Update 6/22/2013: This giveaway is now closed. 
Our 30th anniversary celebration continues with the June Giveaway. This month we’re giving away eight books you can use to help kids of all ages keep their minds sharp and beat the summer slump:
- Going Blue
- A Gebra Named Al
- Heart of a Warrior
- Real Kids, Real Stories, Real Change
- Bookmarked
- Make a Splash!
- Join In and Play
- On-the-Go Time
How to Enter: This giveaway is now closed.
Leave a comment below telling us how you inspire kids to read for fun.
For additional entries, complete the following tasks and leave a separate comment below for each:
Each comment counts as a separate entry—that’s three chances to win! Entries must be received by midnight June 21, 2013.This giveaway is now closed.
The winner will be contacted via email by June 25, 2013, and will need to respond within 72 hours to claim his or her prize or another winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way affiliated, administered, or endorsed by Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest. Winner must be a U.S. resident, 18 years of age or older.
We welcome your comments and suggestions. Share your comments, stories, and ideas below, or contact us. All comments will be approved before posting, and are subject to our comment and privacy policies.
© 2013 by Free Spirit Publishing. All rights reserved.
I am always reading for fun and have a pile of books beside my bed all the time. I’ve just finished 4 years of volunteering in a parent participation preschool and try to read books with the children whenever I am there. I also volunteer at our elementary school, reading with the children. Trips to the library are ongoing and no “limit” is ever placed on how many nor what kind of books my children take out 🙂
I have been a volunteer with the Toronto Public Library since I was 16 years old. I help children read through their Leading to Reading and Homework Club programs ever since. I play phonics games to help them learn to read. One of the most exciting tricks for the very young is using alphabet magnets on a metallic boards to spell words.
I am the family book collector/ librarian of four generations.
Reading is like a vacation for your mind! Personally, I have 14 books on my side table. As a parent, I’m responsible for setting an example for my 9 year old son. This has included reading in the classroom, Chairing his school’s Read-A-Thon (largest fundraiser of the year, plus we started a school-wide books exchange that generated over 1,000 books which were donated to another Minneapolis public school) and making it fun for him.
My son has autism and reading hasn’t really been his “thing” lately. However, I have found that when we start with some mom/son reading time, he can get into it and excited. For example, we start by each taking turns with reading a page for the first chapter. From there, when he has an interest in that book, he continues on his own.
At the end of this past school year, a local author (Erin Soderberg) visited his school in SW Minneapolis. She read the first chapter of her book, “The Quirks”, and came home excited to buy her book – which was just released this month.
Thanks for the opportunity to win some books! I’m sure that Johnny would love them and then pass them along to other children when he’s done.
I let them see (ok make them see) how much I love reading by telling them about the great book I am currently reading.
Reading is one of the best things an adult can do to nurture learning, growth and a love of learning in children. The world can come alive for a child with good books!
I read any article about 2 years ago about third grade reading scores and what impact it had on the future of our children. The Committee that I work with at church stress reading not only doing summer break but daily (we supply books and encourage imagination). Parents and children look forward to the books that we purchase and give away. We not only encourage reading to the child but also to the parent.
As an Elementary School Counselor, I am fine tuned into what kids are going through both personally and academically. I love reading books to kids to use as a springboard for more discussions of issues and presenting thought-provoking concepts. Books help children form their self-image and help guide moral work-ethic development. LOVE kids books that help!
I run a Brunch and Books program for our 3rd to 8th graders in our building. They love it and are super mad when we have to end for the school year! Keeping enough books in their hands is a challenge because they read them so quickly! Great problem to have!
I inspire kids to read, by reading to them. I will read at least a chapter, usually enough get them involved with the book. Then we will talk about the book as they progress through the story. Younger children love to read to you. Sometimes I will read a page and they will read a page.
I inspire to kids to read by choosing fun books to read to them.
I plan to bring battle of the books to our school!
My Super Summer Readers Club allows for each of my students to earn a cool, new prize when they turn in their weekly reading card filled with 20 minutes of reading a day. They love it!
