Does your grandchild need a little extra motivation to read this summer?
Or maybe you just want to make reading even more fun (or a little more exciting)? Either way, summer break is the perfect time to encourage reading—and there are so many fun programs that give rewards just for picking up a book!
Below are some of my favorite summer reading programs for grandkids. Each one offers its own special prizes and treats that make reading feel like a fun adventure.
💡 Quick tip: Be sure to check with your local store or library to see if they’re taking part—some programs can vary by location.
1. Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge
This free online program is a great way to keep your grandkids reading all summer long! Kids can log their reading minutes and earn fun virtual rewards along the way. At the end of the summer, the schools with the most minutes get special recognition—what a great way to feel proud of reading!
2. Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program
This program is perfect for kids in 1st through 6th grade. All they have to do is read 8 books, write about their favorite part in a special journal, and bring it to a Barnes & Noble store. They’ll get to choose a free book from a special selection—what a fun reward for being a little bookworm!
3. TD Bank Summer Reading Program
Here’s a great one for kids who love to read and save money! If your grandchild reads 10 books, TD Bank will give them $10 to put into a Young Saver bank account. It’s a wonderful way to turn reading into a real-life lesson about saving.
4. Half Price Books “Feed Your Brain” Program
This reading challenge is for kids 14 and under. The goal? Read at least 15 minutes each day in June and July. Once they hit 300 minutes, they can turn in their reading log and earn special Bookworm Bucks to use at Half Price Books—what a great way to feed their brain and build their home library!
5. Pizza Hut’s Book It! Program
Who doesn’t love being rewarded with pizza? The Book It! Program from Pizza Hut encourages kids to read by giving them praise, recognition—and yes, even pizza! It runs during the school year, but they also offer a fun summer reading challenge your grandkids can join.
6. Books-A-Million Summer Reading Program
This program turns reading into a mini adventure! Kids choose and read any four books from the Summer Reading Adventure section, then write about them in a special log book. When they’re done, they’ll receive a free Because of Winn-Dixie notepad and pen—a sweet gift for any young reader.
7. Chuck E. Cheese’s Reading Rewards
Chuck E. Cheese makes reading even more exciting! Kids can use a fun reading calendar to track their progress over two weeks. Once they finish, they can bring the calendar to a Chuck E. Cheese location and get 10 free play points or tokens—perfect for a reward-filled day of fun.
8. H-E-Buddy Summer Reading Club
This one’s extra special! When kids read 10 books and send in their completed form, they get a free H-E-Buddy t-shirt in the mail. While it’s based in Texas, children from other places can also join—so everyone gets a chance to celebrate their reading success in style!
9. Pottery Barn Kids Summer Book Club
Pottery Barn Kids makes summer reading extra fun with their special book club! They share a list of recommended books, and when your grandchild finishes the list, they can stop by a local store to receive a sweet little prize. It’s a fun way to encourage reading and celebrate the joy of books!
10. Sylvan’s Book Adventure
Offered by Sylvan Learning, this free program is open to kids in grades K–8 all year round. It’s designed to get kids excited about reading by rewarding them with praise, recognition—and sometimes even pizza! It’s a great way to build confidence and turn reading into a proud accomplishment.
11. Public Libraries
Your local library is a treasure chest of summer fun! Most libraries offer themed summer reading programs where kids set reading goals and earn prizes along the way. Just check in with your local branch to see what they have planned—chances are, it’ll be something magical.
12. Soar With Reading (by JetBlue)
This inspiring program encourages kids to “take flight” through reading! JetBlue’s Soar With Reading includes fun book lists, book donation efforts, and even free book vending machines in select cities. It’s a wonderful way to keep your grandkids engaged and learning all summer long.
13. American Girl Summer Reading Challenge
If your grandchild loves American Girl, this one’s a must! Kids are encouraged to read over the summer and fill out a reading log. Once they complete the challenge, they can visit an American Girl store to claim a special reward—how exciting is that?
Conclusion
And there you have it—13 wonderful programs that make reading extra fun with prizes, praise, and sweet surprises! Whether summer has just begun or is already in full swing, now’s the perfect time to help your grandkids join one (or all) of these reading adventures. Happy reading, and enjoy every page you share together.
💡 P.S. If you’re on the hunt for great books to read aloud with your grandkids, I’ve got some lovely suggestions I think you’ll both enjoy!
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