Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square) is announcing the 2015 Summer Reading Challenge. This program, sponsored by Ra in conjunction with New York State libraries, is designed to encourage children across the state to continue reading throughout their summer break.

This year’s theme, “Every hero has a story”, urges children to explore and celebrate the actions of heroes throughout a variety of genres – from picture books to poetry. The suggested reading list includes literature for all reading levels.

“I know it can be difficult for children to make reading a top priority during their long-awaited summer vacation,” said Ra. “By sponsoring this rewarding challenge to the ambitious children in my district, I am encouraging parents and students to work together to reach their reading goals.”

“Reading is such an important part of a child’s development in the early stages of learning, and while it certainly helps children to become more successful in the classroom, it can also instill a sense of adventure and creative thinking,” concluded Ra.

Ra is encouraging all school-age children in his district to read for at least 15 minutes a day, for at least 40 days, throughout the months of July and August. The reader, or the adult with whom the child reads, makes a note of each day they spend reading. Once 40 days have been marked, the child is eligible to receive a New York State Assembly “Excellence in Reading” certificate recognizing that he or she has successfully completed the challenge.

For further information on this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, please visit www.summerreadingnys.org. You also may contact Ra’s office with questions via telephone at (516) 535-4095 or email rae@assembly.state.ny.us.