Scholastic Launches Summer Reading BUZZ!
RSSSLJ Staff -- School Library Journal, 03/27/2008
Beware the "summer slide." That's Scholastic's intention this spring, as it rolls out its Scholastic Summer Reading BUZZ! offering kids book lists, interactive book-themed activities, and a chance to donate books to underprivileged children.
For every four books that kids read and log online, Scholastic will donate a book to Room to Read, a nonprofit that establishes libraries and schools in the developing world.
"Kids can help keep their learning skills strong by reading four or more books during the summer," says Francie Alexander, chief academic officer at Scholastic. "Summer Reading BUZZ! gives kids a chance to have fun finding great books to read, while helping children around the world get good quality books that are so desperately needed."
The BUZZ Web site launches April 15. Kids who sign up automatically will be placed into a "Reading Hive" based on their grade. There, they can start a reading log and track their books for the donations program. Monthly book genre themes will be featured, along with author Q&As and "buzz boards" where kids can connect to each other. Extensive age- and grade-appropriate book lists in English and Spanish also will be posted.
Other offerings will include a "Book Buzz" wallpaper for computer-desktop downloads; celebrity book picks featuring teen sports and entertainment idols; and a sweepstakes awarding one lucky winner a family vacation to the Walt Disney World Resort.
