State Sen. Bill Cunningham is betting on books this summer.

In a bid to fight the so-called “summer slide” — the academic backsliding many students face over break — Cunningham is inviting kids in his district to join his Summer Book Club, an annual challenge that rewards young readers who tackle eight books before school resumes.

“The inspiration for the Summer Book Club came from a simple but important idea: helping kids fall in love with reading,” said Cunningham, who represents Illinois’ 18th District. “During the summer months, many students experience what’s known as the ‘summer slide,’ where they lose some of the academic progress they made during the school year. I wanted to create something fun and engaging that encourages kids to keep learning while school is out.”

The club is open to all students living in the 18th District, which includes the Mt. Greenwood and Beverly neighborhoods in Chicago; parts of Morgan Park, Brainerd and Auburn-Gresham; and the surrounding suburbs of Oak Lawn, Evergreen Park, Alsip, Palos Heights, Chicago Ridge, Palos Park, Marionette Park, and parts of Orland Park and Worth.

To participate, students must read eight books of their choice, write the titles on a downloadable form, and return it to Cunningham’s district office by Friday, Aug. 15. Everyone who completes the challenge will receive a gift card and a personalized certificate from the senator.

“Reading over the summer does more than just keep academic skills sharp,” Cunningham said. “It helps students expand their imagination, build confidence and develop a lifelong habit of learning.”

He added that the program offers more than academic reinforcement.

“One of the biggest benefits is that it empowers kids to explore new ideas and discover what interests them outside of a structured classroom setting,” he said. “When a child finds a book they love, it can spark curiosity and inspire them in ways that last a lifetime. The Summer Book Club also gives students a goal to work toward and a sense of accomplishment when they complete it, which is incredibly important for building self-esteem.”

The reading log form is available at SenatorBillCunningham.com. For questions, families can call the senator’s office at 773-445-8128.