Community Voices for Health

By:  Jessica DiRamio

Summer Reading Programs for Kids in MA

School’s either out or just about to end for your kids.  Have they received their summer reading assignments from school yet?  Mine have and as much as both of my school-age girls like to read, there’s something about being required to read that makes them want to run far away from the books.  I’ve compiled a list of reading programs specifically for students in Massachusetts, as well as a few open to any student in the U.S.  Most of these include some sort of an incentive (read: bribe) to get those kids to read!

MA Public Libraries:  Check with your local library, or through the MA summer reading program’s website for details on the various programs available.

Barnes & Noble: Read 8 books, turn in the journal at any store and receive a free book.  More details found on the B&N website.

Borders, Borders Express & Walden Books:  Read 10 books, turn in the form by August 27, 2011 and receive a free book from their list of books.  More details can be found on the Borders site.  Open to children 12 and under.

Pottery Barn Kids:  Read books from their Caldecott Medal & Honor Book list by August 31, 2011 and your child will receive a free book.  More details found on PBKids online.  Note:  the form must be brought into the PBKids store, located at the Chestnut Hill Mall.  Open to children 10 and under.

TD Bank: Read 10 books and get $10 deposited into a new or existing Young Savers account.  Additional details found on the TD Bank site.

Dependable Cleaners:  Each book read, gains entry into a contest to win a bicycle! The more they read, the more entries they receive, which equals better chances to win that bike!  Open to kids ages 6-15.  Details and contest rules available on the Dependable Cleaners site.

Now get them reading!  With incentives like these, there’s no excuse!