500 Books Before Middle School
For children in second – fifth grade.
Research shows that reading can benefit school-age children in a variety of ways. Besides being one of the best ways to build academic success, accustomed readers are also bolstering development of social skills and emotional regulation. Entering the 500 Books Before Middle School program is a great way to maintain a habit of regular reading through the elementary school years.
Sign up in the Children’s Library!
How does 500 Books Before Middle School work?
Similarly to your Library’s 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program, enrolled participants will receive incentives along their journey to completing the program. After reading 200 books, readers will choose a mini Squishmallow. Upon completing the program’s 500 books, participants will receive a free book to keep!
What can we read?
All reading is good reading! Feel free to include ebooks, audiobooks, graphic novels, books you read or listen to as part of school assignments, or favorite titles you read again and again in your progress toward 500 books, but here are some suggestions for kids and tweens:
Enrollment
If you are interested in signing up your child for the 500 Books Before Middle School program, or just curious to hear more, please contact the Library or stop by the children’s reference desk. After signing up, participants will receive a folder with their initial reading log for their first 100 books in the program.
Not sure which titles to start with? Ask about our subject specific reading lists, or talk to a staff member for more suggestions of titles just right for your middle-grade reader.
You can do it!
500 books may sound like a big challenge, but it’s within your reach! By reading just a couple books a week, your child will have read over 100 books in just a year. Remember to include books read for schoolwork, in the car, or at home. Good luck, and happy reading!
