Beyond the Summer Reading Challenge: Keeping Kids Reading

Summer reading may be winding down, but one of the most important reading seasons is just beginning.

As backpacks are packed, classrooms fill with excitement, and routines settle back into place, it's easy for reading to become something that's only done for homework. We believe books deserve a bigger role than that.

At The Curious Turtle, we love helping families build a reading life that lasts all year long—not just through summer reading programs, but through stories that inspire curiosity, spark conversations, and remind kids that reading can be one of the best parts of their day.

Reading Doesn't Stop When School Starts

Research consistently shows that students who read regularly outside the classroom strengthen their vocabulary, improve comprehension, and become more confident readers. Just twenty minutes of reading each day can make a tremendous difference over the course of a school year.

That doesn't mean every book has to be educational or challenging.

Sometimes the book that makes a child laugh out loud, stay up a little too late, or ask for "just one more chapter" is exactly the right book.

The goal isn't simply to create strong readers—it's to raise children who love reading.

Making Reading a Daily Habit

As families settle into new routines, try building reading into the rhythm of your day.

A few simple ideas include:

• Read together before bed, even after children can read independently.

• Keep a book in the car for waiting rooms and after-school activities.

• Visit the library and your local bookstore regularly so kids can choose books they're excited about.

• Let children see adults reading for enjoyment.

• Celebrate finishing a book instead of focusing only on page counts.

The more positive experiences children have with books, the more likely they are to become lifelong readers.

Working Toward Accelerated Reader (AR) Goals

Many schools use the Accelerated Reader (AR) program to encourage independent reading throughout the school year. While earning points and meeting reading goals can be motivating, it's important to remember that the real reward is developing confident, capable readers.

One way to make AR more enjoyable is to help students choose books that genuinely interest them. When children are invested in the story, reading feels less like an assignment and more like an adventure.

We are always happy to help families find books that match reading levels, interests, and classroom expectations while still being books kids will be excited to pick up. 

Looking for Mark Twain Award Nominees?

Every year, Missouri students help choose the winner of the Mark Twain Readers Award by reading outstanding books and voting for their favorite.

We're proud to carry many of the current and past Mark Twain Award nominees and winners, making it easy for families and classrooms to discover books that have already captured the attention of readers across Missouri.

 

 

 

 

 

A gripping WWII story following two best friends caught in the Pearl Harbor attack, facing prejudice and the harsh realities of war.

 

 

 

 

A Jewish girl in Nazi-occupied France risks her life to save others in this gripping tale of courage and friendship.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A spooky yet heartwarming adventure about one girl's journey into the land of the undead, and the unexpected family she finds along the way.

We're Here to Help

Whether you're shopping for an AR title, building a classroom library, searching for a Mark Twain Award book, or simply looking for the next story your child won't be able to put down, we'd love to help.

As we transition into another school year, our Back-to-School display is filled with books for every kind of reader—from beginning readers to middle grade adventures and young adult favorites.

Stop by the shop, ask us for recommendations, and let's find the book that makes reading the best part of the school day.

Because every great school year starts with a great book.