Making Summer Reading Possible Since 2016

About Books on Break

Books on Break launched in 2016 as a Read Charlotte initiative in partnership with Promising Pages. Identified as a key intervention to boost third-grade reading proficiency in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS), the program has since become a signature Promising Pages initiative, ensuring thousands of students have access to books during the summer months.

Now a Promising Pages program, Books on Break brings FREE book fairs to select Title I elementary schools just before summer break. Every PreK through fifth-grade student visits the fair during the school day and takes home five books of their choice to build their personal library and keep reading over the summer. Kids are more likely to read books they choose, so we create a fun, engaging book fair experience where students get to pick titles that excite them. Thanks to our generous sponsors, we provide high-quality, high-interest books that entertain, inspire, and spark curiosity—making independent reading something students look forward to.

Why Books on Break Matters

Research from Harvard University shows that children need at least five age-appropriate books to prevent “summer slide”—the loss of reading skills over summer break. Many children in our community don’t have access to books at home, and without regular reading, they return to school in the fall an average of three months behind their peers. These learning losses build up year after year, significantly impacting third-grade reading proficiency and widening the income-based achievement gap. Some studies suggest that summer learning loss accounts for up to 80% of this gap.

Books on Break tackles this challenge head-on by providing children with a critical educational resource—BOOKS! By ensuring students have engaging stories to read during the summer, we empower them to invest in their futures, one book at a time.

Join us in making a difference—because every child deserves a home library and the opportunity to grow as a reader!

About Books on Break

Books on Break launched in 2016 as a Read Charlotte initiative in partnership with Promising Pages. Identified as a key intervention to boost third-grade reading proficiency in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS), the program has since become a signature Promising Pages initiative, ensuring thousands of students have access to books during the summer months.

Now a Promising Pages program, Books on Break brings FREE book fairs to select Title I elementary schools just before summer break. Every PreK through fifth-grade student visits the fair during the school day and takes home five books of their choice to build their personal library and keep reading over the summer. Kids are more likely to read books they choose, so we create a fun, engaging book fair experience where students get to pick titles that excite them. Thanks to our generous sponsors, we provide high-quality, high-interest books that entertain, inspire, and spark curiosity—making independent reading something students look forward to.

Why Books on Break Matters

Research from Harvard University shows that children need at least five age-appropriate books to prevent “summer slide”—the loss of reading skills over summer break. Many children in our community don’t have access to books at home, and without regular reading, they return to school in the fall an average of three months behind their peers. These learning losses build up year after year, significantly impacting third-grade reading proficiency and widening the income-based achievement gap. Some studies suggest that summer learning loss accounts for up to 80% of this gap.

Books on Break tackles this challenge head-on by providing children with a critical educational resource—BOOKS! By ensuring students have engaging stories to read during the summer, we empower them to invest in their futures, one book at a time.

Join us in making a difference—because every child deserves a home library and the opportunity to grow as a reader!

Support Books on Break

Want to sponsor a Books on Break school? Email [email protected] for details!

Support Books on Break

Want to sponsor a Books on Break school?     Email [email protected] for details!

Books on Break

2024

Books on Break Sponsors

Books on Break 2024 was made possible by the generous financial contributions, book donations, and volunteer support of local foundations, businesses, and nonprofit agencies across the community.

Support Books on Break

Want to sponsor a Books on Break school? Email [email protected] for details!

Books on Break Sponsors

Books on Break 2024 was made possible by the generous financial contributions, book donations, and volunteer support of local foundations, businesses, and nonprofit agencies across the community.

Books on Break Sponsors

Books on Break 2024 was made possible by the generous financial contributions, book donations, and volunteer support of local foundations, businesses, and nonprofit agencies across the community.