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Originally published May 2025. Updated May 2026 with new reading programs and updated program details.
As a kid, I LOVED summer reading programs. My childhood library had a great program – I remember one summer it had a pamphlet with various landmarks for every 10 books read, and once I reached a landmark, I could bring in the pamphlet and get a little reward. I was highly motivated by those little rewards. Reading on its own is fun, so reading for rewards? Even better.
It’s almost summer break, and I wanted to share some of the summer reading programs my boys have loved over the years and continue to love. Most of these free summer reading programs reward kids with free books, pizza, food or prizes just for reading during summer break.
Quick Glance Comparison Chart
| PROGRAM | AGES | READING REQUIREMENT | REWARD |
| Book-It! | Pre-K through 6th grade | Parent-set reading goals | Free one-topping pizza over summer months |
| Barnes & Noble | 1st through 6th grades | 8 books | Free book |
| Books-A-Million | No official age | 4 books | Free Warriors-themed sticker and a popper fidget toy |
| The Happy Book Stack | Children (0-12) and Adults (13+) | Every book = one prize entry | TBD – local companies are donating various prizes |
| Local Libraries | Varies | Number of pages or books (varies) | Varies – free kid’s meal, bookmarks, books, toys |
| Nothing Bundt Cakes | Pre-K through 6th grade | 400 minutes/month | Free bundtlet |
| Panda Express | Ages 5-11 | 5 books | Free kid’s meal |
| Second Lady’s 2026 Summer Reading Challenge | Kindergarten through 8th grade | 12 books | Certificate, bookmark, prize entry |
Book It!
If you grew up in the 1980s-1990s, this program is probably near and dear to your heart. Did anyone else keep their Book-It! badges? I loved earning those star stickers to take to Pizza Hut and eat my personal pan prize. Ahh, memories. The program has changed a bit since we were kids, so let me give you an overview.
The program is for Pre-K through 6th grade students and is trackable in the Book-It app for both Apple and Android. Registration is open now and the program starts June 1. Parents update their children’s reading progress each month, and children receive an in-app coupon code for a free one-topping personal pan pizza.
Barnes & Noble
This program is for 1st through 6th grade students. B&N has a summer reading journal to track progress.
The program looks a little different this year. Kids visit their local store throughout the summer to collect stickers needed to complete the reading journal and qualify for a free book from a pre-selected list between July 1 and August 31.
We have discovered it’s best to go as close to July 1 as possible when the prize book selection is fully stocked vs. waiting until the end of August when books may be more limited.
Also, if your kid likes a book from a different grade than the grade they’re in, it’s fine to pick a book from another grade level.
Books-a-Million
This program requires the least books read to earn a prize, if that is of interest to your family. Kids need to read 4 books shown in an in-store display, fill out a book log and then turn in the book log to a store employee to earn a free Warriors-themed sticker and a popper fidget toy.
The Happy Book Stack
For those in Middle Tennessee, The Happy Book Stack is launching its first summer reading program this year!
There are two categories – one for children and one for adults. Readers earn one entry for every book they finish, and entries are placed into a weekly prize drawing in-store.
To participate, stop by the store and place your completed entries into the weekly prize jar. I love seeing local bookstores encourage reading during the summer months.
Local Library Summer Reading Programs
Many libraries also host free summer events like magic shows, animal presentations, crafts and story times. And most libraries offer a summer reading program for kids.
The program at our library has children track their progress, either by minutes read each day or by book. You can track books on a printed paper or on a website. Once kids reach so many points at the end of the program, they can choose a free book (from a pre-chosen assortment) as well as receive a prize bag. The prize bag usually has various fidgets and little toys, as well as a free kid’s meal at a fast-food restaurant like Wendy’s, Zaxby’s or Fazoli’s.
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Nothing Bundt Cakes offers a “Books & Bundts” summer reading program for pre-K through elementary-aged children.
Kids read for 20 minutes a day for 5 days a week, working toward a goal of 400 minutes per month. Families can pick up the reading tracker from their local store, and once completed, children receive a free Bundtlet and completion certificate.
Panda Express
Panda Express offers a “Read With Me” program for children ages 5-11.
Kids who complete five books can receive a coupon for a free kid’s meal after submitting their completed reading log. Availability sometimes varies by school or local program participation, so it’s worth checking with your local Panda Express location for details.
Second Lady’s 2026 Summer Reading Challenge
This nationwide reading challenge is open to children in Kindergarten through 8th grade.
Readers are encouraged to complete 12 books between June 1 and September 4, tracking their reading on the official challenge form. Kids who complete the challenge receive:
- A completion form signed by the Second Lady
- An America 250th anniversary-themed bookmark
- Access to claim a special prize.
Participants are also entered for a chance to visit Washington D.C. and the White House with a chaperone! Official program information can be found at The White House Summer Reading Challenge.
Tips for Making Summer Reading Fun
- Let kids choose books they actually enjoy
- Audiobooks count too in our house
- Graphic novels absolutely count as reading
- Stack multiple reading programs together
- Don’t stress about reading levels during summer
How We Combine Multiple Summer Reading Programs
We usually stack our reading, so if my boys read for 20 minutes, we’ll count it toward any program we can fit it in. I would say their favorite program is Book It!. It’s hard to compete with pizza.
Are your kids participating in any summer reading programs this year? Let me know your favorites — especially if there’s a good one I missed!
📌Feel free to bookmark this list and check back as additional summer reading programs are announced.
You may also be interested in these blog posts:
Best of Books: Road Trip Books and Activities for Kids
The Story of a Reluctant Reader and How “Dog Man” Changed Everything
Why Reading with Your Child Matters (and How to Make it a Daily Habit)
Books My Boys Are Currently Loving: Fun Reads for Kids Ages 10-12
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