State Rep Tells Kids: Pick Up A Book This Summer

Yes, Twilight counts. So does the book series that inspired the HBO fantasy epic Game of Thrones, or the recently released Derek Jeter biography.

The goal? To get kids to put down their cell phones or leave that Call of Duty achievement for later and spend some time behind a book. Or a Kindle.

In Port Chester, Rye, Rye Brook and Mamaroneck, students will get calendars from the office of Assemblyman George Latimer. These special calendars include only two months -- July and August -- and students will be instructed to check off the days when they spend at least 15 minutes reading their favorite vampire love story or fictionalization of ancient Roman heroics.

Those who complete Latimer's Summer Reading Challenge can bring their calendars back to school with them in September, earning a reading certificate from the assemblyman's office.

Materials for the Summer Reading Challenge were distributed to some 10,000 kids in Latimer's district.

“Every year that this program has existed, more and more students have participated and achieved at greater levels than the prior year—a real testament to the great work that our teacher’s do during the year.," Latimer said in a statement. "I’m happy to do my part, no matter how big or small, to help students learn and succeed in school. As always, I look forward to seeing the results of this program and improving it based on the feedback
from our students."

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