Top Kids' Summer Reading Programs Offering Exciting Prizes (2024)

Learning doesn’t stop just because it’s summer. These programs with prizes for reading help make it more fun!

When I was a kid, Pizza Hut’s BOOK IT! Program was an amazing way to get a free pizza! I mean, that’s not the main reason for it, but reading some exciting books in exchange for a hot, personal pan pizza was no big deal. It seems that kids today still feel this way! The BOOK IT! Program is still going strong, and there are even more companies who offer prizes for kids who continue reading over the summer months. Check these programs out, sign your kids up, and make this the summer that you and your kids READ, READ, READ!

5 Nationwide Summer Reading Programs Offering Exciting Prizes for Kids!

Pizza Hut BOOK IT! Program

The Pizza Hut BOOK IT! Program was started in 1984 as an incentive to encourage kids to keep reading during the summer. Over the past 40 years it has seen some changes, and today it has kept up with the times as an online platform that allows parents to log their children’s reading progress. I find it easiest to log it at the end of the month. The summer program lasts for 3 months – June, July, and August.

*Currently, the BOOK IT! Program is not accepting new enrollments for Summer 2024. Check in frequently and sign up early for next summer.*

Homeschoolers: Pizza Hut offers an exclusive BOOK IT! Homeschool Program from October to March each year, so go ahead and get signed up for the 2024-2025 season now!

Enroll in the Pizza Hut BOOK IT! Program

Barnes & Noble

The Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program is giving a free book to kids who read 8 books and record the books and their favorite part of each book. Simply print the Reading Journal, read 8 fun books, and go to your local Barnes & Noble store to turn your journal in and pick a free book. This opportunity lasts from July 1 – August 31, 2024, but kids can start tracking their reading now.

Learn more about the Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program

Bookopolis

The Bookopolis Summer Reading Headquarters offers a free book when kids complete one of the reading challenges on their website. The reading challenges include “Read-O,” a book and reading-themed bingo game, reading 5 books, or reading 1,000 minutes. Kids can win a free book from by completing one of these challenges.

Learn more about Bookopolis Summer Reading Challenges

Half Price Books

In past summer reading challenges, Half Price Books has offered $5 bookworm books for kids that meet a certain amount of minutes read during the months of July and August. I believe they will be providing the same incentive soon this summer (2024)! Aside from the prize, the Half Price Books Summer Reading Camp has coloring pages, book lists for all ages, a bookstore or library scavenger hunt, and more.

Learn more about Half Price Books Summer Reading Camp

Books-A-Million

Books-A-Million is offering a free hat for kids who read and record their quick thoughts about 4 books this summer. The hat is blue and features a dragon from the Wings of Fire book series.

Learn more about the Books-A-Million Summer Reading Adventure
(click the banner to access the reading log)

Other Summer Reading Programs with Perks

Your Local Library
Libraries across the nation offer summer reading programs, often with prizes provided by local businesses. Check your local library to join in on the fun!

Chuck E. Cheese
When kids track 2 weeks of reading progress, they can earn 10 free play points! Visit the Chuck E. Cheese Awards & Rewards page and scroll down to Reading Rewards, available in Spanish and English, to download the form and start tracking reading progress!

Scholastic
Scholastic.com offers Home Base, a FREE safe and monitored platform with books and stories, book-based games, weekly author events, and more, as an online community for readers. Home Base is active from May 9th to September 12th.

H•E•B
H•E•B hosted the H•E•Buddy’s Summer Reading Club last year (2023) and kids could win prizes by tracking their reading progress on the provided form. If they announce any reading programs this year (2024), I’ll update this post to let you know!