I developed a Summer Super Reader Club where my students earn a cool prize when they fill up their weekly card by reading 20 minutes per day!
I’m a school counselor, so I try to find books that relate to my student’s struggles. They are curious about characters going through similar circumstances so they are motivated to learn more (good or bad) strategies for tackling problems.
I model reading and share the excitement of books!
We all read the same book and have discussions every other day to discuss how we feel about it, explain any uncertainties we may have, and to share the ups and downs together. We have our own book club!
I shared on Facebook.
I inspire my child to read by reading the same book he is reading and having a discussion about it at bedtime. We have our own Book Club.
I provide many books for kids to choose from so that they can pick the one that suits them at the moment. I also don’t worry when I’m reading to them and they drift off to do other things. I just keep the book for later.
I’ve shared on facebook because I love your books!
I have lots of books on hand for kids to read so that they may choose the one that best suits them at the moment. If I’m reading and the kids drift off, I don’t make a big deal of it, I just save the book for later.
I inspire children to read by pretending to be the characters in the book. I love to use different voices for the characters. I also read a ton of material which provides a good foundation for the children to model my behavior. I think books become more entertaining when the reader involves the child and proposes alternative solutions to problems.
I shared the link on Facebook!
I inspire kids to read by sharing my love of reading. I share books I have read and some of my favorites. I love to share read alouds with students.
I inspire reading by actively listening to them share their reading experiences.
We read every day at my daycare. Go to the library once a week. The children love me to read to them and they even try on their own. Reading is FUN!!!
I inspire my children to read by having regular family book discussions. We all share what we are reading currently and what we like about the book. When my children find a favorite author, I do my best to get more books by that author for them. Also, at bedtime, we read together. We do this for holidays as well, making holidays extra special with unique stories from all over the world. We are definitely a family of bookworms!
I shared on twitter
I shared on facebook
I like to let the kids pick their own books out at the library. They always find something that interests them
I read aloud, a lot, and with genuine enthusiasm! Thanks for the chance to win! 🙂
I interest kids in reading by taking them to the local public libary.
I inspire my own children and our students to read for fun by showing excitement when reading aloud and engaging them in the story through discussion. As a school counselor I use books on a daily basis to teach children skills, make connections with characters about day to day situations and to discuss topics in guidance lessons including friendship, feelings and problem solving (among others).
I inspire my 9 yr old daughter to read not only for fun but for KNOWLEDGE!! I alos inspire my 13 yr old son to read because he loves books!! However, he is autistic and still trying to read but I read to him and inspire him to keep trying!! One day he’ll read, I just KNOW it!!
I inspire my 1st graders to read by them seeing me reading. I try to make sure that I always show the emotions that I’m feeling while reading the book…sometimes I laugh, cry, smile, etc… By the time my first graders leave for the summer, they too will use their voices to match how the characters are feeling.
As a school counselor, I inspire kids to read when I can show them the real life connections between the characters they read about and their day to day experiences with friends and classmates. Characters in a book can open doors for kids to try new things, related to each other, and learn from the experiences of others.
Inspiring kids to read is often about finding books that spark their interest — be it the subject, the pictures, or something to which they can relate.
I inspire reading by offering reading that is inspiring.
As a school counselor, I had 4th grade students this year work on “book reports.” They created folders to write a book summary, a book review, and answer questions about the book. They also created a custom cover for the book.
I also use books in guidance lessons and try to encourage students to read each dayA.
retweeted giveaway post
shared on facebook
If you put interesting books in the hands of kids, they will read.
I shared on Facebook!
I inspire kids to read by reading out loud and using character voices. I encourage kids to write a different ending, or change one thing in the book. This creates a lot of interest.
I often share one of your books as well as classic children’s literature as part of my classroom guidance lessons. Students are excited to listen to a story, even if they’ve heard it before. Also, I love reading myself and try to read many of the books my students read. I share this with them and they enjoy talking about books and sometimes ask me, the school counselor, for recommendations.
I inspire my students to read by allowing my own excitement for reading to show! Kids are excited when you are excited!!
