A Week of Young Scholars and Rockstar Reading
- Kathryn Carter
- Jul 28
- 2 min read
Summer learning holds a special place in my heart. Free from the usual pressures of the standard school year, summer programs create a unique space for creativity, deep connection, and pure, unadulterated curiosity.
Mid July was a whirlwind of energy, inspiration, and brilliant young minds! I had the absolute joy of visiting two outstanding summer literacy initiatives in New Jersey to share the world of Lizzie B. Hayes, explore historical fiction, and celebrate what it truly means to be a scholar.
Here is a look back at two unforgettable days on the road!
July 15: Freedom School at 13th Avenue (Newark, NJ)
Our first stop was at the 13th Avenue School in Newark Public Schools for a neighborhood Freedom School session with an amazing group of 4th through 8th grade scholars.
This special event was sponsored by Rutgers University Newark / Neighborhood Partnerships. The Freedom School model, revived by the Children's Defense Fund (CDF) in 1995, is a powerful national summer literacy initiative. Their driving mission, "Better Summers, Brighter Futures: Improving Students’ Opportunities through Literacy, One Summer at a Time," aligns seamlessly with everything we stand for here at KP Carter Writes.
During our session, we dove into the Lizzie B. Hayes book series. It was incredible to watch these middle grade scholars connect with the themes, ask sharp questions, and view historical narrative through a fresh lens.
Scholars at 13th Avenue School leaning in during our interactive reading and Q&A session.
July 16: Rockstar Reader Beyond the Book: The Summer Edition (Orange, NJ)
The very next day, I traveled to Forest Street School for their Summer Session with Orange Public Schools. We spent the day with an enthusiastic group of 4th and 5th graders participating in our Rockstar Reader Beyond the Book (RRBB) program.
These young scholars were not just reading historical fiction, they were truly bringing Lizzie B. Hayes on a Mission to life! Throughout the session, the students were:
Reading & Analyzing: Exploring historical contexts and character motivations.
Writing & Discussing: Engaging in lively, scholar led debates about the story.
Creating: Drawing original illustrations inspired by key scenes in the book.
Seeing these young readers take ownership of their learning, transform challenges into creative puzzles, and express their own artistic visions was the highlight of my week.
Thank You to Our Community!
A heartfelt thank you to Rutgers University Newark, Neighborhood Partnerships, the Children's Defense Fund, and the dedicated administrators and educators at 13th Avenue School and Forest Street School. Most importantly, thank you to all the scholars who welcomed me with open minds and creative spirits!
Programs like these remind us that literacy is not just about reading words on a page, it is about building resilience, fostering lifelong curiosity, and empowering the next generation of leaders.
Keep reading, keep growing, and keep striving for that Scholar Success Mindset!
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