The Governor’s Summer Reading Challenged kicked off Sunday on St. John as Government House staff and volunteers handed out age-appropriate books to youths and parents who took a break from Food Fair to visit the table set up near the Battery entrance.
“The books are by Virgin Islands authors,” Government House special assistant Rebecca Smock said.
Youths in kindergarten through second grade received “The Big Roar” by Mim Green and Phillis Gershator. “Hoping for a Hurricane” by Gershator went to youths in third and fourth grade, and youths in grades five and six got “Moko Jumbi Dreams” by Alscess Lewis-Brown.
All the books are special editions with words from Gov. John deJongh Jr. on the first page.
“It is important that we continue to explore our rich history, culture and traditions by celebrating the authors that have penned the unique experiences we collectively share of living in the Virgin Islands. One day we may even be reading your book about life in the Caribbean,” the governor wrote.
The governor urged the students not to stop at five and pick up another tracking sheet when the first set of books is completed.
“Reading during the summer will keep your mind engaged in educational activities so you do not fall prey to the negative effects of summer learning loss,” deJongh wrote.
According to Smock, students who read a total of five books and complete and sign a tracking sheet will be invited to a Fun Day sponsored by Government House.
Smock said about 40 to 50 youths and parents had picked up books within the first half-hour of the book distribution.
