South Queens, NY – Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato announced the launch of the 2022 annual Assembly Summer Reading Challenge held in partnership with New York State Libraries. The theme for the 2022 challenge is “Oceans of Possibilities” celebrating all things water and ocean-related. School aged children and young readers are encouraged to read and will be awarded with the Assembly Excellence in Reading Certificate to recognize their efforts and dedication.

“There’s no better way to help kids expand their horizons and keep their minds active than by picking up a good book,” the Assemblywoman said. “A good book can take us to new, exciting worlds, transport us back in time and introduce us to historical figures. This Summer Reading Challenge is a great way to foster a lifelong love of reading and ensure that our kids keep learning once the school year ends.”

The Assemblywoman distributed summer reading packets to every public, charter and private school from Ozone Park, to Howard Beach and across the Rockaway Peninsula so that they could be given to students before school breaks for summer vacation. In the packet included a brochure explaining the challenge and a calendar, along with a bookmark.

The challenge asks children to read a book for a minimum of 15 minutes a day for at least 40 days during July and August. Children can read on their own or with a partner or caregiver. The student then marks off days they read on the calendar provided. Once the student has completed 40 days or more, they submit the calendar to Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato’s office, and will receive their award at a special ceremony at each school in the fall. The Assemblywoman will also be participating because she is always up for a challenge.

In addition, the Assemblywoman is proud to announce two additional awards students could be eligible for. “For the first time we are creating an award for the first student to submit their calendar and will be awarding the school with the most submissions with a special prize,” said Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato.

Additional copies of the Summer Reading Challenge from Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato can be found at your local library, or by contacting the Assemblywoman’s office at 718-945-9550. A printout version is also available at her Assembly website https://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/Stacey-Pheffer-Amato/postings/.