Roslyn Public Schools
Summer Reading Lists
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Dear Parents,
"Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body."
—Joseph Addison
Summer is a time for relaxation and reflection, for processing the lessons learned during the year and for the anticipation of lessons to come. It is also a time when we put a great deal of effort into strengthening our bodies through exercise and play. But it is a perilous time as well; according to one prominent study, the average student, returning to school in September has lost the equivalent of 1.0 to 2.6 months of previous learning—in effect, erasing this amount of learning from their mind. It is important, then, to view the summer reading program as a crucial form of exercise for our students' minds. Regardless of what educational and vocational paths a child takes, reading is one of the most important habits that a person can develop, and is a habit shared by most high achievers. While the major assessments and coursework that help determine those paths may seem a long way off, especially for students still in middle school, the seeds of top performance must be planted and nurtured early in a student’s educational career.
Therefore, you will find below the new 2010 Summer Reading Lists with specific instructions for the grade level your child will be entering in September. We ask that you assist your child in selecting the required book(s) and that you encourage your child to read beyond the minimum requirement. There are many ways to encourage reading. You might get together with the parents of your child’s friends and plan a fun activity which the children could share after they have read and discussed the book. Perhaps you could make the book discussion part of an activity—a sleepover, or a day at the beach. You might offer an incentive for your child to read beyond the required number of books. These are just a few ideas to get started, but I'm sure your family can think of others.
Children tend to place the most value on what they see their role models spending the most time on. If you want them to become avid readers, then they have to see you reading. Many of the books on our lists—especially the 11th and 12th grade lists—are appropriate for the adult reader as well. All the lists are published here on our district website for your perusal. If you prefer a new bestseller or a suggestion from the librarian, that's great, too! It's important that your children begin to see reading as an enjoyable and valuable experience that adults have, and not just an activity that is forced upon students.
Whatever books you choose, may you enjoy them in the peace and tranquility of the beautiful summer days to come.
Sincerely,
Josh Cabat
English Department Chairperson