martial Empire until her brother is arrested for treason, and she decides to go undercover as a slave to help save him. Â
We All Looked by Tommy Wallach—In this contemporary novel, four high school seniors put their hopes and heart on the line as an asteroid heads toward Earth.
For more information and to learn about other special events this summer, visit Traverse Area District Library Youth and Teen Department.Â