Kent Summer Reading Challenge
19th July 2022
19th July 2022
With children about to break up from school for the summer holidays, Kent libraries are calling for youngsters to sign up to the Kent Summer Reading Challenge and read six library books.
This year, Kent libraries and The Reading Agency have teamed up with the Science Museum Group for a special science-themed challenge that hopes to inspire children to use their imagination and creativity. children are invited to join the ‘Gadgeteers’ – Aisha, Eddie, Leo, Maggie, James and Ajay – to discover the amazing science and innovation behind the world around them.
The Gadgeteers Summer Reading Challenge will feature captivating books, fantastic rewards, and plenty of ideas for mesmerising experiments and activities. All of which will help young people discover and explain the science that surrounds us all. The challenge is being brought to life by top children’s writer and illustrator Julian Beresford.
Children can find out more about the Gadgeteers and their special skills by signing up and reading six library books over the summer period. They can read anything from the library, including stories, information books, audiobooks, eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines and more. When they have read their six books and completed the Summer Reading Challenge, they will receive a medal and certificate (while stocks last). The best part about the challenge? It’s FREE!
Mike Hill, Kent County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services, says: “Following two difficult years due to the pandemic and its impact on children and their families, the Summer Reading Challenge 2022 is more important than ever in supporting children with their learning, reading skills and much more.
The Gadgeteers celebrate adventure, friendship, reading and fun while helping children to discover science all around them. They have the whole summer to tackle the challenge and we would like as many children as possible to take part.”
Despite the pandemic, nearly 12,000 children took part in the 2021 Summer Reading Challenge with the theme of ‘Wild World Heroes’.
Sue Wilkinson, CEO of The Reading Agency says: “We know from our research that families and children love taking part in the Summer Reading Challenge, and we are proud to have been running the challenge for over 20 years.”
Some feedback from parents included:
“My children have special needs with ADHD and dyslexia and both are below their reading age. But reading challenges help them read books they wouldn’t at school.”
“The children enjoyed the reading challenge, encouraged them to read together and collect their prize. It has taught them to read to each other and listen to the stories.”
This year’s Summer Reading Challenge runs until 10th September and children can choose to sign up either via visiting a Kent Library to claim a joining pack, or by visiting summerreadingchallenge.org.uk to take part online.
Find out more about the Summer Reading Challenge and the Gadgeteers at the Tunbridge Wells Library, Mount Pleasant Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1NS. Telephone: 01892 554171.