CUSD Reads, a program to get students excited about reading, is back for its second year.

Ceres Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Amy Peterman launched the “CUSD Reads” Superintendent’s Book Club last year to encourage students to develop a love of reading.

Starting in October, students merely read any book on their own time and turn in an age-appropriate review at their school library (or draw a picture for grades TK/K). Any book that a student reads counts, as well as any book read to them outside of library story time or classroom instruction, including graphic novels and audio books.

The program runs from October through March and club members earn small rewards including stickers and bookmarks, plus a chance to win an e-reader.

Last year, students turned in nearly 5,491 reviews. One student at each school also won an e-reader during year-end drawings.

The correlation between reading and academic success is well-established and the benefits of reading are many. In addition to developing vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking, reading can improve memory, build empathy and diminish stress. Peterman hopes the book program will provide opportunities for students to discover books that interest them and to associate reading with pleasure.

“There’s nothing quite like losing yourself in the pages of a book you can’t put down,” Peterman commented. “When our students experience that feeling – when they connect with a story and its characters – that’s when the magic happens and all of those other benefits naturally fall into place.”

The Superintendent’s Book Club is open to CUSD students in all grades. For more information, or to obtain book review forms, visit https://www.ceres.k12.ca.us/o/cusd/page/cusd-reads.