Dear Governor,

I think you are the best. I am happy you came up with this idea. It helped me to like to read. I am reading my fourth Cam Jansen book. They are great, your kids would like them too. Also my brother is having a birthday on August 14 and I told my parents I wanted to invite you and your family. I know God will bless your family.

Love,

-Maura

Dear Governor:  I have read 5 books for this summer, I will continue to read all through this summer.  But I like to be with my sisters and go to the beach, too.

- Tianna T.

My two daughters look up to me and always say they want to be like me because of my love for education, being that I am doing my Masters degree and they see how much effort I put into my studies. This is their first year joining the challenge which is not a challenge for them because they read about 3 to 5 books on a weekly basis. However, I am happy that they enjoy reading and have read over 20 books thus far. I encourage every child to get involved in their child’s education, especially reading, english and math. It builds up their understanding, and ability to communicate openly with others. Thanks again Governor for your efforts!

- Thamaris C.

Hi Governor De Jongh, I have read my five books so far. I’m not going to stop here. I like reading and will keep reading.

-Anthony E.

Hi, I am a mom who loves to read. All of my children are too old for the challenge, but I still encourage them to read. To the governor and first lady, keep it up. Your encouragement and support of our island’s children is greatly appreciated. Perhaps the grade level should increase for next year’s challenge!

-Patricia H.

Governor, I am so loving the read five clallenge. You get to read different books every day.  I enjoy reading so many different books.

-Janee R.

Governor, I have read my five books.I will continue to read more books.
I will be reading lots and lots of books this summer.

-Dana Francis
E.B.O School

I am Gregory Liburd and I have completed reading 10 books for the summer.  I enjoy reading and I will continue to read.

-Gregory Liburd

Hello everyone I participated in the read 5 program since it started sooo sad I will not be doing it next year poooo It’s only for kindergarten-6 grade anyways see you at the party……

-Niahisha Remy

I love to read.  So I am participating in your reading challenge this summer.

-Joscelin Torres

I completed reading my five books on July 03, 2011 and have submitted my tracking sheet. I will not stop here though I will continue to read for the rest of the summer.Just like my mom reads a lot I have also picked up her habit of always looking for something interesting to read.

-Shania M. Farrington

hi govenor. I  am jaida fessale and I am very interested in winning the challenge again.i hope i can read at least five books again,and i know that you want me to do my best.i am only 8 years old going to 4th grade.i am looking forward to meeting you again.i love to answer questions i hope i can ask questions when i meet you, i will try not to ask too many questions.You must be amazed at all the questions i am asking already, but… i am really looking forward to coming again to see you say speeches.i also want to arts and crafts. i love summer school, i love summer, i should also love reading books in my favorite season…SUMMER.

-jaida fessale

“Governor, I am so pleased that reading is a priority for you and your staff. If our children can only understand that reading is the key to their success, then we will see such a difference in their grades and test scores. Thank you for all that you do. Please know that I am available to assist you with this program if you need my help.”

-Elizabeth R. Hoover

Is it possible to make the “Track Your Books” form available in a downloadable format to be printed?

-Trevena Briscoe

I really love this program and I can’t wait for the book blowout!

-NiKoya Browne

“I got my first book today in Sunny Isle. The tittle is The Big Roar by Mim Green and Ohillis Gershator. The pictures were bright and beautiful and my baby brother loved it. The book sounded like a poem when my mammy read it with me. She said I was right because there are alot of rhyming word in it. I thought the lion would not wake from his lair. My mamny and I looked up the word lair in my dictionary so I can learn something new. It means a shelter or place where wild animals live. I will try and protect all animals. Thanks for my book. I like it much.”

-Leanne Valery

books are awesome!!

-kevin callwood

My mom and I read “sky dancing” written by Miss Ellen Erwin of Tortola.  It was about a little girl who wanted to be a mocko jumbie dancer.  It was a good book.  I hope we can borrow it from the St Croix library because my mom made me give my copy away.

-ENRICO QUINONES

My son wants to know why your reading challenge is not open for pre-K students.  He has started to read very simple books and is excited to “Read for Governor deJongh” but I had to explain to him that when he gets older he can take the challenge! Thanks

-Zolayma Belle

“Honorable Governor, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for this program and encourage you to find a private donor who believes in this initiative and can update the STX libraries with children reading materials dated after the 1900′s.

I recently visited both libraries (Fredericksted and Christiansted) for the first time, since moving to the island a year ago.  I was ashamed that I have been encouraging children to spend more time at the libraries.  Please see them the next time you are on island.
I believe in your interests, integrity, and commitment to literacy for our children.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.  I just finished reading five children’s books from F’sted library.  BLateef, Professor”

-Beulah Lateef

Come back soon for comments and reviews by student readers just like you!