We read outloud, go to the library almost everyday, do summer reading programs from the library and local bookstores. Our problem is finding too many things to want to read! My daughters also participated in the library’s Ruff Readers program where they read out loud to therapy dogs.
I read the books they are reading so that we can have casual discussions about them. I also make connects to books all the time which encourages the kids.
Love the website and all the advice!
I inspire my students to read by making the books available on an MP3 player or iPod shuffle as well as the books themselves. With many English learners who are highly motivated, they need to hear the cadence of the reading as well as where to place the emphasis on the spoken word. Having the physical book in their hands while tracking also allows them to see the word when they hear it. Students are keeping lists of “interesting” words and emailing them to me over the summer for my students to use next year.
I have a variety of fiction genres and non-fiction topics available in my classroom for my students to read. I encourage them to choose their own books for independent reading based on their interests. I also ask students to let me know if there is something they would like to read about that is not available in our library so I can locate books for them.
I tweeted about this giveaway!
I left a message on Facebook!
I have been very fortunate that both of my daughters loved books and reading from a very young age. I have enjoyed taking opportunities to read to them and give them any opportunity I could find to get a book in front of them so they could read and explore whatever they wanted. Reading is one of the greatest gifts you can give a child.
We like to read to the younger kids.
My children just LOVE to read! 🙂
I use so many of your resources as a part of my k – 5th grade counseling program. I also integrate classic children’s books into every lesson. My students love listening to me share special books with them, even if they have heard them before. I am a true believer that the message in a great book with remain with a child for a lifetime!!!!!!!!!!!! Your materials are so user friendly and my students love them!
I shared on Facebook; hope others join and READ!!! 🙂
Shared on Twitter; hope more sign up!
Nichole has cerebral palsy and loves to read. It takes no inspiration, however finding creative ways for her to share her love of literacy does. So, she reads with anyone she gets an opportunity to, including her assistant’s kids, kids in the library, and anyone else. 🙂
I buy books for my long distance grandkids to show i value their reading.
I created a reading corner in my office where the students can chill out and have personal space. I fill it with the books that get the best response when I am in classes reading to them!
Reading is FUNdamental, so I inspire young people to read by modeling with my self engaging a good book, using books as incentives for progress/success in reading, and of course, sharing my shopping excursions at the book stores! They love it!
I have many books readily available for all levels and interests. I share what I am reading by relating the story in my own words and with animation. Students love story time, so they are allowed to share what they are reading during discussions. Problems are discussed along with possible solutions the characters may discover. We read many plays, and used discarded books for many hands-one projects.
I inspire kids to read by having books available that have lots of action in them.
I love to read! I share with my students when I’m reading a book that excites me. I also tell them how I can’t wait for summer so that I can read more!
i tweeted
i shared on facebook
I inspire my kindergarteners to read for fun by reading to them and showing them how fun books can be.
I inspire my children to read by getting them books about things they are interested in.
I inspire kids to read by finding books about things they are interested in instead of making them read things they don’t want to know about.
My kids need no inspiration. They love to read. We need MORE books!!!!!!
I make reading fun by the way I exaggerate my voice and they love it! We read anytime and anywhere. I think by showing my love for books,they have always enjoyed reading.I also expose them to many different reading venues.
I post a picture of a place I’d like to visit on my Smartboard, and I encourage my students to find books that are set in those specific places. Then they are able to get a visual of where their story takes place.
I inspire kids to read for fun by applying the lesson/theme to their lives. Once I help them relate, they are always excited to read. As an adult, I still use this technique for myself. Every story has a silver lining.
I inspire my students to read for fun by knowing what they are interested in and helping them find books that fit their interests. I also tell them about books I have read and am animated when telling the story so they become interested, too.
I shared this on Facebook so my fellow teachers can enter too.
I want my children to love reading and fall in love with escaping into different worlds
I read with them and it opens windows to their imagination and creativity. I inspire = they inspire others, too!
I shared on Facebook.
