BMS Summer Reading Challenge 2026

Dear Parents and Students,

As we wrap up another incredible school year, we invite students to make time this summer to Read, Relax, Repeat. This year’s BMS Summer Reading Challenge celebrates student choice, encouraging students to choose books that spark their interests, match their moods, and make reading feel enjoyable.

Summer is the perfect time to slow down, recharge, and get lost in a great book. Whether students choose stories that make them laugh, books that stretch their thinking, or novels that simply help them unwind, every page is a chance to relax, imagine, and keep growing as readers.

Ready to read, grow, and win? Students are encouraged to read at least 2 books this summer—and for each book, they can submit a Google Form as a raffle entry.

The more books they read, the more chances to win exciting prizes when school starts in Fall 2026—like:

• 🎉 Gift cards

• 🍕 Pizza or lunch parties

• 🎁 And more!

It’s simple: Read. Log. Win.
Let’s make this a summer full of stories, discovery, and fun!

This summer, reading is a simple way for families to slow down, connect, and enjoy time together. Even as middle school students become more independent readers, they still benefit from seeing the adults around them make time for books, magazines, audiobooks, or other reading they enjoy. When reading feels like a natural part of family life, students are more likely to see it as something valuable, relaxing, and worth choosing.

Reading together doesn’t have to be complicated. Visit the public library, listen to an audiobook in the car, read side by side, or simply ask, “What are you reading?” and “Would you recommend it?”

Encourage your child to read at least two books this summer and choose stories they genuinely enjoy. Then grab a book, find a cozy spot, and Read, Relax, Repeat—together.

• Read at Least Two Novels: Explore the wide world of literature and choose at least two novels that delve into the theme of friendship. Choose books that spark your individual interests and discover the stories that resonate most with you.
• Share Your Experience: At the beginning of the 2025-26 school year, be ready to share your favorite moments and what you've learned about friendship through these stories.

• Public Libraries: Visit your local public library to explore a vast selection of books, participate in summer reading programs, and join community events.

• ebook Collections: Access our digital collections from any device to find ebooks and audiobooks, perfect for reading on-the-go or at home.

This summer, take your reading experience to the next level with interactive and creative activities designed to engage and inspire. Whether you’re a fan of games or hands-on projects, we have something special for everyone!

Reading Bingo: Make Reading an Adventure!

• Dive into the joy of reading with our Reading Bingo card!

Be Active & Creative with Your Reading:

• Check out this list of 103 fun activities to do before, during, and after reading, courtesy of Jim Burke. These activities are designed to enhance your reading experience, help you connect more deeply with the books you choose and unleash your creativity.

Deep Dive Discussion Questions

• Explore these thought-provoking questions to guide student's reading and encourage deeper reflection on their chosen books. These questions help students connect with the books on a personal level and to apply their insights to their own lives and friendships.

While our school library has a fantastic selection of books, your local public library is also a treasure trove of resources and a hub for community engagement. This summer, we strongly encourage you to visit your local library and explore the variety of books and activities they offer.

Why Visit Your Local Library?

• Access to a Vast Collection: Public libraries often have an extensive range of books, including the latest bestsellers and diverse genres beyond our school collection.
• Engaging Summer Reading Programs: Many libraries host special summer reading programs with fun themes, incentives, and events designed to keep you engaged and excited about reading all summer long.
• Community Connections: Libraries are community centers where you can meet new friends, participate in group activities, and get involved in various programs that enhance your learning and entertainment.

How to Get Involved:

• Sign Up for the Library’s Summer Reading Program: These programs often include reading challenges, prizes, and special events like author visits and storytelling sessions.
• Attend Workshops and Events: Many libraries offer workshops, movie nights, and other educational activities that can enrich your summer experience.
• Explore Digital Resources: Don’t forget to check out digital books, audiobooks, and magazines available through your library’s digital lending services.

We hope you take advantage of all that your local public library has to offer this summer. It's a fantastic way to extend your reading adventures and make new connections within our community. Happy exploring!