Summer Reading Programs 2016

It is hard to believe but summer is right around the corner. It is time to think about those summer reading programs again.

My first suggestion is always check out your local library. Ours has wonderful programs for little ones all the way up to adults every summer. The programs are generally free and involve lots of motivation and other enticements to engage your child in reading.

However there are other companies also looking to engage your kids in summer reading as well and I've updated my list from previous years to see what is 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 Triathlon requires children to fill out the form that can be downloaded at the site here. 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 17-September 6, 2016.

Books a Million has a program this summer. Children can get a Camp Half Blood tote bag by finishing the required reading. They must select and read 4 books from the list on the form, fill out the form and return it to get the bag. Form available here


Book Adventure is a free program offered by Sylvan Learning. The program is similar to Accelerated 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. Check out the website for more details. At the time of this publication they verified they are participating, but the details had not been published. If I get the chance I will come back and update the links with more details.


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 not updated their offer for 2016 yet. They've had programs most years so it is worth checking out to see if they come out with one. If I found out anything I will update.

H.E. Buddy also is offering a program. Download the form here, read the ten books, fill out the form, have a parent initial, mail it and they promise a t-shirt as a prize.

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. Program not updated yet for 2016.

Pizza Hut's Book It Not updated for 2016 yet.

Pottery Barn is continuing their read aloud book club, but no mention yet of a summer reading program for 2016.

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.