When we have DEAR (drop everything and read) time I school I will walk around asking the children about their books and why they chose that book to read. They love to share their interests with me. And of course I let them know how much I love to read too!
We have a small library of children’s books and we encourage variety in what the kids read. There is fiction, non-fiction, humor, adventure and relaxed books to choose from. I want them to understand that just because they don’t like one book or author doesn’t meant they don’t like reading. Always looking for new material to add to our collection.
we use books everyday in teaching kids about themselves. Books have amazing life lessons and we use books to share these and pair them with fun creative activities, such as art, music and yoga to make the point stick.
I work part-time as a children’s librarian, and it is my great, great pleasure to match kids to books they will enjoy. My job is to buy new books, pull out unread items, and make displays that tempt kids to find new stories to enjoy.
Shared on Twitter!
Shared on facebook!
I just finished student teacher, and I used your books for a friendship group with kindergarten students with autism. We would read the books and do a fun activity afterwards. They loved it! One student accidently brought one of my books home, and he liked it so much his mom had to buy him his own copy!
My son had great difficulty learning to read until we discovered that he had immense difficulty tracking. The school had no way to support this challenge and so we took part in vision therapy (weekly sessions with a trained opthamologist and daily exercises) for a year and then less frequently for some time after that. Miraculously, my son gained the eye strength he needed and can read at grade level now. Given that he is a gifted artist, we have allowed/encouraged the reading of graphic novels which grab his interest.
I also shared it
from a very young age on I read to my children and they loved it. We read together books almost every day for the very young one and my oldest one is literaly eating books. Now my youngest one loves books to and we are big time “customer” at the local libary. Her big brother is a huge example and inspiration to her as well as me as a mom , because both my children see me reading lot’s of book and we have a room in our house that is filled with books only and almost every week new books are added, so we somewhat have an own libary at home.
By being in a book club, reading the same books that they’re reading, reading aloud, finding non fiction related to their passions, listening to audiobooks,and reading books & then watching movies& comparing them, we support and encourage reading.
My husband and I encourage our kids (ages 10 and 5) to read by reading to them regularly, so that they associate reading with closeness and affection and by talking frequently about what we are reading, as a way to model that reading is a fun and central part of life. We avoid setting required reading times or offering rewards for reading because we don’t want our kids to get the idea that reading is a “chore” that they should do for some external reason, but instead we want them to grow up thinking of it as a natural and desirable part of daily life.
I plan to have a book club over lunch where I read to students books that involve characters who face issues and problems they must solve.
I use wonderful inspiring books during yoga classes for children! Parents are constantly asking me to share the titles after their little ones chat about them at home.
I am co-chair of the scholarship committee at our church. Each year we sponsor a reading challenge for all the youth of our church which starts on Education day, the first Sunday in June and ends the first Sunday in September. Since we know that some kids don’t have access to books we have free books that are donated by our committee available to all youth attending church on Education Sunday. This year we gave away over 100 books, SAT study guides and summer bridge activities books. Our theme this year was. Reading is Strength for their Journey: Read, Learn, Worship and Serve.
My co counselor are trying to set an example of what a comprehensive counseling program is and this would help to build our professional library.
At our school we use the Schoolwide Enrichment Model Reading program. This program encourages students to read both “comfort” books (like old comfy slippers) that are easy to read, and “challenge” books that are more on their instructional level. This has led to many teacher/student discussions about why certain books are a “must read.” Recently when I asked for book recommendations for the summer a second grader let me in on three different series I should invest my time in to read. ( Of course, one was the Harry Potter Series!)This kind of discussion that happens all the time at our school is a sure sign that reading is done not just for a class activity, but also for pure pleasure. As an art teacher, I use many books in my teaching including the Creatology Trio by Peter Reynolds (The Dot, Ish and Sky) as well as books like Macawber by John Lithgow.
