Read to Ride Program Encourages Students to Read More than 3,000 Books

Schools may take a break over the summer months but students in Greater Boston buckled down with the books this summer.  For the 14th year, Dependable Cleaners hosted its Read to Ride program, designed to foster the love of reading and provide students ages 6-15 with the tools they need to ensure year-long learning success.  

This year’s program was an unqualified success, with students reading more than 3,000 books between May 14 and August 20, 2012.  Participants submitted one entry form for each book they read and the more books read, the greater the chance of winning.  Ten lucky readers were selected throughout the summer to receive a brand new bike, donated by Farinas Bike Store in Watertown and Dave’s Bike Infirmary in Milton.  An additional 20 children received gift cards to local sporting goods stores. 

“Books have always been an important part of my life and the lives of my children.  Children who develop a love of reading early in life often see more success in school,” said Christa Hagearty, president of Dependable Cleaners.  “We are thrilled with how many students participated in this year’s Read to Ride Program and want to thank everyone who helped get the word out, including area schools, their directors and superintendents, local libraries and  bookstores as well as the overwhelming number of parents who encourage their children to read during the summer months.”  

A diverse selection of books was read over the course of the program, with students clearly enjoying both newer releases and the classics.  The Harry Potter novels by J.K. Rowlings continued to be a big hit, with students reading 34 books from that series.  The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, which also was released as a movie this summer, also grabbed the attention of local readers, with 27 students selecting this novel.  Others that continue to pass the test of time include the Amelia Bedelia series by Peggy Parrish, first published in 1963, and the Judy Moody books by Megan McDonald, first published in 2000.  Other highly read books included The Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney, Junie B. Jones by Barbara Park and Horrible Harry by Suzy Kline.

Over the past 14 years, more than 60,000 books have been read by area students.  Read to Ride 2012 was sponsored by Dependable Cleaners in conjunction with Farina’s Bicycle Center, Dave’s Bike Infirmary, Buttonwood Books, Newtonville Books, The Patriot Ledger, and Patch.com. A full list of participating organizations is available at www.DependableCleaners.com/read-ride.

-Dependable Cleaners