Summer is the perfect time for kids to explore new worlds, embark on adventures, and expand their imaginations—all through the magic of books! Whether lounging by the pool, curled up in a hammock, or on a road trip, reading can be a fantastic way to keep young minds active. Plus, with so many summer reading programs offering rewards and incentives, kids can stay motivated while having fun.
Why Summer Reading Matters
Reading during the summer helps prevent the "summer slide," where kids lose some of the skills they gained during the school year. Studies show that children who read regularly over the summer return to school more prepared and confident. Plus, reading fosters creativity, improves vocabulary, and strengthens comprehension skills.
Exciting Summer Reading Programs for Kids
Here’s a list of awesome summer reading programs that make reading fun and rewarding:
National & Retail Programs
- Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program – Kids in grades 1–6 can earn a free book by reading and completing a Reading Journal. They must write the book title, author, and their favorite part of each book. Once completed, they can bring the journal to a Barnes & Noble store between July 1 and August 31 to select a free book from a pre-set list.
- Scholastic Summer Reading – Scholastic offers a digital reading challenge through its Home Base platform. Kids can track their reading streaks, attend virtual author events, play book-based games, and interact with characters. The longer they maintain their reading streak, the more digital experiences they unlock. Additionally, Scholastic donates 100,000 books to children in rural areas based on participation.
- Books-A-Million Summer Reading Adventure – Kids can earn a free Dog Man backpack by reading four books from the Books-A-Million Summer Reading Adventure list. After reading, they must write about each book in a logbook and present it to a store associate to claim their prize.
- Half Price Books Summer Reading Camp – This program runs from June 1 to July 31. Kids can earn $5 Bookworm Bucks by reading 300 minutes and logging their progress. The program also includes printable reading lists, activity ideas, and coloring sheets.
- Pizza Hut’s Book It! Summer Program – Using the BOOK IT! app, parents set monthly reading goals for their kids. When kids meet their goal, they earn a free Personal Pan Pizza from Pizza Hut. The program runs from June to August, and kids can earn up to three free pizzas over the summer .
Library & Educational Programs
- Your Local Public Library – Many libraries offer reading challenges with prizes, events, and book giveaways. Some libraries provide Beanstack tracking, where kids log their reading minutes to earn rewards.
- Reading Is Fundamental Summer Reading Camp – RIF provides free book lists, activities, and reading challenges to prevent the "summer slide." Families can sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge, and the first 250 participants receive a free book.
- Sonlight Summer Reading Challenge – Sonlight offers a printable Summer Reading Kit with activities like reading bingo, book brackets, and genre punch cards. Kids who participate receive a free Sonlight Book Light and a chance to win a $50 coupon.
- Department of Defense Summer Reading Program – Available for military families, with themed activities and incentives.
Make Reading Even More Fun!
Want to make summer reading even more exciting? Try these ideas:
- Create a Reading Fort – Build a cozy reading nook with pillows, blankets, and fairy lights.
- Start a Family Book Club – Read the same book together and discuss it over snacks.
- Set Up a Reading Treasure Hunt – Hide books around the house with clues leading to the next one.
- Read Aloud in Fun Voices – Bring characters to life with silly voices and dramatic expressions.
- Track Progress with a Sticker Chart – Let kids add stickers for every book they finish.
- Read Your Friends' Favorite Books! – Go through your My Friends and I friendship book, find prompt #15: 'My Favorite Book', and check out the books your friends love. Pick five of their favorites to read this summer! The next time you see them, let them know you've read their favorite book and exchange more recommendations—it’s a great way to discover new favorites together! Don't have a My Friends and I friendship book yet? Get a copy here or on Amazon.
Summer reading is all about exploration, imagination, and fun. With so many programs to choose from, kids can stay engaged, earn rewards, and develop a lifelong love of books. So grab a book, find a comfy spot, and let the adventures begin!
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