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By MICHELE SAGER The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 2, 2008

Updated: 12/29/2007 08:56 pm

BRANDON - Students will be continuing their holiday break from classes for another week, but educators say they shouldn't take a break from reading.

Although many students may want to hide schoolbooks until they return to class Tuesday, teachers want parents to encourage leisurely reading at home. No matter the age of the person or the holiday celebrated, there are stacks of selections for any reader.

The Florida Department of Education has made it easy to choose books by releasing its annual list of recommended holiday reading.

Janet Molen, senior librarian and a youth specialist at Brandon Regional Library, said even short breaks can put children's progress at risk.

"You really need to keep them reading the whole time," Molen said. "Even good students can benefit from it. They can grow over the holidays if they keep reading."

But competing with holiday television specials, visiting relatives and new toys can be tough, said Bonny Cable, a third-grade teacher at Riverhills Elementary in Temple Terrace. She suggested families plan for at least 30 minutes of reading time each day.

The list includes holiday classics for adults. Cable suggested parents lead the reading revolution by example.

Reporter Michele Sager can be reached at (813) 865-4843 or msager@tampatrib.com.

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