Summer Reading Programs 2014

Many local libraries offer summer reading programs to get kids excited about reading over the summer. Ours even offers an adult reading program with prizes that I participated in last summer and enrolled in again this summer. However, there are lots of other programs out there that offer incentives to get kids reading. I haven't updated the list in a while so it seemed like a good time to check out the programs and see what was still out there.

American Girl is sponsoring Read-a-Palooza with a variety of events this summer. This isn't quite as reward driven as some of the other programs, but it is worth a look.

Barnes & Noble's Imagination Destination requires children to read 8 books and record the information on a form that can be downloaded at the site here. The child lists the book, author, and whom they would reccomend the book to and why. The form needs to be returned to a Barnes & Noble store and the child may then select a book from those listed on the record form. The program runs from May 20-September 2, 2014.

Book Adventure is a free program offered by Sylvan Learning. The program is similar to Accelarated Reader. The children choose titles from the list, read them independently, and then take tests on the books. Each test earns them points towards prizes.

Bookworm Wednesdays at Showcase Cinemas provides free movies in exchange for a book report. The form for the book report is provided here and is the price of admission to the movie. This program begins July 9th and ends August 13. Movies are shown at 10AM but its best to call your local Showcase Theater to make sure they are participating.

Chuck E. Cheese offers a program that requires the child to read every day for two weeks and record it on a chart found on the website. The chart can be returned for 10 free tokens.

Half Price Books has a program this summer. Children can earn a $5 of book bucks for 300 minutes of reading. They will also be entered in a drawing for a gift certificate. You can download the reading Chart here

H.E. Buddy also is offering a program. Download the form, read the ten books, fill out the form, have a parent initial, mail it and they promise a prize package back in the mail.

New York Times has a program open to students from age 13-19. The paper is looking for thoughtful commentaries on anything it publised. Check out the rules for submission.

Pizza Hut's Book It runs from June 1-August 15.

Pottery Barn is having a reading challenge that runs through July 17th. Children need to read 8 books from the list found here to receive one free book. They do suggest supplies are limited.

Scholastic Summer Challenge

Super Why PBS Read-A-Thon

TD Bank has a program in conjunction with their Young Savers Accounts. The program is available to students in grades K-5. They read 10 books, fill out the form found here and they get $10 deposited in an existing or a created TD Young Savers account. Not a TD customer so I don't know anything about these accounts. Just listing the available summer reading programs.