The Best Kids Summer Reading Programs of 2020 (Earn Free Books & More!)

Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program Sign

Keep your kids reading all summer long! 📚

If you’re trying to keep your kids reading this summer, here are the best free kids summer reading programs available in 2020!

NOTE – Bookmark this page and keep checking back, as we will continue to update this post with any additional summer reading programs as they become available!


AmazonBooks Outside

Participate in Amazon’s summer reading challenge.

When students in grades K-8 read any eight books and turn in their list at any Amazon retail store by September 2, 2020, they will earn a Star Reader Certificate that entitles them to $1 off their next book purchase at Amazon Books. Visit the Amazon website for details.

Hip Tip: Curious to know what we thought of the Amazon Books retail bookstore? Check out our post!


earphones

Teens get 2 FREE audiobooks per week this summer from SYNC.

SYNC is a free summer audiobook program for teens ages 13 and up. Registration for the 2020 season is now open and FREE to all teens!

This year’s summer reading program will last for 13 weeks through the end of July. Each week, SYNC participants will receive two thematically paired audiobooks delivered through the student reading app Sora. By the end of the program, teens will have had the opportunity to listen to 26 new titles! Head on over here to read more about this program!


Holding Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Journal

Kids can earn a FREE book from Barnes & Noble this summer.

Now through August 31st, Barnes & Noble is hosting a Summer Reading Program, where kids in grades 1-6 can earn a completely FREE book by following these easy steps:

  1. Download the summer reading journal, or pick one up at your local B&N store.
  2. Have your child read ANY 8 books this summer and record them in the journal.
  3. Head to your nearest Barnes & Noble and turn in the completed journal between July 1 and August 31, 2020 (find a location near you).
  4. Choose a free book from the titles listed on the reading journal!

Children reading books

Get a FREE Dog Man logo baseball cap from Books-A-Million.

This summer, when you read any four books from the Books-A-Million Summer Reading Challenge selection (found in-stores and online), you’ll receive a FREE Dog Man logo baseball cap! Note that you must present the completed reading journal in-store to receive this freebie, while supplies last.


Your child can earn Play Points from Chuck E. Cheese.

Chuck E. Cheese has a reading program (as well as other reward programs) where kids can earn 10 FREE Chuck E. Cheese Play Points for reading every day for two weeks. This promotion is valid all year long, and a food purchase is required in order to redeem the Play Points.


Kids can write book reviews for a chance to win prizes from DOGOBooks.

Head on over to DOGOBooks.com and add your favorite books to your summer reading list. Then, read books and write as many original reviews as you can. The more reviews you write, the higher your chances of winning a prize!

The 10 participants who review the most books will be eligible to win a Prize Pack of seven books. The next 25 participants with the most reviews will be eligible to win a $10 Gift Card. Parents must submit this Consent Form in order for their children to participate.


Half Price Books Summer Reading – Mouse and the Motorcycle closeup

Read 15 minutes per day with Half Price Books’ summer reading program.

Now through July 31, Half Price Books is encouraging kids to read 15 minutes per day and keep track of their reading on this reading log.

Half Price Books also has printable coloring sheets, online storytimes, and mystery book recommendations for kids ranging in age from preschool to teens. Watch their social media channels for more details about weekly giveaways, too!


Win a free book from the LifeWay Summer Reading Adventure.

Now through August 31, kids can participate in LifeWay stores’ 2020 Summer Reading Adventure. This Christian reading program is geared toward children in grades 1 through 6 – and even toddlers, ages 1 to 5 – but all are welcome to join in the adventure.

By reading six books over the course of the summer and memorizing six Scripture verses, children will be eligible to earn a free book! Beginning in July, you can head on over here to redeem your child’s prize any time before the end of August.


girl reading on tablet by pool

Participate in Scholastic’s Summer Read-a-Palooza!

Now through September 4, kids can participate in the Scholastic Summer Read-a-Palooza. Participants in this summer reading program will get access to the Scholastic Home Base, a free digital community full of books, live events, and games in a kid-safe environment!

Readers will be encouraged to track their reading streaks to earn rewards and unlock book donations, with the goal of donating 100,000 books by July! Head on over here to learn more, or download the informational sheet (in English or Spanish) for more information.


Check with your local public library for their summer reading program.

Be sure to check your local public library, as many libraries have summer reading programs for kids in addition to FREE storytimes, family movie days, kids clubs, activities, and more throughout the summer!

You won’t believe what your library card can do! Check out these AWESOME perks of library membership!


Design your own summer reading program with Reading Rewards.

With Reading Rewards, you can customize a reading incentive program just for your kids. It’s easy and completely free to design a summer reading program with goals and rewards designed to specifically to motivate your child.

Kids can use the program to track their RR Miles and redeem them to “buy” rewards in the reward store that you’ve created for them. Ideas include movie night, a sleepover with friends, a trip to the dollar store, screen time – anything you think will motivate your child to reach their reading goals!

Happy Reading!


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