Tower of Books Reading Challenge

Our class is starting our Tower of Books Reading Challenge! I am challenging your fifth or sixth grader to read 30, 35 or 40 books (they get to choose their level) by the end of the school year. I know they can do it!

The goal of the Book Challenge is to get students to leave their reading comfort zone, to read MORE, and explore new reading genres. Ultimately, I would love to see my students’ love of reading flourish, as well as for students to make big academic gains in reading. Let’s face it – the best way to become a better reader is to read!

Although it may seem like a lot of books, students will only have to average one book a week. This can be accomplished by reading during our independent reading time at school and spending at least 30 minutes reading daily at home. By making the right book choices, I am confident that all students will be able to achieve the goal of reading 30 “just right” books in class and at home this year.  The students will be keeping track of the books by creating a Tower of Books, which is in their reader’s notebook.

If we work together, I’m sure we can get them pumped up to make this their best reading year ever. Please encourage your child to read each evening.  This is part of their daily homework.

The Rules:

• Books should be picked that are on your child’s level.
• Only 3 picture books will count toward their goal.
• Books they read in class or those that are read by a teacher will count towards their goal.
• Students must use the Record Sheet listing the genres (see the genre checklist links below). The books do NOT have to be read in order.
• Books (except picture books) must be a minimum of 100 pages.
• Books that are over 350 pages MAY count as two books. Your child will need to talk to me about these books BEFORE they are counted as two!
• Your child will be completing a skills-based entry task, that will be added to their reader’s notebook each week. I will respond weekly.
• When they finish a book they can either write a summary or share it with me verbally.
• Your child has a set day each week for submitting their Reader’s Notebook.

Remember, the purpose of this challenge is to get your child reading AND reading books they might not normally choose.  They will NOT be graded on how many books they read, but the quality and appropriateness of their book choices, their weekly entries in their notebooks, and their obvious efforts to accept a challenge to improve their reading skills.  The last point is FAR more important to me than the number of books that they complete.

Thank you for your support at home!  I look forward to working with you to watch your child’s reading SOAR!!!!

Mrs. Hilton

30 Book Genre Checklist Tower of Books

35 Book Genre Checklist Tower of Books

40 Book Genre Checklist Tower of Books