KANKAKEE – To prevent the “summer slide,” State Senator Patrick Joyce is launching a Summer Reading Club for children and young people who live in the 40th District.

“It can be easy for young students to drift away from reading when the school year ends,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Reading over the summer helps students stay in a routine that can last for the rest of their lives.”

The Summer Book Club requires students to read eight books of their choice during the summer break, record the names of the books on a form, and return the form to Joyce’s district office by Aug. 21. Participants who complete the readings will receive a certificate and an invite to a pizza party thrown by Joyce.

“Our summer book club has done great over the last few years,” said Joyce. “Not only are we getting kids to pick up a couple books, we are also getting to wrap up the summer with a pizza party.”

To receive a book club form, visit SenatorPatrickJoyce.com to download and print the form. Parents can also call Joyce’s office at 708-756-0882 to request a copy by mail.

Joyce urges interested residents to call his office with any additional questions.