13 favorite children's authors have come together to promote summer reading by writing original short stories kids can unlock through reading in this year's Scholastic Reading Challenge.

According to the press release, the participating authors are: Blue Balliett, Patrik Henry Bass, Varian Johnson, Gordon Korman, Michael Northtrop, Maggie Stiefvater and Jackson Pierce, Roland Smith, R.L. Stine, Tui T. Sutherland, Lauren Tarshis, Wendy Wan-Long Shang and Jude Watson.

Since recent research indicates 91 percent of children pick favorite books themselves, these popular authors have been selected to keep kids interested in reading, especially during the summer months.

The ultimate goal of the challenge has set its goals high; by letting students log minutes of reading time and giving rewards for challenges met, the program hopes to set a "new 2015 reading world record."

The challenge also allows for schools to make it a school-wide activity. Schools have the option to compete against each other to win a variety of prizes.

According to the press release, the "top elementary school that logs the most minutes this summer will win a visit from bestselling author Michael Northrop and the top middle school that logs the most minutes will win a visit from bestselling author Varian Johnson."

Overall, the challenge hopes to keep kids interested in reading throughout the summer months with the support of their schools. After all, the benefits of keeping kids reading throughout the summer are great.

"Children who read four or more books over the summer fare better on reading comprehension tests in the fall than their peers who read one or no books over the summer, regardless of ethnicity, socioeconomic level or previous achievement," the release said.

Read the full article here and comment below.

Article by Nicole Gorman, Education World Contributor

05/05/2015