Summer is just around the corner! What are your plans?
My plans usually consist of lazy days, vacation trips, and playing with my kids. How about you?
I think summer is a great time to encourage our school kids to pick up a book and do a summer reading program. My kids loved doing summer reading programs when they were younger. They loved many of the books they read and even the fun prizes they could win.
A summer reading program has proven to make a difference in your children’s education to continue to help them learn and grow. It’s a great way to keep your children reading and exploring as they win fun prizes like free books, games, and more.
Check out these free reading programs for kids this summer!
Barnes & Noble
This summer, kids in grades 1-6 earn a FREE book through the Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program. Read any eight books and record them in your Summer Reading Journal (see links below). When you’re done, bring it to a Barnes & Noble store and choose your free book! Redeemable 7/1-8/31. Learn more here.
Offering fun activities and printables to encourage kids to avoid the summer slip of learning. There is a reading list by grade that can be helpful for any parents to use. Check out Book-It!
Half Price Books
Read for at least 15 minutes each day. Download their free reading log to record your minutes. Once you’ve read 300 minutes, you can turn your completed log into your local HPB store and earn $5 Half-Price Books Bucks. You can also find tips and printable book lists. Check out for more information here.
H-E-Buddy
Join H-E-Buddy’s Summer Reading Club by reading ten books and recording them on a reading log from the form on their website. Every time a child logs a book, a parent will need to initial it by the title, so they get credit for reading. When the reading log is complete, mail it to the address on their website and your kids will be rewarded with a special prize. This program goes until October 1.
KC Edventures
KCEdventures Genre Challenge for Summer Reading
Challenge your kids to explore new areas of the library. KCEdventures has created a bingo-style printable that covers 15 different genres. Try to read at least one book from each and record them on the sheet.
Local Library
Check out your local library as most of them will have their own summer reading program. Some may even offer free books and prizes!
Scholastic Books
From May 9 through August 19, kids can visit the summer zone in Scholastic Home Base, a completely free digital destination which offers stories, characters, games, and a community of readers. Home Base is moderated for safety 24/7. Click Here for details
Showcase Cinemas
Showcase Cinemas Bookworm Wednesdays encourages young children to read during the summer months. Children can bring in a book report and receive a FREE admission to a select children’s film when they present a book report to participating Cinema de Lux, Showcase, or Multiplex Cinema box office.
Free Summer Reading Log Printable
If you need a FREE Summer Reading Log, check out our free printable below. Just fill out the form below.