Kids across Snohomish County are starting to get that anxious feeling in their guts — summer vacation ends in four weeks.

Some people, however, are wondering if it ever should have started.

A recent cover story in Time magazine questioned the importance of the break, calling it a romantic indulgence that sets back students — particularly students from low income households.

The story detailed a wide variety of efforts to fend off the so-called “summer slide” — the seasonal decline in scholastic ability. Programs across the country are trying to keep brains engaged with day camps, sport leagues, field trips and more.

Of course, it’s probably too late to enroll a student in a summer program at this point. Don’t panic. There’s a simple solution within reach. It’s called a book.

The New York Times pointed to a new study that found reading during summer helps fend off the slide.

The University of Tennessee study found that students benefit even when they choose their own books. Put another way, a teenager doesn’t need to tackle Charles Dickens in these final weeks. A Britney Spears biography probably will do.

What are your thoughts on summer vacation? Do you have any tips to help students fend off the summer slide? You can post them in the comments section below.