Governor Kay Ivey is calling on young Alabamians across the state to take part in her 3rd Annual Summer Reading Challenge. The initiative is open to all students K through 8th in the state and will run through September 5 of the upcoming school year. Whether receiving public, private, or homeschool instruction, rising students in grades for the 2025-26 school year are invited to join.

“Our students have earned a well-deserved summer break, but that doesn’t mean the learning stops,” said Ivey. “Reading is one of the best ways to keep young minds sharp, and for the third year now, I’m proud to once again invite Alabama’s students to take part in my Summer Reading Challenge.”

“I have heard from thousands of our students in the past, and I look forward to even more sharing their favorite reads with me this summer.”

To participate, grade-eligible students may write a letter to the Governor, sharing what their preferred summer reading book was and why it was their favorite, whether it be assigned summer reading or a book of choice. Students must include their name, the grade they are entering, and the school he or she attend.

Ivey also asked students to consider participating in Second Lady Usha Vance’s national reading challenge. 

“The more we can do to keep our students reading, the better – and I’m proud to stand alongside Second Lady Usha Vance in encouraging that effort,” Ivey said.”I hope families across our state will take part in both our reading challenge here in Alabama and the national one led by our Second Lady. There’s no better way to spend the summer than with a good book, or two, OR twelve, in hand.”

Additional info on Vance’s challenge can be found here.