February 18, 2026
Dear Families,
Over the next few weeks, Ashwaubenon Elementary School families will participate in a book club experience called Pioneer & Valley View’s Book of the Year! Every family will receive a copy of the same book to read at home. The book, sent home with the oldest child in the family, is for everyone to enjoy as you read it aloud or listen to the chapters from the school website. Students will also participate in activities at school that focus on the book. In addition, both students and families will have access to fun activities online and in the community.
Reading aloud at home is valuable as it models positive skills and can be a meaningful family activity. Our goal is to build a community of readers through this common literacy experience. We hope you can make time for your family to participate in this special opportunity.
Pioneer & Valley View’s 2026 Book of the Year is Race the Wild: Rainforest Relay.
Along with the book, your child has received a reading log to help them track their reading at home. Students can even listen to some of their favorite staff members reading the book on our Book of the Year website! We will share it on Seesaw, Classlink, and the Pioneer & Valley View home pages. We hope you enjoy the fun activities to complete as a family.
Please use the following schedule to guide your reading:
February 22-28: Chapters 1-3
March 1-7: Chapters 4-6
March 8-14: Chapters 7-9
*Return completed reading logs to your home school by March 17, 2026
We know you’ll enjoy reading this fun book as a family. We look forward to sharing this experience with you and hope to see you and your family out at our community events! Happy reading!
Race the Wild is an adventure book series by Kristin Earhart about kids competing in an international race that tests their animal and survival knowledge. The series features teams using their wits and teamwork to overcome challenges and navigate diverse ecosystems like the Amazon rainforest, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Arctic. Each book is filled with true facts about the animals and habitats they encounter.
Rain Forest Relay- On a once-in-a-lifetime race through the animal kingdom, it takes smarts, strength, and skill to win!
When Russell entered the race, he knew it was going to be a wild ride. Especially the first race course! He'd been studying up on the Amazon's animals and culture forever. But nothing could prepare him or his teammates for what they'd find in the rain forest: raging rapids, poisonous venom, and sneaky competitors who'd do anything to win. Can the red team work together to make it to the finish line in one piece? Each chapter in this action-packed adventure series is bursting with totally true facts about wild and wonderful creatures, dangerous habitats, maps, and more!