Summer reading programs have been a part of my life since childhood. Each spring mom would sign us four kids up to the public library’s program. I loved it! I was a bookworm and thought it was awesome to be rewarded for an activity I enjoyed.
I passed this tradition to my kids, and though neither of them caught the ‘reading bug’ they participated in the library, Pizza Hut, and Barnes and Nobles’ Summer Reading Programs. They loved the prizes, and I loved that they were reading. It’s amazing what a little incentive can do!
To this day my daughter and I participate in the library’s summer and winter reading challenges- in fact, one of my favorite coffee mugs is a reading reward!
Age: All ages
Wildrose Media’s Book Bingo PDF download provides a fun challenge to read a variety of books, at any time of year.
Reading over the summer break (and of course reading in general) offers opportunity to hone reading skills, helps build imagination, encourages learning, and is a productive time-filler for rainy days. The rewards are a bonus, but offer great incentive, especially for reluctant readers!
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Here are some Summer Reading Programs for 2026 (and a few year-round ones too!):
1. The Public Library
Date: June to mid-August 2026, may vary by county. Check your local library for details.
Age: Toddlers, Kids, Teens & Adults
At our branch, this year’s theme is Unearth a Story, featuring dinosaurs.
Check your local library for additional events, many offer author visits, crafts, games, and fun book-related activities.
Some counties offer themed t-shirts for purchase.
Pick up paper logs at your local branch or register and download one online.
Earn stickers, books and other fun prizes. Even mom and dad can get in on the fun!
2. Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Program
Date: July – August, 2026
Age: Kids in Grades 1-6
Read 8 books then complete the reading journal (available from your local store or download online). Kids should include the book title, author, and a short statement describing their favorite part of the book and why they liked it.
Return the completed log to a nearby store and select your prize – one free book from a selection of books available at the store.
3. Half Price Books Summer Reading Camp
Date: June & July, 2026
Age: All kids under 18 years old
Kids will earn $5 in Bookworm Bucks after logging 300 minutes of reading. They can spend these bucks in any HPB store for $5 off anything in the store.
Book suggestions and recommendations are listed by age group – 3-5y, 6-8y, and 9-12 years.
This is a digital program, no traveling required. You will need a printer so your child can complete the dot to dot, coloring activities, scavenger hunt, and other themed pages.
Register on the website and download the reading log from the Half Price Books website.
4. Reading is Fundamental
Date: Summer Months
Age: Kids and Their Families
Reading is Fundamental is one of America’s largest literacy nonprofit organizations.
Participants in this program pledge to read all summer long, reading can be done individually or as a group, including family read-a-louds. Registration gives the student access to a reading log, scrapbooks, postcards, and coloring pages.
Students can participate in virtual field trips by reading themed books, watching videos and completing activities. In addition, your child can watch a read aloud followed by a discussion with other participants in the virtual book club. Read-alouds take place on Fridays at 1 and 3 pm. Check the website for book titles.
5. The Good and the Beautiful Summer Reading Program
Date: begins May 1, 2026 (while supplies last)
Age: Kindergarten through 8th Grade
Register and you are eligible to add one book per child in your household from a select list. These will be sent to your home for a small shipping fee per pack. Each pack contains one book, two book marks, a reading chart and a sticker sheet.
Kids are to read five books, write the title of each book, and place a sticker on their chart. Sticker charts can be downloaded (check website for link) or you may create your own. Parents are encouraged to come up with their own prizes, or use the free book as an incentive.
6. Pizza Hut Camp BOOK IT!
Date: October 1, 2025-March 31, 2026 (so not a summer program, is year-round)
Age: Kids ages 4-12 years (pre-K through 6th grade)
Pizza Hut has been sponsoring this reading program since 1984. You must be an English/Language Arts teacher or a homeschool parent with a student between the ages of 4-12 years (pre-K through 6th grade). Homeschool co-ops are not eligible.
Download the Book IT! App to track up to 5 readers. Once enrolled, you will use your digital dashboard to set goals and track reading progress. When their monthly reading goals are met, the student will receive a digital coupon via email for one free personal pan pizza! Redeemable at participating Pizza Hut restaurants. Kids can earn up to 3 pizzas.
7. Panda Express Read With Me Program
Age: Recommended for elementary students, ages 5-11 years
For teachers, or anyone who works with kids. Teachers must enroll their class online.
Bookmarks and reward materials will be mailed to the teacher, and digital awards are also available.
Each student has a goal to read 5 books, in order to receive a free meal coupon for Panda Express restaurant.
8. Mensa Reading Program
Age: Select a list from the grade levels provided.
Print the list and track the books read. (handwritten only – don’t copy to make it appear neater, may be rejected- want authenticity!).
Once completed, sign and mail to the address provided. Allow 6 weeks for t-shirt and certificate delivery.
9. Sonlight Summer Reading Challenge
Visit the website to print an at-home reading kit. This kit includes a poster and various activities. Parents and kids can choose to log their reading in minutes, chapters, or number of books read.
The Sonlight website also has booklists with over 250 titles recommended by families.
10. TD Bank Summer Reading Program (Canada only)
Your kids could earn $10 for reading 10 books! When children bring in their filled-out form, TD Bank will deposit the $10 into a Young Saver Account.
Parents must open an account for this program, and the details may vary for the 2026 Summer season.
11. Chuck E. Cheese Reading Challenge (Year Round)
Date: Year Round
Kids earn 10 free play points (redeemable with any purchase) for completing challenges (not limited to reading – household chores, attendance, and more).
If your kids bring in a full Reading Rewards Calendar from the website, they will be rewarded with 10 free game tokens! Your kids can continue completing and submitting the calendars through December 31, 2026.
12. Applebee’s Bookworm Reading Club Program
Age: Kids, ages 10 or younger
Available in Upstate New York, Connecticut and PA.
Check with your local Applebee’s franchise to see if they have a program available.
Record at least 10 or more finished books on their “Bookworm Club” card, they will earn a free kid’s meal at Applebee’s. Note: Children must be accompanied by an adult making a purchase.
9. Kellogg’s Feeding Reading Program
Date: Year Round
Age: Kids, ages 3-16 years
Kids have the potential to earn a book with each eligible Kellogg’s product purchase. Maximum of 10 books per person. Access the website for a list of participating products.
Upload the required product purchase receipt and select a free Penguin Random House book of your child’s choice.
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