The Washington Post KidsPost is sponsoring a summer book club, and has selected eight books with the theme of keeping secrets. According to the Post:

• If someone offers to share a secret, it’s hard to say no. It’s exciting to learn something other people don’t know. Once  you know, however, you’ve got to decide what to do with that information. That decision can be complicated. This year’s Summer Book Club features eight books that include secrets — some are between friends, others involve neighbors or even characters from another world. 

You can read about all of the books and the club here. I have not read any of these books yet, but I look forward to it! I'll keep you posted.

You can read my review of The Bridge Home by Padma Venkatraman here.

Happy summer reading!

In my last post, I mentioned the KidsPost Summer Book Club. You can read my review of the first book in their series, Ruby in the Sky by Jeanne Zulick Ferruolo here.

I hope you are enjoying whatever you are reading this summer!

Second, the Alexandria Library is running a summer book program called Summer Quest. If you keep track of your reading through their program you can earn a free book. Plus, each of the library branches has a lot of activities planned throughout the summer. You should check it out! 

​There are so many great books to read over the summer, but sometimes it's hard deciding which ones to pick. Here is a opportunity that might inspire you to try some different books.
 
The Washington Post Kidspost has a Summer Book Club. The theme is Unlikely Heroes.  Each of the eight weeks of the club features a different book. You can read more about the books ​here. The Summer Book Club is open to kids ages 5 to 14. You may read some or all of the books on the list. The books are available at Hooray for Books! in Old Town. Most are also available at libraries, including the ACDS library. If you would like to check one out from ACDS, you can find them on the bookshelf behind the check out computer in the library. Mrs. Chhipa can check them out for you.

​The Alexandria Library Summer Reading program is called Summer Quest. The theme is Libraries Rock! (Hard to argue with that!) Keep track of your reading, get reading recommendations, and win prizes.

For Love of Country Writing Contest

The Alexandria Library and the For Love of Country Foundation present the 4th Annual Essay and Poetry contest,"You’re Eighteen, And Your friends Say They Don’t Want To Vote. What Do You Say?" Rising 7th, 8th and 9th graders are eligible to enter the essay and poetry contest and win up to $100. 

​Entries are due by September 8, 2018 at 5 p.m.

Look here for more information.

Scholastic News is looking for student reporters. Kids between ages 10 and 14 can apply. The deadline is September 23.

Read all about it here!

Alexandria Library hosts Annual ‘For Love of Country’ Essay and Poetry Contest 


The Alexandria Library and the For Love of Country Foundation have teamed up to host the 2nd Annual ‘For Love of Country’ Essay and Poetry Contest, “Why Vote?”


Eligible applicants for the essay and poetry contest are upcoming 7th, 8th and 9th graders, as of September 2016. All entries for both contests are due no later thanMonday, September 12 at 5 p.m. 
Essay work will be judged on:

• Originality and creativity;
• Persuasiveness;
• Clarity, coherence and organization;
• Grammar and spelling.

Poetry work will be judged on:

• Originality and creativity;
• Relevance to contest topic;
• Clarity and coherence;
• Spelling. 

All work submitted must be original material and one entry per student is permitted (one essay or one poem). Paper submissions can be turned in by visiting your nearest Alexandria Library. Electronic submissions are accepted by e-mailing dprice@alexandria.lib.va.us or submitting an electronic application through our website. 
Prizes will be awarded at a ceremony at Beatley Central Library on Sunday, October 2. Essays and poems will not be returned. Alexandria Library will distribute multiple awards in each of the following categories: $100 Gold; $50 Silver; and $25 Bronze.


For more information on the For Love of Country essay and poetry contest, please e-mail dprice@alexandria.lib.va.us or call 703-746-1753.