The Best Kids Summer Reading Programs of 2020 (Earn Free Books & More!)
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!
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!
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!
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:
- Download the summer reading journal, or pick one up at your local B&N store.
- Have your child read ANY 8 books this summer and record them in the journal.
- Head to your nearest Barnes & Noble and turn in the completed journal between July 1 and August 31, 2020 (find a location near you).
- Choose a free book from the titles listed on the reading journal!
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.
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.
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!
Find out how kids can roller skate for FREE all summer long!
Exactly what I was looking for….thanks HIP2SAVE
You are so welcome, Heidy!
Pizza Hut is offering Camp BOOK IT!
Parents track and reward their kids’ reading for June, July and August. When they meet their monthly reading goal, they’ll receive a free one-topping Personal Pan Pizza® from Pizza Hut!
https://www.bookitprogram.com/book-it-for-parents
Thanks for the reminder!
It’s too bad Book It only runs through 6th grade. My middle schooler HATES to read and would absolutely be motivated by Pizza. I guess I’m going to have to run my own BOOK IT with pizza coupons.
I wish we had a BAM near us my son loves Dog Man books 🙁
Great List of others though, SO Glad Libraries made the list even though many are doing virtual programs this year
If you have a 2nd and Charles, they are doing the same program
What a great post. Thanks H2S for not only giving us opportunities to get freebies/rewards, but more so, for encouraging our children to read.
You are SO very welcome, Kay! 🥰 Thanks for the kind comment.
Our libraries are doing the summer reading program and does curbside pick-up for books. Reservations required.
Thank you! I had gotten the Lifeway one already and one from a homeschool curriculum we use, but forgot about B&N! My kids have done that one the last two years. Thank you!!
Oh good! You’re welcome, E! Glad this list was helpful!