As a child our library’s reading program was as much a part of my summer as eating ice pops or running through the sprinkler. To this day I love to be immersed in a good book, and I credit reading as igniting my love for learning.

Suitable for reluctant readers and bookworms alike, summer reading programs offer a tangible reward for reading accomplishments. Kids are motivated to earn prizes while practicing an essential skill. Reading helps build vocabulary, aids with spelling, is educational, and is just plain enjoyable!

The good news for parents is that they are free, and many can be done without leaving your home – important for working parents relying on childcare. While there are also some paid reading programs, I will focus on the free ones in this blog.

Here are some of this summer’s best free reading programs:

1. The Public Library

Dates: June to mid-August, may vary by county

Ages: Toddlers, Kids, Teens & Adults

Rules and dates vary by county, check your local library for details.

At our branch, this years theme is All Together Now.

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

Dates: July 1- August 31, 2023

Ages: Kids in Grades 1-6

Read 8 books then complete the reading journal (available form 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.

With reward books by beloved children’s authors including Kate DiCamillo (The Magician’s Elephant), Annie Barrows (Ivy & Bean), Rick Riordan, and L. M. Montgomery there is sure to be a prize to suit everyone.

See the complete list here.

3. Half Price Books Summer Camp Reading Reward Trail

Dates: June 1-July 31, 2023

Ages: All kids under 18 years old

Kids will earn $5 in Bookworm Bucks after logging 300 minutes of reading.

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, bingo game, and other themed pages.

Register on the website and download the reading log from the Half Price Books website.

Every 2 weeks a new camp theme is released, each with its own set of book suggestions and activities. Each camp has its own file for families to download and print.

This years themes are as follows: Camp Creativity (arts & crafts), Camp Discovery (math & science), Camp Motion (sports & dance), and Camp Imagination (music & drama).

4. Scholastic’s Home Base Summer Reading Program

Dates: May 4– September 7, 2023

Ages: School Age

This is an online reading program, available on iOS and Android.

Download the Scholastic Home Base app and sign up. Registered kids will have access to books, games, music, and an opportunity to connect with other readers.

Participants are encouraged to read every day and to keep their reading streak going. The longer their streak, the more virtual rewards points they unlock.

5. Reading is Fundamental

Dates: Summer Months

Ages: 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, coloring pages.

This summer students can participate in virtual field trips, reading themed books, watching videos and completing activities.

Themes include museums and monuments, the beach, the great outdoors, parks, and farms.

In addition, your child can watch a read aloud followed by a discussion with other participants in the virtual book club.

For family fun, Book Bites online reading calendars have daily reading themes, fun holidays, and suggested book titles. Click on each date to learn more about that day’s theme.

6. AudiobookSYNC

Dates: April 27 – Aug 2, 2023

Ages: Teens, age 13+

SYNC is a free audiobook program powered by OneDrive. Just download the free Sora app to a computer, iOS, or Android devices.

Two free audiobooks per week are offered, one current YA title and a classic book to chose from. Parents may wish to check each week’s book selections to see if they are appropriate for their child.

New books drop Thursdays at midnight, and borrowed audiobooks remain on your Sora app shelf forever.

7. Books-A-Million Summer Reading Adventure

Dates: begins April 2023

Ages: School Age

Register online and print the reading log. Read any 4 books from the Summer Reading Adventure list.

Complete the log by writing about your favorite character and part of the story. Once completed, return the log to a Books-A-Million store and redeem for a free water bottle (while supplies last).

8. Pizza Hut Camp BOOK IT!

Dates: October 1, 2023-March 31, 2024

Ages: Kids ages 4-12 years

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. Homeschool co-ops are not eligible.

use your digital dashboard to set goals and track reading progress. Once the monthly goals are met, the student will receive a digital coupon via email for one free personal pan pizza! Redeemable at at participating Pizza Hut restaurants. Kids can earn up to 3 pizzas this summer.

This program supports paper and digital enrollment, though the homeschool program is digital.

9. Kellogg’s Feeding Reading Program

Date: until September 30, 2023

Ages: All ages, must be 16 or older to register. Adults may donate their selected book if preferred.

Participants earn a book with each eligible Kellogg’s product purchase.

Upload the receipt and select a free Penguin Random House book of your child’s choice.

Receipts must be uploaded by October 30, 2023. Books must be selected by November 15, 2023

Maximum of 10 books per person. Access the list of participating products here:

For complete rules click here.

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