That’s a WRAP: Raptors 905 Reading Challenge 2025

From June 21st, 2025 to August 11th, 2025 we held the 8th annual Raptors 905 Summer Reading Challenge! First Book Canada and Raptors 905 organize this program with generous funding from Tangerine Bank and The University of Guelph-Humber. 

Grade five students (entering or graduating) from high needs elementary schools in the GTA were invited to join First Book Canada and Raptors 905 in a virtual summer reading program, lasting five weeks, with 151 students registered. 50 additional kids participated in the MLSE launchpad kickoff event and left with a book bag filled with great reads. 

Students participating in the challenge were provided a book bag filled with their own, free, brand-new copies of five titles to keep in their home libraries. Four of the five titles were by Canadian authors, and two were from independent Canadian publishers. Each of the titles selected for the program was authored by BIPOC individuals and featured protagonists from diverse backgrounds.

The program encouraged students to read one book per week following a set schedule. Each Thursday, students were invited to attend a weekly virtual session to meet the book’s author and a special guest from Raptors 905. On the following Monday, students were encouraged to submit a book report reflecting on that week’s read. Participants submitted wonderful book reports in traditional and creative formats, showcasing their engagement with and enthusiasm for each book.  

Check out our YouTube video to see more highlights: https://bit.ly/Rapors905_Summer_2025

Thanks to all the students who participated in this year’s program and to our partners and sponsors for yet another fantastic summer of reading!