Our kids’ school sent out a list of summer reading programs that we’ll look to get our kids involved in. It’s great that so many books stores and organizations are getting in on the action that was once the domain of Pizza Hut and their Book It program!
(and if you happen to live in Howard County, Maryland, the Howard County Library System has this summer program too)
Table of Contents
Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Journal (1st thru 6th)
This is for kids in Grades 1 through 6, but you can get a free book through this program.
- Read any eight books this summer and record them in this Summer Reading Journal.
Tell us which part of the book is your favorite, and why. - Bring your completed journal to a Barnes & Noble store between July 1 and August 31, 2025.
- Choose your free reading adventure from the books listed below.
👉 Download the Summer Reading Journal
Pizza Hut BOOK IT! (Pre-K thu 6th)
This is for kids Pre-K through 6th grade and can be done through the BOOK IT! app. You use the app to set goals, track your progress, and then redeem rewards such as a personal pan pizza. Program ends in August.
Books-A-Million (All Grades)
Read any four books from the summer reading adventure feature in-store or online and then write about the books you’ve read in your summer reading adventure logbook. Then bring it to the store and get a Dog Man drawstring backpack, while supplies last.
👉 Download the Adventure Logbook
Chuck E. Cheese (All Grades)
Read every day for two weeks and get 10 free play points, which can be used to play games, win tickets, or redeemed for prizes. Program expires 12/31/025.
👉 Download Reading Rewards Calendar
Mensa Kids (All Ages)
If you are a strong reader, join the Mensa Reading Program and read an entire list of books to earn a t-shirt and a certificate. It’s for the entire year, not just the summer, and there are multiple lists based on the age of your reader starting with Kindergarten and going through Grade 12.
Scholastic (All Ages)
Visit the summer zone in Scholastic Home Base, download the Home Base app (or use the webapp), and complete reading streaks to win virtual prizes, free books, and learn about author meetups. This program runs through September 12th.
Half Price Books (All Ages)
Complete a reading log and get a $5 in Bookworm Bucks that you can use at Half Price Books.
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About Jim Wang
Jim Wang is a forty-something father of four who is a frequent contributor to Forbes and Vanguard’s Blog. He has also been fortunate to have appeared in the New York Times, Baltimore Sun, Entrepreneur, and Marketplace Money.
Jim has a B.S. in Computer Science and Economics from Carnegie Mellon University, an M.S. in Information Technology – Software Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University, as well as a Masters in Business Administration from Johns Hopkins University. His approach to personal finance is that of an engineer, breaking down complex subjects into bite-sized easily understood concepts that you can use in your daily life.
One of his favorite tools (here’s my treasure chest of tools, everything I use) is Empower Personal Dashboard, which enables him to manage his finances in just 15-minutes each month. They also offer financial planning, such as a Retirement Planning Tool that can tell you if you’re on track to retire when you want. It’s free.
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank or financial institution. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
