KATY TESSMAN
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2017 Book List
​Presentation
Recommendation List

2016 Book List
​Presentation
Recommendation List

2015 Book List
Recommendation List

2014 Book List
Presentation
Recommendation List
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2013 Book List
Presentation
Recommendation List

2012 Book List
Presentation
Recommendation List

For six years, Katy was the volunteer director of the summer reading program for Gatewood Elementary in Hopkins Schools. 
​In the spring, every Gatewood Elementary student is invited to participate in Book Buddies, our summer reading program. Based on next year's grade level, students select one book from each category, reading five books total over the summer. As always, students participating in the Book Buddies program will have a fun get-together in the fall to discuss the books they read over the summer. Each student who signed up in the spring will receive a personal invitation to the party for their grade level.

Each year, a Google Slide Presentation is put together to help students decide which books they'd like to read. In addition to images of the book covers and descriptions, there are links to videos of previews and author interviews as well as links to Websites where students and families can learn more about the books.

Tips for Encouraging Young Readers:

  • Empower your child to choose the books they want to read
  • Set aside time for reading
  • Have a special cozy reading nook, perhaps a hammock outdoors
  • Write book reviews or recommendations to friends​
  • Start a book group with friends and meet at the beach or playground to discuss the books
  • Read aloud to your child, or read to each other, this is a great thing to do during a long car trip
  • Discuss the books with family at meal times
  • Do an activity and/or eat a snack just like the characters in the books​
  • Always have books with you​​

In The News

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Gatewood Book Buddies Program Fosters Love of Reading at any Age
The summer reading program has been a staple offering at Gatewood for years. When Gifted & Talented educator Sarah Ham retired in 2011, Gator mom Katy Tessman couldn’t let the program discontinue. She has been spearheading the summer program ever since.
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Gatewood Book Buddies:  Summer Reading Program fosters love of reading at any age. The start of the 2017-18 school year signaled the end of the Book Buddies summer reading program, but the fun of reading for Gatewood students is just beginning.
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​​​Armstrong High School Media Center: From library to student union: Armstrong students thrive in transformed media center One of the goals to the media transformation was to cater to students’ strengths, whether it’s technology, video, or music. As part of the new Tiny Desk Concert program, Armstrong sophomore Jessa “Kat” Hanson works on a song with Katy Tessman, media clerk.
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For booking and publicity, contact: SUMMIT
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • Contact & EPK
    • About the SINGER-SONGWRITER >
      • HISTORY
    • About the AUTHOR >
      • ABOUT "Hero Now Crowned"
      • ABOUT "Our Mama is a Beautiful Garden" >
        • Acknowledgements
        • Haikus
        • Sponsor the Book
      • Book Signing Events
      • Author News
  • SHOWS
    • Write My Own Story TOUR
    • Performance Archive >
      • Birthday/Survivor Celebration Fundraiser - Oct 18, 2024
      • Treasure Trove Tour
      • FLY ALBUM RELEASE TOUR
      • Special Event - Fundraiser for Angel Foundation Oct 20, 2022
  • MUSIC
    • VIDEOS
  • STORE
  • PRESS
  • MORE
    • THE TURNBUCKLES
    • Mom + Son duo
    • Heartland Souvenirs
    • SUMMIT presents
    • Hero Now Crowned
    • BLOG
    • SURVIVOR
    • READER >
      • Book Buddies
      • Building a Diverse Book Collection
    • MAKER >
      • Makerspace in the Media Center
  • OUTREACH
  • Newsletter Signup