Summer Reading Challenge 2026

What is the challenge?

To read as much as possible this summer, and to record what you've read about.

What are the incentive levels?

• Level 1: Students who read one book and turn in a review will receive a $3 credit at the snack shack or an Ann Arbor Academy notebook.

• Level 2: Students who read 2 books and turn in a review for each will receive the reward for Level 1 and a die cut Ann Arbor Academy logo sticker

• Level 3: Students who read 3 books and turn in a review for each will receive the rewards for Levels 1 and 2 and will also receive an Ann Arbor Academy Summer Reading Challenge drawstring backpack

What is meant by a review?

A book review needs to include a summary of the book and a recommendation for other potential readers. It could take the form of a traditional book review but could also be a more creative choice - see the After Reading Choice Form below for more options.

When are the reading reviews due?

The reviews are due on the first day of school - Tuesday, September 8, 2026

Are there templates or graphic organizers students can use for the reviews?

Yes! Click here to access the template for younger students/emerging readers, and here to access the graphic organizer for older students/advanced readers. The templates are in a read only format, so you will need to make a copy to use them (in the upper left hand corner click on File, then Copy). 

What counts as a book for the challenge?

Novels, biographies, histories, graphic novels, audio books, illustrated books all count. The only thing to keep in mind is that, because this is a challenge, the book or books chosen should be at or a little above the student's reading level. Upper School Reading Teacher Eric Engel has put together a list of recommended books to get you started - click here to see the list.

We also recommend utilizing the outstanding reading list on Afrofuturism published by the National Museum of African American History and Culture (click here), the New York Public Library's reading list of books for young readers showcasing themes of disability pride and empowerment (click here), the reading list published by the Bellingham Public Library showcasing Hispanic/Latinx books for young readers (click here), and this outstanding list for young readers highlighting the diversity of cultures, religions, and ethnicities in the Middle East and the Levant (click here).

How do the reviews get turned in?

Reviews can be emailed to the office (office@annarboracademy.org) or, if they are on paper, dropped off at the front desk on the first day of school.

Remember that your local library is the best resource for books, including audio books!

Have a wonderful summer, and happy reading!

The Ann Arbor Academy Reading and Literature Teachers