Summer Discovery Promotes Reading Awareness to Middle and High School Students

The National Education Association marks March 2 as Read Across America. This annual program promotes reading awareness and motivation for young readers. Not surprisingly, the event centers around the birthday of famous children’s author Dr. Seuss. The staff at Summer Discovery includes many avid readers who are willing to share memorable books that have influenced their interest in reading.

Megan – Oh, The Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss

This book is important to me for so many reasons. I have gifted this book many times. I have read it to my graduating kindergarteners, to my sisters, and to family and friends moving away or who got a new job. I feel like it applies to every aspect of real life. Though it is a fictional story and the language at times can be completely ridiculous, it’s content holds something everyone can relate to. We all have the potential to move mountains, you just have to believe!

Rickey –Dune by Frank Herbert

Herbert invents this incredible world with one of the most thought out political systems ever seen and timeless characters. You see his influence in so many great works of science fiction and fantasy, Game of Thrones and even Star Wars for example. Almost every work of science fiction has drawn from Frank Hebert’s Dune. “I must not fear, fear is the mind killer."

Halley – Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer

I love this book and I am reading it again for the 5th time! Each time I read it I take away something different as it’s at a different point in my life. “The core of mans' spirit comes from new experiences” is my current favorite quote because it has challenged me to meet new people, travel new places, and try new things.

Jared – The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien

Simply put, this beautifully crafted adventure allows us to go on a journey as a truly unique world is artistically built around us in the most eloquent semantics imaginable. Couple this with the masterful subtleties intricately woven into the architecture of the saga and you have a stunning creation of true splendor that could only be achieved by Tolkien.

Casey – Night by Elie Wiesel

It was the first book I had to read for school that I actually really enjoyed. It got me to start loving the non-fiction and historical fiction genres. Probably also influenced by the fact that I got the highest mark in my 8th grade class on my paper that I had to write about it.

Victoria – Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King

This is the first book of The Bill Hodges Trilogy. It captured my attention within the first few pages with its suspense and thrillers. I would find myself staying up late and reading chapters at a time. I couldn’t put it down!

Every summer, pre-college students pursue educational opportunities through Summer Discovery. Our students come from diverse backgrounds and are eager to expand on their learning. As ambassadors for young readers to model and look up to, we challenge our alumni to get involved. Some great ways include volunteering at a local organization, library, school, or with NEA's Read Across America partners. Start today by researching what is available in your community!