Suggested Summer Reading - Summer is a great time to kick back and relax with a good book. But with the prevalence of television, computers, and the great outdoors, students are in danger of losing the skills gained during the school year. Research is clear, students who do not read during the summer can lose up to three months of reading growth.

Reading is most effective when parents or family members can provide reading guidance and make sure that kids understand what they’re reading. Reading can be both a solitary activity and a social activity that fosters learning and recreation. So get involved and work with your child over the summer, exercising the skills that will help them become lifelong readers.

The Department of Education has partnered with the Florida Department of State and MetaMetrics® to provide students across Florida with a fun new reading resource as part of the Commissioner’s Summer Reading Adventure. This summer, you are encouraged to try a free online book search called “Find a Book.”

"Find a Book," is an interactive tool that allows students and parents to create reading lists based on their interests and reading ability. The search tool then allows the user to locate their selected titles at local public libraries or bookstores in the area.

Studies have consistently shown that students who read during the summer months are able to retain previously learned knowledge and continue the learning process each and every school year. The “Find a Book” search, along with the Commissioner’s Summer Reading Adventure Reading List and the Florida Library Youth Program in public libraries, are ways to promote the retention and growth of students’ reading skills during summer break. We hope these tools and activities will encourage more students to read throughout the summer and into the school year.

Whether you’re looking to take your imagination to the farthest galaxies, or to Florida’s backyard gems, “Find a Book” will help you create a custom reading list on subjects that interest and excite you!

Go to www.lexile.com/findabook
Go to flyer about "Find a Book".
Go to Marion County Public Library to learn about their summer programs.