Reading is the cornerstone upon which academic subjects are built. It is important for students to maintain their skills during the summer. Reading is an activity that can be interactive or independent. It is a great way for siblings to interact with each other and parents to interact with their children.

There are many websites where eBooks can be downloaded free. Some are borrowed like libraries and expire after a specific amount of time. Others are narrated and/or animated. Some sites have books that are read aloud. Children can click on an unknown word that is read for them. Some sites charge a modest amount for downloads. Read each site carefully to view their operating policies. The following is a partial list of eBook sites.
www.magickeys.com – Click on each word and it is read to you. eBooks cost as little as $2.00.
www.free-books.org/children.php – Contains a collection of 1,000 plus free books downloadable to an MP3 player. Contents range from very young to readers of classics like Robinson Crusoe.
www.raz-kids.com/kidspage/htm – Provides downloadable books that are interactive with quizzes to help develop comprehension skills.
www.kids.nypl.org/reading/Childrensbooks.cfm – Contains children's novels, folk tales, and more.
www.worditude.com/kids/ebook2.html – Provides animated and text versions – free downloads
www.ebook88.com/kidspage.htm – Offers 600+ titles for free downloads or for sale and has books about children for children. Some books are sold for $1.99 to $9.99
www.tumblebooks.com/library – Includes books and games for elementary children – animated and talking picture books

Many sites will ask which language you want the text to be in and this is good for students who are English Speakers Of Other Languages (ESOL). At www.Amazon.com/kindle you can purchase a wireless book reader. It will hold 200 downloaded books & newspapers and a separate card can be bought to increase capacity. Best sellers cost $9.99 or less. It is very light and advertised as great for traveling. It is priced at $359 with free 2-day shipping. The audio books are good for helping maintain and develop listening skills.