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Two years ago, we offered our first summer reading program, and were thrilled with the response we got. Over 400 kids signed up, and nearly 250 completed the minimum reading. When we offered the program again, we were floored when 538 kids signed up and 373 completed the minimum reading. Many parents (and students) commented that they enjoyed the reading list and appreciated that the prizes were based on merit. This reading program has been one of the most rewarding things we've ever done, so you bet we're on for 2015!
Every year, half a bajillion local libraries offer incentive-based programs designed to get kids reading during the summer. While the aim is a good one, we (and others) are often frustrated with the quality of literature available. Our goal is to help raise the bar.
 As a result, we are happy to offer our own recommended reading list. The 2014 PDF version of the Outside of a Dog Book List offers 50+ titles for each grade. Full of genuine classics and family favorites, it doesn't promote a liberal agenda, cater to the lowest common denominator, or present books designed to make anyone look smart. It's a list meant simply to open the wide doors of reading to kids turned off by more standard fare, to help kindle a love of reading.
From the feedback we've received the last two years and after doing further reading ourselves, we've continued to update Outside of a Dog. For 2015, we have created website lists for each grade, added ratings and cautions to many of the books, adjusted a few grade level suggestions (primarily in the 7th and 8th grades), removed a few books and added others, continuing to make the list more unique and a little less curriculum-based. You can view the updated website lists here.
Who Can Do It? Any student grades 1-12. Preschool and kindergarten readers may also sign up, but they will be enrolled as first graders. YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE LOCAL. You can download the free booklist via pdf or view the website lists, and your book logs can be completed online.
Cost: $5 per participant. If you sign up online, please include each child's name and grade in the order comments (we'll be calling if you don't!). Since we believe our list is a bit on the challenging side, we suggest signing your child up for the grade they just finished—not the one they are entering. You, of course, are free to make that decision. While we are thankful if you choose to support the program by buying literature from us, you are under no obligation to buy a single book. As an extra incentive, we will email a coupon code to registrants early in July. Students must enroll by August 15th, and no refunds for the program will be given after that date.
The digital booklist is free, but you can also purchase a printed copy of the 2013 version of Outside of a Dog ($3 each—sales of this will help fund the prizes).
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Don't start reading until June 1st!
No fair getting a head start!
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Read at least five books from Outside of a Dog (grade level or above).
Each participant who does that will receive one $5 gift certificate to Exodus and one entry into the grand prize drawing. If you read five qualifying books from the website (not from the list), we will still award a certificate, but you will NOT be entered into the drawing.
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Keep reading, and you'll have more chances to win.
Each book read beyond the first five nets you an additional entry to the grand prize drawing, but...
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Additional books must be from our website and be grade appropriate.
Your student's digital booklog will verify that the book is on the site and appropriate for their grade level. If you read a book that does not register and think we should list it, please let us know by July 31 so we can decide whether to include it.
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Kids must READ the books themselves.
Audio books and read-alouds, while wonderful things, are not the same experience. We realize this doesn't allow some younger kids to participate—but this program is not intended for pre-readers. If you need an exception for special circumstances, please call.
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High school students must read two non-fiction titles.
The other three are up to them.
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The books must be UNABRIDGED.
No exceptions.
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Record your reading!
Each registrant will receive access to a digital book log. Please record the titles you read and rate the books there. Everything posted from June 1st to August 31 will count towards final numbers. If you can't access it, download the printable book log, fill that out and submit it by mail or in person before August 31.
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Parents: PLEASE confirm your students actually read the books!
Everyone who reads 5 books from their grade level will receive a $5 gift certificate to Exodus. PLUS...
Grades 1-2
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Read 35 books and get a $10 certificate to Exodus.
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There will be one $25 grand prize for most books read.
Grades 3-6
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Read 25 books and get a $10 certificate to Exodus.
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There will be one $50 grand prize for most books read.
Grades 7-12
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Read 5000 pages and get a $15 certificate to Exodus.
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There will be one $100 grand prize for most books read.
There will be one $50 grand prize random drawing
This will include all participants who have read the five book minimum or more (other grand prize winners are ineligible).
Important!! Prizes will be awarded via emailed gift certificates on the second Friday of September (or as close to that as possible). They cannot be awarded before.
We are currently funding all the gift certificates, but we would love help! If you would like to help sponsor gift certificates or donate other prizes, please give us a call. Sponsors will receive advertising in the reading program emails. If you have questions, please give us a call at 503-655-1951.
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