9th Annual Governor’s Reading Challenge Begins June 12

ST. THOMAS — The Virgin Islands Department of Education in partnership with the Office of the Governor announced on Wednesday the launch of the 9^th Annual Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge, which will run Monday, June 12 through Friday, September 22.

The annual activity challenges students in grades K-6 to read five or more books during the summer months in an effort to boost students’ literacy skills. The national initiative enjoys participation from governors of all 50 states and territories. In the Virgin Islands, students receive a packet containing two books, tracking sheets and a letter offering motivational words from the governor. All books are written and illustrated by Virgin Islands’ or Caribbean authors—a unique feature of the Virgin Islands Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge.

In his letter to students, Governor Mapp stressed the benefits of reading and the wide variety of books that are available. “Books, after all, are written about every subject under the sun,” he states. “Even fictional books will entertain you, stimulate your imagination and expand your vocabulary. It is up to each student to choose what books to read, but rest assured that any choice will expand your learning skills.”

This year, six new titles have been introduced to the Summer Reading Challenge, including “B is for Benye,” “Spider in the Rain,” “When the Trees Come Alive,” “When I Grow Up,” “With Grace,” and “Sea Turtles of the Virgin Islands.”

Launch events are planned at schools and will feature Reading Challenge book authors, and officials from the Department of Education and the Office of the Governor. Members of the media are invited to attend:

Friday, June 9 at 9:00 a.m. – Auditorium

·         Juanita Gardine Elementary School – St. Croix

Monday, June 12 at 8:00 a.m. – Outside court area

·         Lockhart Elementary School – St. Thomas

Tuesday, June 13 at 8:15 a.m. – Auditorium

·         Julius E. Sprauve School – St. John

For more information on the 9^th Annual Virgin Islands Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge, visit www.readfive.org.