Summer Reading - 2026

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FWE Summer Reading Challenge!
Gear Up for the 2026-2027 School Year

Keep your mind sharp, your imagination wild, and dive into a great book this summer!

Find your upcoming grade level below to see your required summer reading book. Happy reading!!

Coming Soon.

Summer readin􀀁 is an important way to keep your students reading and growing! While this is optional, we encourage all of you to open a book and read, read, read at least three days a week! Color in these activities as you complete them to complete the summer challenge! Turn this log in when you return to school for a "cool" summer prize. Send pictures in through ParentSquare or to jennifer.sanders@rcsd.ms.

Check out the Florence and Brandon Public Libraries for some great book options. Let's see those pictures of all the fun reading!

• Read a book recommended by a friend.
• Visit your local library to check out a new book.
• Read aloud to a friend or family member. 
• Sketch a memorable scene from a book. 
• Send in a picture of you reading a summer reading books! 
• Read a book in the dark with a flashlight. 
• Read a nonfiction book about a topic you like. 
• Make a list of 5 books you want to read. 
• Read a book outside for 20 minutes. 

Summer reading provides students with opportunities to practice using reading skills throughout the summer break.  Research shows that students who do not continue reading throughout the summer break can possibly regress two reading levels by the time they begin the next school year.   

Entering 1st Graders

Each student should read the following books over the summer.

Any of the Just a Little Critter Collection- Mercer Mayer

The Very Hungry Caterpillar- Eric Carle

The Very Grouchy Lady Bug- Eric Carle

No David- David Shannon

David Goes to School- David Shannon

Too Many Toys- David Shannon

Pete the Cat- Eric Litwin

Entering 2nd Graders

Rising 2nd graders should be reading at least an I level book.  Each student should choose at least one of the following books to read over the summer.

Second Grade Rules- Abby Klein

Mercy Watson- Kate DiCamillo

Any of the A to Z Mysteries Series- Ron Roy

Any of the Who Would Win Series- Jerry Pallotta

Entering 3rd Graders

Rising 3rd graders should be reading at least a M level book.  Each student should read the following book over the summer.

Third Grade Angels– Jerry Spinelli

Entering 4th Graders

Each student should read the following book over the summer.

Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing by Judy Blume

Entering 5th Graders

Each student should read one of the following books over the summer.

Frindle – Andrew Clements

Statistics show that students who continue reading across the summer break have an easier time transitioning back into school in August. Those who do not continue reading throughout the summer can possibly regress two reading levels. Also, skills are less likely to be lost for students who read than those students who never read over the summer. In response to this, we are asking that all of our students continue on their reading journey during the summer months.

Participating students should read the required number of books listed below and complete the book log. Please see attached book recommendations for ideas on appropriate text level for each grade. We would love to receive a photo of you reading in your favorite spot this summer! We will post these pictures on our social media accounts to promote summer reading. Pictures can be emailed to Kristen.langerman@rcsd.ms.

Summer reading is not mandatory, but highly encouraged. A special reward will be given when we return to school for students who meet the requirements listed for their appropriate grade level.

This year, for grades 3-5, we recommend choosing a book on your “average reading level” as indicated below. For grades K – 2, we are suggesting that your child choose books appropriate to his or her reading level and ability. Talk with your child’s teacher if you have questions about what reading level is appropriate for them. It is easy to find out the level of most books by going to https://www.arbookfind.com/ and entering in the title of the book. When the book is found in the search you will be given the “BL” number (see the picture below). This BL will indicate the level of the book and you can use the correlation chart below to find if the book is appropriate for your child’s reading level.

Go to ARBookFind

RECOMMENDED READING

Entering Kindergarten = 5 Picture Books
Entering 1st Grade = 10 Picture Books
Entering 2nd Grade = 10 Picture Books or 1 Chapter Book
Entering 3rd Grade = 2 Chapter Books (average reading level is 3.5-5.0)
Entering 4th Grade = 2 Chapter Books (average reading level is 4.5-6.0)
Entering 5th Grade = 2 Chapter Books (average reading level is 4.5-6.0)

Coming Soon.

Ride the wave of a new book and avoid the summer slide. A few minutes a day is all it takes!

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Please give this log to your child’s teacher no later than Friday, August 7th. Students who complete a summer reading log will be invited to Popsicles with the Principal. Don’t forget to share pictures of your Reading Ranger on social media all summer long. Be sure to tag @Richlandele AND use the hashtag #ReadingRangers26 so we can follow your summer reading adventures. Happy reading, Little Rangers! ☺ S

tudent’s Name: __________________________________________

Teacher’s Name: __________________________________________

Grade: (circle). Pre-K  |  K  |  1  |  2

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