I have always tried to instill a love of reading by example. I am passionate about books, and I want my children & students to experience that, too. For my own children, I encourage them to always have a book (or two) going, and it travels with us everywhere. If we’re going to be in the car for more than 30 minutes or in a situation that requires done wait time, we have a book to keep our minds occupied and imaginations rolling. My 10 year old son rarely leaves the house without a book, and my 7 year old daughter is following in his footsteps. : )
By choosing stories with relatable characters and breathing life into them in the classroom. Literature circles, novel study, book presentations, drama… all integrate the love of books.
I am teaching a summer Adventures in Literacy Club for parents and children. We are making games, books, and crafts to go along with cool stories such as “Not A Box.”
Read whenever we get a chance.
I find books on topics which my sons enjoy (dinosaurs and sharks for DS7 and any science topic/favorite fiction authors for DS12). I also shared your blog link on my facebook group page. 🙂
I have my students write down topics they are interested in but don’t know much about and try to incorporate these topics into my read alouds. I also keep a wide variety of topics and levels in my classroom library based on the list the students provide. I also work with the local library to find books for the students to read,
i inspire my students to read by making reading it a fun, interactive, silly activity!
I use the playaway books and have them listen to the first couple of chapters to get “hooked” and then they read the rest of the book in the paper format…
I inspired my students to read by creating an after school readers club called “Flippin’ Pages”. In this club we have fun with books in a variety of ways. I invite “mystery guest” readers from the community (sports, career, etc.) to read to the kids and talk about the importance of reading. We have puppet theaters, literature trivia night, family night author expos and more.. The kids love being a part of this club because it allows kids of all reading levels to participate!
I shared on FaceBook.
As a teacher, I am always trying to find books that relate to my students’ interests and lives. I also model reading and share what I’ve read from novels to articles in a magazine, newspaper, or online. Lastly, I have written to a variety of authors about my quest too spite my students to become readers and have gotten autographed photos and letters in return. I share the letters with my students and display the photos in my classroom.
I have been a Drug & Alcohol Counselor for many years and I have counseled in the High School and Jr. High. With my M.Ed. as a Reading Specialist, I have utilized this expertise as a counselor and as a Teacher. I am presently teaching as an Adjunct for ” Introduction to Reading” in the Community Colleges. Due to the loss of interest in reading with these groups, for a variety of reasons, time is provided in my classes to include reading out loud to the students from a variety of literature genre. Discussions about the book and providing other books by the same author, hopefully inspire the students to connect with reading. In so doing, we have an engaged reader utilizing the reading strategies taught in class.
My 7 yr old reads to his 1 yr old sister daily. She mimics him and he just loves it!! Going to second grade reading on a 3rd grade level!! Very exciting! I entered them both into a reading club, he now has books to pass on to his sister…… ☺
Thanks for all you do!
Posted on twitter and fb as well.
When a movie is made from a book, I have my kids read the book before I will take them to watch the movie.
I sign my kids up for summer reading at our local library. Once a week we take our lists in and they get a prize, then we load up with more books to get us through til next time! Before school’s out I send home information about this program to my students’ families. I also send home flyers from restaurants and businesses that offer incentives for summer reading.
We have read to our granddaughter since she was born 3-1/2 years ago. She has a bookcase full of books and often “reads” to herself. We are a family of readers, so we also influence her by example.
I shared on Twitter.
I shared on Facebook.
We have a required reading time in our house. Often times my girls will continue reading past that. I encourage reading for fun by modeling myself and allowing them to pick books they want to read.
I read to my daughter before she was even born and when she was just a toddler, she remarked that he library is a magical place. She is now 13, and the library is still one of her favorite places to go. It even beats out the mall!
I take my kids to the library and let them choose at least one book. We read together some time during the day. I want them to love books as much as I do!
We read aloud EVERYDAY!
I like to take on the characters of a book – using different voices, facial expressions and sometimes movement – I encourage the kids to join in – we bring the book to life.
I read to my kids every day, and we talk about what each of us is reading every day.
I read to my kids every day, even if it is just a section of a story. They now love to read, and want to talk about what they are reading with me.
We visit the library every week and bring home lots of books.
I shared link on Facebook.
I set the example- taking time to read myself
I try to use any topic my son is interested in and find reading material about it.
