Questions?

Here are some answers to some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Why do we have a list?

• To build a community around shared experiences
• Because too much choice is HARD!

How many books should I read? 

A minimum of TWO - but read more than that if you can!

1. ONE from the list for your grade
2. ONE graphic novel of your choice

Can I listen to an audiobook?

The short answer is: YES!* 

* but...we prefer that you also read along if possible

Can I make a different choice?

• If you work with a teacher (special education, English Language Learner, reading/literacy teacher, summer school teacher) who asks you to make a specific choice or tells you to read something else this summer, that is your summer reading.
• If you are entering grade 6, you may also choose from the grade 7/8 list
• If you are entering grade 7, you may also choose from the grade 5/6 list
• If you are entering grade 8, you may also choose one of these books from the Mass Teen Choice Book nominee list.

Of course, once. you read one of these and your graphic novel,  you are free to read anything else you enjoy. We strongly encourage that!

Why should I read this summer? I'm busy!

There are 9 weeks of summer vacation - about 63 days. You have plenty of time to read. If you will be away a lot, we recommend that you purchase your summer reading book and bring it with you. Most books are in paperback and often cost around $10.

It's important to keep reading all summer! Here are some good reasons.

• Fun & cheap entertainment - you can get a book for free from the library or buy one for a low price (around $10) and it'll keep you entertained for hours! Books are very portable too. 
• Keeps your brain in shape - Summer learning loss is real. Kids who read regularly over the summer will start the next school year ready to learn. If you stayed on the couch all summer you wouldn't be ready to success on the cross-country team would you? Give your brain some exercise and you'll find the next school year easier to ease into.
• Makes you calmer & nicer - Many studies show that people who read, especially fiction, are more empathetic, and well, nicer. Reading is a great stress reducer and a good way to wind down at bedtime too.
• No tech needed - We all need a break from these electronic devices. Reading a book is far less distracting than using an iPad or phone. And sometimes you're going to a place where you don't have consistent power or internet connections. Put down the device and pick up a book!
• Part of your ELA grade in the fall - Start the year strong by turning in your response assignment on time in September. Your teacher in the fall will give you instructions on how and when.
• You can win prizes! (* from the public library)!

Here are a few articles to back up the science behind some of these reasons:

• Does Reading Fiction Make Us Better People? - BBC Future 3 June 2019
• The Best Resources on the "Summer Slide"
• Scholastic’s ‘Kids & Family’ Report Sees Summer Youth Reading Lagging - Publishing Perspectives, 1 July 2019
• Scholastic’s New ‘Kids & Family Reading’ Report: Reading Aloud Is Up
• Read Anywhere This Summer - New York Times
• Why Kids Stop Reading by Age 9 And What To Do - Lifehacker

If you still have questions, email BMS librarian Ms. Woznick: awoznick@beverlyschools.org. If it's during the summer it may take a few days for her to get back to you.