There are some great summer reading programs that your children can take advantage of to earn FREE books and other prizes!
Here is a roundup for programs available to families in Minnesota!
Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program – This summer reading program through Barnes & Noble gives your child the ability to earn a FREE book after reading a designated number of books and keeping track of them in a reading log. Check their website later for 2024 updates.
Half Price Books -They are again offering the “Half Price Books Summer Reading Camp” which starts June 1st and includes reading logs and fun activities. Sign up to get everything by email or visit their page of activities.
Junie B Jones Reading Club – Sign up and get updates about books, holiday e-cards, fun games and activities for kids, special events, sweepstakes, and more. Plus download their reading log and activity brochure. 
Chuck E. Cheese – Earn FREE tokens every time your child reads. Just print off a Reading Rewards Calendar and get 10 free play points with any food purchase when it’s filled out and turned in. (They have other rewards for kids as well, including silly ones like a “No Nose Picking Calendar” for preschoolers!) 
Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge – From May 9 – September 12, 2024, kids can visit the summer zone in Scholastic Home Base, a completely free digital destination which offers stories, characters, games, and a community of readers. Plus, kids can track their reading and help to donate books.
Pizza Hut Book-It Program. This existed when I was a kid and is still going strong! It’s now called Camp Book It. Kids who read can earn a free personal pan pizza. They also have free printables for spring and summer fun.
AND SAVING THE BEST (OR AT LEAST, MY FAVORITE!) FOR LAST…
Local Public Library – Don’t forget to check out your local libraries to find out which programs they’ll be offering this summer. My kids have participated in several Summer reading Programs through the library and it always includes FREE books & prizes. Visit the MELSA website to learn more about the summer programs in local Twin Cities area libraries!
Programs like these are a great way to encourage our children to continue reading throughout the summer months. If you know of any other programs that aren’t listed here, please feel free to leave the information in a comment below!