We read to the dog and we all enjoy it!
As a school counselor, I love using books for my classroom guidance lessons and small groups. A good theme is a great way to do biblio-counseling and these six books look awesome!
I teach yoga to preschool and kindergarten aged children. I use story books to guide the class. For example, a book with lots of animals might inspire yoga poses with animal names. A story with lots of rhythm, or characters that jump, dance, stomp or climb could lead to corresponding movements. Also I use many of the Free Spirit titles to lead age appropriate discussions about principles of yoga, such as caring for others or being honest.. Thanks, I enjoyed reading the other comments as well!
When children see teachers reading and talking about books, about what good writers do, they follow suit! Having teachers in a building share their favorite “read” with students and having students share with one another instill in young readers a desire to pick out good books!
We hold a day we invented called “Read Fest”. We do fun reading activities and games. And of course we all read a lot that day!
I have developed a literacy set program. Students check out books with “props” – toys, stuffed animals, games, etc. that support the book. They love taking the literacy sets home to share with their families!
I do a lot of read a louds.
I help inspire my boys by doing monthly contests. If they read so many minutes they will get a small prize. Ex. Bookmark, sticker etc.
To help inspire my boys to read, we do monthly contests. If they read so many minutes they get a small prize. Bookmarks, stickers etc.
I read nightly with my 2 young ones!
I tweeted and posted on Facebook. Good luck to everyone!
I incorporate books into my counseling lessons and share my own love of reading with the students.
I posted to FB as well
Tweeted 🙂
https://twitter.com/MsAmy227/status/342821004877373440
I give kiddos books that I think will interest them for any and all holidays and special days.
tweeted the giveaway on twitter
shared on facebook
I take them to the library and then to the park to read their books
I love to read aloud and also do reader’s theater plays with my students. I teach at the jr high level in a low socioeconomic area and have encountered students that have NEVER read a book in their entire life. It breaks my heart. I always tell them about what I’m reading, even going so far as to act out parts. I grew up like them and it allows people like us to explore places we might never have the chance to explore in real life! Last but not least, show BOOK TRAILERS!! This always makes my books fly off the shelves.
I find books that are interesting to the students. I do plenty of read alouds and always try to read the book as I act it out. My students love when I use silly voices or sing to a book. They always want to read it after me! I also do a spotlight on authors and their books.
i tweeted!!! https://twitter.com/katieneu
If you get books that relate to kids’ interests, they will be more willing to read.
Most of my students are second language learners, most do not personally own a book. Books to them are like gold. I use books to teach across the curriculum. I am working the learning center on our campus this summer to help them come to keep up their skills over the summer break
I tweeted
I use book talks to inspire students to read books that their friends recommend. They love it and I really see them trying new books all the time!
We set up a beautiful reading area in our classroom so our kids will want to spend time relaxing and enjoying books!
https://twitter.com/gwil1234/status/341741218784485376
I tweeted
We sponsor reading contests with fun books.
I inspire my students to read for fun by recommending books to them on my classroom Facebook page!
Shared on Twitter
Shared on Facebook!
shared on facebook
We make sure that a lot of different books are available for the kids to read, so everyone can find something they are interested in.
In my classroom, I have a dog theme. Stuffed animal dogs and dog beds fill the reading corner. The students can pick up a dog to read to anytime on a dog bed. It makes reading more fun when you can read to a “furry friend”!
I inspire my special education students to read for fun during summer school by having them read to therapy dogs.
I sponsor my school’s Novel Writing Club, grades 4 – 8. We’ve participated in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) for the past five years. I attend writing conferences and gatherings and collect free, signed books for our school’s media center. Each year, our club selects and reads a book from one of our favorite authors. This year, we read Audition and Subtraction by Amy Fellner Dominy. We attend her book signings, follow her blog, analyze her story structures, and apply what we’ve learned to our own novels.
i shared on facebook
i tweeted https://twitter.com/vivaciousgold/status/340188405033996288
i inspire my daughter to read for fun by allowing her to read to my son for bedtime.