Updated for 2021!
“I do believe something very magical can happen when you read a good book.” This quote is from an author who is very familiar with magic by transporting us to Hogwarts for over a decade. J.K. Rowling transformed how we see magic but more importantly she transformed how a lot of children viewed their relationships with books.
Reading books is not a contest but inspires young minds to take trips to other worlds, develop strong vocabulary, spark the imagination and enhance critical thinking skills. The summer months are the perfect time to encourage children to read and more importantly develop a passion for reading. We have compiled a list of locations, virtual and physical, that promote reading to young children through unique summer reading programs.
Unique Summer Reading Programs
Summer Reading Program, Barnes & Noble
Children, Grades 1-6, can earn a FREE book by participating in the Summer Reading Program at Barnes & Noble. Children can download the journal or pick one up at their local store which asks children to answer questions about the books they have read. After completing the journal on eight books, they can select a FREE book from the list. This event runs July 1 until August 31.
Summer Reading Contest, New York Times
Most reading lists focus on developing an appreciation and passion for reading; however, teens and tweens are on the cusp of expanding their reading comprehension by reading The New York Times. NYT has announced it’s 12th year of the Summer Reading Contest which invites children ages 11-19 to answer this question every Friday beginning June 11: What got your attention in The Times this week? The contest runs through August 19 and is impressive for their resume if a student is published in the New York Times.
Summer Reading Challenge, Scholastic
The Scholastic Summer Reading Program runs from April 26 until September 3. Children can log onto their online account at Scholastic and log their hours of reading which enables them to earn virtual prizes. Not only can they read about their favorite authors, but they can also be entered for Klutz prizes. There are also sections for parents which offers reading tips, book lists and suggestions.
Summer Reading Adventure, Books-a-Million
Books-a-Million is offering a fun summer reading adventure for kids. Just pick 4 books from their Summer Adventure section and write about the book in a log book. Once completed, show the log book to a store associate to receive a FREE Because of Winn-Dixie notepad and pen. How cool is that?!
The Book It Program, Pizza Hut
Book It is a FREE reading incentive program offered for kids in grades PreK-6th. It is a great way for teachers to encourage reading all year long. Camp Book It can also be used by parents in June-August! When kids reach their reading goal, they earn a free one-topping personal pizza from Pizza Hut. Now that’s a great incentive to read all summer long!
Reading Rewards, Chuck E. Cheese
All summer, actually ALL YEAR, kids can earn FREE play points at Chuck E. Cheese for reading! Just fill out their reading log sheet to earn the points. Kids can earn 10 points for every 2 weeks of reading. This is a fun way to encourage summer reading!
Summer Reading, TD Bank
Children in grades Kindergarten through 5th grade can participate in this summer reading program that literally pays to read! Print out the Summer Reading Form which is completed after reading ten books and bring it along with your savings chart to your local TD Bank. TD Bank will deposit $10 into new or existing TD Simple Savings Account. One $10 offer per reader.
Summer Book Club, Pottery Barn Kids
Join Pottery Barn Kids each week for a story time this summer as they read some favorite stories! Ask an associate for a Book Club Passport to receive $10 off of one item after attending five story times! Check with local stores as this program will be impacted by existing state governances of social distancing.+
Local Library
Don’t forget about your local library as most host a Summer Reading program. It is common for programs to be centered around the selected theme. We have enjoyed animal encounters, magic shows, movie nights, teddy bear picnics and other fun programs that welcome children into the library!
SCHOOL BASED READING PROGRAMS
Hit The Books, New Jersey Jackals
Your school can partner with the New Jersey Jackals to offer a community night while encouraging children to read. After achieving reading goals, your child can earn two tickets to a specifically designated night. Our family recently participated in this event and it was so such a fun experience for the families to come together to celebrate their accomplishments as well as enjoy baseball!
Read to Achieve, Sussex County Miners
Another school based collaboration is with the Sussex County Miners where children earn two tickets to a select night after completing two reading assignments. Herbie the Miner will visit the school to help celebrate this event. This incentive based reading program also serves to bring families together!
Read to Succeed, Six Flags
Six Flags has an exciting program that encourages students in grades K to 6 to read for fun! After students complete six hours of recreational reading, they can earn a free ticket to Six Flags! The program is available to teachers and schools at no cost to participate.
*Due to Covid-19, this program is suspended at this time.
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