I just finished reading my first full novel since I started having kids five years ago. It took me multiple library renewals and nights without TV, but I did it. And I did it for myself. It was so satisfying that I read another book, and another.

It’s easy for us to get caught up in what we should be doing instead of sitting down with a good book and actually enjoying it. Parents might think: “I should do the dishes.” or “I should organize the closet.” Likewise, students have their own list of shoulds: “I should fill out another scholarship application.”  or “I should read my Rhetoric book again so I’m ready for school in the fall.”

There’s nothing wrong with being prepared for school, or reading to better yourself, but whatever happened to reading for enjoyment? Our annual summer reading contest is the perfect time to explore and enjoy reading.

It begins now and continues through September 16, 2019. We only ask that you as parents or teachers verify what the children have read, and then, after they have met their goals, complete the online entry form . Please encourage them to read good literature, not just look for a book that meets the page count criteria. Click here to download a reading chart if you would like to track your student’s progress.

Veritas Press Reading Contest Rules

1. Reading Quantity
   1. Kindergarten – 2nd Grade: 40 Easy Readers (ex., Frog and Toad are Friends)
   2. 3rd & 4th Grades: 25 books of at least 125 pages (ex., The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe)
   3. 5th & 6th Grades: 25 books of at least 150 pages (ex., Treasure Island)
   4. 7th – 12th Grades: 25 books of at least 200 pages (ex., The Fellowship of the Ring)
2. After the child has completed the readings, entries must be submitted online by 5:00 PM EDT, September 16, 2019.
3. The first 250 submissions in each age division will be given a $10 gift certificate.
4. An additional drawing will be held from all submissions and will be announced in the October Epistula. There will be three winners from the drawing.
   1. $150 First Prize
   2. $100 Second Prize
   3. $70 Third Prize

Need some suggestions? Check out our summer reading lists.