Summer’s here! The days last longer, the kids are out of school and it’s most families’ peak travel season of the year. My kids couldn’t be happier. Well, actually, they COULD be happier. Their schools gave every student a list of books to choose from, and expect the children to read at least three books this summer.

It doesn’t sound too draining a goal to me, of course, but summer is a natural “brain drain” time for lots of children – days spent playing on the beach have much more appeal than days spent sitting in the library.

As parents, we naturally know that the summertime choices aren’t quite as stark as that. Half an hour of reading a day won’t get much in the way of day camp and down time. Books — and even eBooks loaded onto our iPads, Nooks and Kindles – easily integrate into summer fun and vacation. Those eReaders make packing reading material a snap, so that our families can read their chosen books while traveling. Reading each day staves off that summertime brain drain as do logic games, puzzles and crosswords. I’d like to think that these sorts of activities help my kids keep their brains in gear and better prepared for full engagement, once school starts up again in the fall.

My kids may disagree, but I’m happy that our teachers are strongly encouraging children to read quality books over the summer. All parents know that sometimes a teacher’s encouragement means more than our own nudging to crack open a book.  In fact, anyone with a favorite teacher can reward him or her!

This summer, Homewood Suites is proudly sponsoring the “Nominate Your Favorite Teacher Contest.” According to the contest, a winning family and their nominated teacher will each win a trip for up to four people to the 2011 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. This amazing prize includes a four-night stay at the Hilton New York – Times Square, tickets to the parade (so, actual up-close views of the floats and balloons) and a $3,500 American Express gift card. Wowza!

Homewood Suites is partnered with Books for Kids, an organization that helps build libraries and works to better prepare pre-schoolers for those Kindergarten through 12th grade years. This is a fantastic nonprofit, and Homewood Suites working with Books for Kids to promote literacy is admirable. Nominations are accepted until July 29, 2011. It’s gratifying to know that Hilton, a hotel brand we already like, is giving back to the community. Here’s to traveling families everywhere having terrific summer vacations.