Girl Scouts and Carters Inc. Level Up the Typical Summer Book Club
July 07, 2025
Reading Equals Adventure with Plot-Inspired Activities and Experiments for 200 Area Girls
Atlanta, Georgia (July 07, 2025) - Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta
(GSGATL) announced today an immersive reading program designed to help
prevent the “summer slide,” the learning loss that school-age children
experience during the summer months. It’s much more than the typical
summer reading program. In addition to an exciting story, readers use
the accompanying activity guide to explore the main character's
interests with supplemental activities.
Recent
Scholastic studies indicate a downward trend in youth summer reading.
Reasons include limited access to books, increased online time, and
challenges with reading comprehension.
With support from Carter’s Charitable Foundation Inc., the Beyond the Book club provided 200+ girls a complimentary copy of the book, Maven Takes the Lead, a book discussion guide, a patch, and an activity guide that immerses them in the story, all delivered directly to their doorstep. Girls may choose from several activities, including arts projects using materials they have at home, enhancing lemonade recipes through STEM, or learning about visiting their local library, how to obtain a library card and books that interest them.
Why programs like Beyond the Book are necessary:
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A recent study placed Georgia 46th in the nation in literacy.
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According to the 2025 National Assessment of Educational Progress, only 70% of Georgia fourth graders are reading at grade-level proficiency.
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According to a 2024 report by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, only 21% of Atlanta area Black third graders and 34% of local Latino third graders read at a proficient level.
The chosen book, Maven Takes the Lead, is by award-winning author Yamile Saied Méndez. It features three female friends exploring the challenges and successes of family, friendships, and 5th grade.
“With Beyond the Book, girls don’t just read — they live the story. As characters take on challenges, explore new skills, or dive into adventures, our girls do the same. This immersive approach keeps girls active, engaged, and excited to learn — turning every chapter into a real-world adventure that sparks confidence, curiosity, and leadership,” said Jai Ferrell, CEO of Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta.
In addition to the book club, Carter’s funded the installation of a 7-foot rustic tree bookshelf at Girl Scout of Greater Atlanta’s Camp Timber Ridge in Mableton, GA. The branches will be filled with more than 100 books for day and overnight campers to borrow throughout the summer and beyond.
