Wiltshire Council Libraries are encouraging families to take part in this year’s ‘Gadgeteers’ themed Summer Reading Challenge which aims to inspire children to read as much as they can.
The challenge encourages 4 to 11 year olds to read six or more library books (including eBooks) during the summer holidays and receive rewards along the way.
The simple and fun Summer Reading Challenge is produced annually by the Reading Agency and delivered by Wiltshire Council libraries. The challenge is the perfect summer activity to build young readers’ skills and confidence during the long break from school and will support reading catch-up after the COVID pandemic.
This year’s Summer Reading Challenge theme, ‘Gadgeteers’, is all about science and innovation. Developed in partnership with the Science Museum Group, the challenge will inspire children to use their curiosity and creativity to discover the science behind the everyday and celebrates the role of the imagination in both reading and the sciences.
Through the challenge, children will meet six fictional characters, the Gadgeteers, brought to life by top children’s writer and illustrator, Julian Beresford. Using their imagination and curiosity, the Gadgeteers will come up with innovative ways to get everything ready for their summer party. This setting will allow children to explore the science behind a range of interests, from fashion and technology to cooking and music.
This year’s challenge will have a registration period in the first two weeks of the challenge, where children will receive a pack of resources. After this period, and once children have completed the challenge, they are invited to return to collect their final sticker, medal and certificate. They can also still register throughout the summer.
Children can read any six library books of their choice; they don’t have to be linked to the theme. They can read more than six books.
Children can also take part in the challenge online via the website summerreadingchallenge.org.uk, where they can rate and review books, download activities, and access video content, games and quizzes.
To find out more and take part in the challenge, people can visit Summer Reading Challenge.