Today I visited two classes in a local middle school, where the 7/8th grade humanities teacher and I are working to enhance the summer reading program for the kids entering 8th grade next year. The program is simple–the teacher forms the conduit over the summer. She gets the books first, looks them over, and decides which books would fit best with which of her students. Members of my SCBWI chapter send me copies of their books or eBooks that go to her for initial review and assignment to students. Students sign up and make a commitment to read at least two of the books before mid-August. They have to write a review and a letter. The reviews will be posted on this blog, the letters will be sent to the authors. Kids who complete their assignments will be invited to an pizza party I will host, and we\’ll discuss the books. And some of them plan to join me in my disguise as b-writer, Camp NaNoWriMo.
Come fall, we plan to continue the program with author visits and class discussions.
Today one middle school, tomorrow…who knows.
Interested in having your YA book distributed to one of these teen readers? Make a comment and let me know. I\’ll be in touch.
Don\’t forget – May 31 is the last day for the Heroines of Color contest. Leave a comment for a chance to win.