CT Summer Story Project FAQs
We've already had a few questions about our new CT Summer Story Project, and we'd love to answer them for you all!
Who's writing the story?
Great question, thanks for asking. While we're targeting a story at a 3rd-6th grade reading level, we prefer the story to be written by adults. Because the team would like this process to include as many people as possible, if a library has a writing group (youth or adult) and they would like the writing group to submit a story for consideration, we welcome that as well. Please keep in mind we will be considering the quality of the writing when selecting our 8 short stories.
Who's submitting the story?
One library worker. The library worker may be submitting their own work, they may be submitting on behalf of a library writing group, but the one library worker will be the point of contact for the project team.
Who's running the program?
This project is designed for the library workers to run the program, and they'll have creative freedom in how they choose to do so. Do you want to read the short story with your group of kids, then go through the questions? Great! Do you want them to read the stories in advance and show up ready to discuss? Great! Do you want to do something else entirely with the stories? We love to see the creativity!! Remember, each short story will include discussion questions and supplemental activities appropriate for a group of library kids
Who's reading the stories?
The kids!! And honestly, if adults would like to follow along, please do. While the recommended reading and content level for the stories is 3rd -6th grade, there are 2nd graders who may be able to read the stories themselves or have the stories read to them. They may be 8th graders who want to participate and love a good short story! All are welcome.
What if I'm using a different summer reading theme?
That's okay! As with every summer, we encourage libraries to use the summer reading theme (or no theme) best appropriate for their community. The theme Plant a Seed, Read, will be the throughline connecting the summer 2026 stories, it's not meant to be exclusionary.
What genres are you looking for?
All of them. We're so excited to see what everyone creates!
This is a pilot initiative so we're all learning and growing. If there are any other questions, please feel free to reach out to a member of the project team and keep an eye out for more information about the CT Summer Story Project!