Keep up reading over the summer!

Dear Parents,

            In response to several requests, I would like to make you aware of resources available to help your student maintain and improve their reading abilities over the summer.

            Scholastic has just put together a book recommendation search engine called Book Wizard, which allows books to be searched for by similarity of content and grade level: http://bookwizard.scholastic.com/tbw/homePage.do

            You can also search for books based on your child’s reading level or find a book’s level from the title: http://www.lexile.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?view=ed&tabindex=5&tabid=67

Average lexile levels:

            Grade 4 – 600 – 900

            Grade 5 – 700 – 1000

            Grade 6 – 800 – 1050

            Grade 7  - 850 - 1100

            The Austin Public Library is also holding their annual summer reading program, with an award for meeting your reading goal!  Information can be found through the Youth Services section of their website. http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/library/downloads/bridge2008summer.pdf

 1. Beginning June 1, pick up a reading log at your local Austin Public Library Branch.

2. Decide how many books you plan to read this summer, and write your goal on your log (if you're not reading yet, have your grown-up make a plan and read to you - that counts, too!).

3. Read.

4. Record your titles (along with your opinions about them) on your reading log. If you fill up your reading log, come on back and pick up another.

5. Bring your completed Reading Log to your local library by August 31 and choose a book to keep!

You're welcome to complete as many reading records as you want to, but one book-to-keep per reader, please.