Summer break is here and with it brings many greatly anticipated events like swimming, camping, sleeping in, riding roller coasters, and reading. Reading? Yes, it is that time of year when teachers expect you to keep your mind sharp and well informed by reading a few books over the course of what many might consider “vacation” from all things educational. In particular, those students who are entering the sixth, seventh, and eighth grades at Harding and Garfield Middle Schools are required to read at least two books by the beginning of the new school year.

Each student has three options by which they can demonstrate their knowledge of the books. The Lakewood Public Library’s Children’s and Youth Services Department is offering a program to satisfy the criteria for Option B: Book Discussion. Students can register for and participate in one or two book discussions regarding any of the following ten titles: The Akhenaten Adventure by Philip Kerr (Tuesday, July 7 or Thursday, July 30); Pieces of Georgia by Jennifer Bryant (Thursday, July 9 or Monday, August 3); Goose Girl by Shannon Hale (Monday, July 13 or Tuesday, August 4); Death and the Arrow by Chris Priestley (Tuesday, July 14 or Thursday, August 6); Fablehaven by Brandon Mull (Thursday, July 16 or Monday, August 10); Zach’s Lie by Roland Smith (Monday, July 20 or Tuesday, August 11); Bound by Donna Jo Napoli (Tuesday, July 21 or Thursday, August 13); So B. It: A Novel by Sarah Weeks (Thursday, July 23 or Monday, August 17); Travel Team by Mike Lupica (Monday, July 27 or Tuesday, August 18); Tanglewreck by Jeanette Winterson (Tuesday, July 28 or Thursday, August 20).

Space is limited, so please register early by stopping in or calling the Children’s and Youth Services Department: (216) 226-8275, ext. 140. All book discussions will be held from 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. on the dates listed above in the Multipurpose Room at Lakewood Public Library’s Main Library (15425 Detroit Ave). All students should arrive at least ten minutes early to allow time for checking-in, as the discussions start promptly and doors will be closed to all late-comers. Students must register for the program, thoroughly read the book, and actively participate in the book discussion to receive credit for this assignment. Students and parents should choose the summer reading books together, keeping in mind the reading and maturity levels of the student along with his/her interests. This list of books and the other options for the reading assignment can also be found online at www.lkwdpl.org/sumread. Happy reading!