The 905 Summer Reading Challenge is back again!

TORONTO, June 29, 2022 - First Book Canada, Raptors 905, and Penguin Random House Canada announced today the launch of the third annual Raptors 905 Summer Reading Challenge.

Two hundred grade 5 students from across the GTA have been nominated by their teachers and parents to take part. They will be invited to read one book a week for five weeks, write a short book report, and participate in a virtual reading celebration each week, featuring the author of the book they have just read and Raptors 905 executive and WNBA Champion Tammy Sutton-Brown as guests. 

Here is the starting lineup of books selected by Penguin Random House Canada:

And here is the best news of all … Following the success of last year’s program and with support from Tangerine Project Forward™, 300 additional spots will be opened up for more kids to take part. Students currently in grades 4, 5, or 6 across Canada who are interested in participating in the Summer Reading Challenge can now register at firstbookcanada.org/raptors-905-summer-reading-challenge. Please note that spaces in the program are limited and participants will have to get their own books from independent retailers or from their local library branch. 

“These new books provide kids with a window to a wider world and mirrors to reflect empowered, diverse experiences. We are thrilled to be partnering with Raptors 905, Penguin Random House Canada and Tangerine Bank, for another fantastic challenge,” said Heather Farquharson, Executive Director, First Book Canada.

The tip off for the program and reading of the first book begins officially on Friday, July 8^th, and the first reading celebration with the author of that week’s book will take place on Friday, July 15^th. The “final buzzer” event will be on Friday, August 12^th. 

Students will be given a week to read each title in the program and write a short report highlighting what they enjoyed and learned from the book. Each Friday, they will have the unique opportunity to join a virtual reading celebration to interact with the author of the book, community leaders, and other participants of the Summer Reading Challenge to discuss the themes of the book. 

Penguin Random House Canada VP Marketing & Communications Beth Lockley said, “We’re so glad to see this program continue to grow in its third year, giving even more young readers across the GTA access to these fantastic books and their authors and illustrators. For many children and adults alike in recent years, stories and storytelling have been an important means of growth, escape, and connection. It’s a joy to once again help put books in kids’ hands that will spark their imaginations and create space for conversations that will inspire them to pursue big dreams.”

The Raptors 905 Summer Reading Challenge comes on the momentum from the wildly successful Raptors 905 National Spring Book Club, sponsored by Ivari. 475 students across Canada took part in this month long event, where they were challenged to read Gillian Goerz’s graphic novel, SHIRLEY AND JAMILA’S BIG FALL. The students were then treated to a book talk from Goerz herself, who answered questions and created an imaginary character with input from the students. Students were then asked to send in book reports discussing the book’s theme, characters, style, and what they enjoyed most. 

“We’re proud to continue supporting this program that helps give youth the tools they need to learn, grow and succeed through reading and discussion,” says Gillian Riley, President & CEO of Tangerine Bank. “We are committed to giving back to help empower youth through Tangerine Project Forward.”

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For more information, please contact Emily Keen:emilyk@craftpublicrelations.com | (647) 883-7585