Three Reading Challenges

To inspire all of us to read more widely and more often

Good afternoon everyone,

I wanted to take advantage of a rare lunch break to share three reading challenges. The goal, as always, is to encourage the young people in our lives (and old ones, too) to read widely and to read often — over the summer, during the school year, and ideally, throughout their lives.

The first is a “Summer Reading Bucket List” from the NYT Book Review.

Inspired by the bucket list, I then used Canva to create a “26-27 Reading Challenge” for my incoming 8th graders. Ten books, at a minimum, across a wide range of genres and formats — feels like the right amount. Of course, feel free to adjust for your crew :)

Finally, I had fun creating this “Summer Reading Challenge.” In the comments, I’d love to know what you’re planning to read this summer. Two on my list: The Way of Excellence by Brad Stulberg and Heartland, a new Larry Bird biography.

One more thing: Grateful for everyone who continues to read and review JUST READ IT, including the brilliant NowSparkCreativity, a must-follow on Instagram. As a reminder, use the code RAVEN25 for 25% off + free shipping), and please reach out if you’re planning a book study, or if you would like for me to deliver a keynote address and/or lead a workshop or PD session. Feel free to share this letter with your school and/or district leaders and reach out directly (jarred.amato@gmail.com). You can also contact Authors Unbound (requests@authorsunbound.com) to arrange a speaking engagement and view my speaking profile here.

Happy reading everyone,

Jarred

P.S. Don’t forget to download the new resources I shared in last week’s update:

1. Here are 96 WRAP prompts/cards that encourage students to REFLECT on their reading identity and to DISCUSS their reading lives in an authentic fashion. This set of 96 cards serves as excellent conversation starters for both students and educators alike -- in English classrooms, during student and/or faculty book clubs, to kick off department meetings (and around the kitchen table).

2. Here are 96 WRAP prompts/cards that encourage students to ANALYZE and DISCUSS any self-selected and/or whole-class book. The prompts in this set are intentionally short and sweet, allowing students to respond on a sticky note or index card or to simply turn and share with a classmate.

3. I also put together this resource: 65 debate topics/questions to help middle and high school classrooms think critically and communicate effectively. Has social media done more harm than good? Should parents track their children online? Is tackle football worth the risk? Has legalized gambling ruined sports? Are pro athletes overpaid? Should we share our DNA with genetic testing companies? Are energy drinks bad for you? Does money buy happiness? And dozens more. Along with the list of topics/questions, you’ll also find a front-back handout that includes a graphic organizer and extended response to help students analyze each author’s argument before developing and supporting a claim of their own.