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We are excited for your child to participate in the Summer 2026 Title I Mailbox Books Program, which has been designed to provide additional opportunities for your child to read this summer. As a participant in this family reading program, your child will choose a total of 7 free books based on their interests from our program partner, Bookworm Central. The books will be mailed to your child at home and are theirs to keep, read, and enjoy!
Students select their books online March 12 – April 30. The first week is reserved for families choosing to select books together with their students. In-school selection will begin April 6.
Directions for helping your child select their 7 free summer books
- Talk to your child about the kinds of books they enjoy.
- Click here or scan the code to begin selecting books with your child.
- Use your child’s APS student ID as the PIN.
- Grade levels are referenced as a guideline. Select from any category.
- After selecting 7 titles, review your order:
- Update the address for mailing your child’s books if needed. (Or you can have them sent to school if you prefer.)
- Enter an email address only if you want to receive an email confirmation.
- Submit by April 30.
- Happy reading!
After receiving your child’s books
Please tell us what you think about the program using this quick survey!
Problem with your child’s book delivery? Contact us here so we can help.
Why Summer Reading?
The APS Title I Summer Mailbox Books program is designed to support your child’s reading during the school break this summer.
Summer can be a time of reading loss for students. However, reading new books together and rereading favorites allow developing readers to practice the skills and strategies that they have learned during the school year. Setting aside just 15-30 minutes every day to read helps students maintain their reading skills. Your child will become a more accurate and fluent reader by reading every day!
Your child might also want to talk about the books with you. Children who engage in quality conversations develop stronger vocabularies and reading comprehension skills.
Two important things you and your child can do together at home this Summer: read and talk!
Talking about Reading
Looking for ways to read and talk about books together that support your child as a reader?
- Take the “20-Minutes a Day” Reading Challenge with your child (English, Spanish, Arabic, Amharic, or Mongolian)
- Encourage your child to reread favorite books, either independently or together. Rereading helps build reading fluency.
- Read challenging books with your child so that you can support their reading efforts as needed.
- Explore wordless books, which are another great option for all readers. Here are some ideas about how to read wordless books together.
- Try these conversation cards (English, Spanish, Arabic, Amharic, or Mongolian)
- Check out some of our favorite ways to talk about books and some other ideas!
More Summer Reading
Summer is a great time to have some fun while raising academic skills/readiness by reading, reading, and reading!
Here are some more summer programs to keep you and your student going!
- Keep a record of 8 books you read this summer and receive a free book of your choice from Barnes and Noble through the Summer Reading program.
- Looking for some fun and low-key activities to do this summer that support literacy learning? Check out these great suggestions from Reading Is Fundamental (RIF).
- Participate in the Arlington Public Library Summer Reading program.
Engaging in a Read Aloud counts, too!
- Find a story time at your local library
- Actors read some of their favorite children’s books aloud on the Storyline Online website (free streaming videos).