The Summer Skills books include two different series of review books (math and language arts) for students from Pre-K through high school. Our foreign language series and Study Skills Sharpener book are for students in the 7th grade through high school. Each grade level book helps students maintain their academic skills over the summer months. Since their introduction in 1991, our books have benefited millions of students in over 20,000 schools nationwide.
Why millions of people have purchased Summer Skills:
Focused subject matter
Each book deals with a single subject, maximizing the emphasis on skills related to that area of study.
Mixed-skills approach
Summer Skills are not repetitive or drill-focused like other educational books. We give students practice in a variety of skills in each lesson, which keeps them engaged and improves long-term retention.
Portable and easy to use
You don’t need a computer to use Summer Skills books, which means you can take them anywhere, and students aren’t adding more screen time into their day.
Made in the USA
Summer Skills books are written, published, and printed in America. We are proud to say that we are a Made in the USA product – supporting our community and our country.
Standards-based content
Summer Skills books support the Common Core curriculum and the standards of all 50 states. Our books keep students on task by targeting skills most in need of reinforcement.
Build student confidence
Whether students need a simple review or remedial help, our books send them back to school prepared and confident.
Affordably priced
For just $19 per book you can give your child a summer of continued learning.
Excellent customer service
Summer Skills takes pride in offering exceptional customer service. We encourage teachers and parents to call us with questions (800-411-8186), suggestions, or comments about the books and their content
“We have used several review books in the past, and have found the Summer Skills workbooks are thorough yet simple to use. My kids can complete lessons independently and the straightforward structure is a nice change from the tech-focused learning throughout the school year. It has been a nice resource to prevent brain drain over the summer while also keeping review time short and sweet.”
-Saira, Parent, Virginia
Who We Are
Tri-C Publications, Inc. was founded in 1991 in Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor, Michigan, by educators and authors Carolyn Brown, Char Ester, and Cheryl Buhr. Marketed as Summer Skills, Summer Skills Review Books have provided millions of students with a comprehensive review of materials taught the previous year—giving students an academic edge when they return to school in the fall.
Headquartered in Grand Rapids, MI and owned by Foremost Graphics, our PreK through high school books continue to promote summer learning and help students reach their potential. We believe that a student’s learning doesn’t stop when the school year ends, and we partner with over 50,000 parents and teachers to provide the tools and resources to make that happen.
The best part is hearing from our customers about how their children/students have increased their confidence, achieved higher grades, and improved their retention and understanding of the subject matter, whether it be in math, language arts, and/or foreign language.
Our Approach
Each book deals with a single subject, maximizing the emphasis on skills related to that area of study. With educational demands constantly changing, children need not only a review that keeps current but also gives them an academic edge.
With educational demands constantly changing, children need not only a review that keeps current but also gives them an academic edge.
We offer a mixed-skills approach, so our books are not repetitive or drill focused. We give students practice in a variety of skills in each lesson, which keeps them engaged and improves long-term retention.
We remain committed to promoting student learning through printed workbooks instead of digital learning—therefore not adding more screentime to their summer. Our books are portable, with convenient spiral bindings, so they are easy to use anywhere. Just grab a pencil and you are ready to go!
Whether students need a review or remedial help, our books keep them engaged in learning, and send them back to school prepared.
Meet The Team
Tracy Little
Director of Client Services
Tracy serves our clients as the Director of Client Services. She has been with Summer Skills for 30 years. There is no one in the office that knows the ropes better than Tracy. She makes things happen smoothly, from inventory management to client orders and invoicing. If you have a question, she has the answer.
When she is not at work, she is likely traveling or spending time with her family and grandchild.
Laura DeGroot
Client Services Specialist
Laura is the newest member of our Summer Skills team. She enjoys connecting educators, students, parents, and tutors with our reliable and comprehensive Summer Skills books.
She spends her time making the customer experience a positive one. Ask her a question, she will find you an answer.
When she isn’t working, you’ll find Laura cooking, playing pickleball, reading and taking walks with her Lab Obie.
Terri Sierzant
Customer Service
Terri has been with the Summer Skills team for nearly 30 years. During this time, she held many roles – working in finance, marketing, and customer service. Terri’s favorite part of the job is still talking with customers, many of which consider her a friend. Since 2022 Terri has worked seasonally and when she is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, ceramics, gardening, and volunteering.
Drew Karel
Marketing Specialist
Drew recently joined the Summer Skills team as a Marketing Specialist, bringing a strong background in marketing and business development. In his role, he focuses on connecting with new customers and promoting the value of Summer Skills through both print and digital marketing strategies.
Having used Summer Skills Review Books himself during elementary and middle school, Drew understands firsthand the impact they can have. Today, he’s passionate about sharing the benefits of the product with educators, parents, and students—working to prevent summer slide one student at a time. Some of his favorite hobbies include spending time outdoors, golfing, skiing, and woodworking.
Drew is a graduate of Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Patrick Finn
Senior Creative Director
Patrick has been managing the design and print production of the Summer Skills Review Books for over 20 years. He serves as the Senior Creative Director working closely with our publishing and distribution team. His meticulous attention to detail makes us all look good. His focus remains on designing review books that help students review, retain, and succeed without adding additional screen time to their summer.
When he isn’t working to maintain our brand or prepping production files he enjoys running and all things fitness.
Patrick is a graduate of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Tim Karel
Managing Director
Tim has served as the Managing Director of Summer Skills since he and his partners acquired the company in 2019. Prior to this Tim served as a consultant to the former Summer Skills ownership group and has led manufacturing, marketing, and distribution efforts since 2001. He has a passion for helping students succeed, retain learned skills, and return to school each fall more prepared and confident.
Tim also serves as Vice President of Foremost Graphics Group, an independent printing, packaging, and marketing communications firm based in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Outside of work he enjoys outdoor activities, boating, and watching his son play college soccer.
Tim is a graduate of Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
The Fulfillment Team
The fulfillment team at Summer Skills plays a vital role in our operations. They are responsible for processing, picking, packing, and shipping customer orders with efficiency and accuracy. We appreciate their dedication and commitment to meeting deadlines, particularly during the busy summer months.
The publications team ensures that digital files are transformed into high-quality printed materials by carefully preparing, proofing, and optimizing the files for the printing press. Their attention to detail and technical expertise contributes to the success and quality of the Summer Skills printed materials.