17 Free Summer Reading Programs 2019

Parents and teachers fear the dreaded summer slip. While summer should be a time for free play and lazy days, encouraging kids to pick up a book is proven to make a difference. These 2019 free summer reading programs are a great way to offer kids an incentive to keep reading and exploring with fun prizes like free books, money and games.

Summer reading programs have become so much a part of our summers that my kids can’t wait to sign up for these programs every year. My oldest daughter gives thanks the Barnes and Noble program and the DOGO Books program for introducing her to some of her favorite book series including Keeper of the Lost Cities and The School for Good and Evil.

*NOTE* Not all of the programs have released details for 2019 yet. Check back often as they should be released in the coming weeks.

2019 Free Summer Reading Programs!

1. DOGOBooks Summer Reading Program – We discovered DOGOBooks two summers ago, and it quickly became one of my daughter’s favorite websites year round. Book reviews for kids by kids encourages young readers to share their thoughts on the books they read. Kids are invited to read books and share their reviews of the books. The top 10 reviewers will win a book prize pack, the next 25 top reviewers will win a $10 gift card. FREE BOOKS. 
2. TD Bank Summer Reading Program – From June 1 – August 31, 2019, 10 books = $10! One your kids read 10 books have them fill out form, take it to your nearest TD Bank and TD Bank will deposit $10 into their Young Saver Account. (Note, you will need to either have or open a Young Saver Account for this program.) $10 cash!
3. Barnes and Noble’s Summer Reading – Through August 31, 2019, have your kids read any 8 books and record them in the Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Journal (available online or in store). Once they complete the journal, they can take it back to the store to pick a free book from the list at the back of the journal. Note – this summer reading program includes TEENS and ADULTS, but only kids grades 1-6 earn a prize! FREE BOOK!
4. Amazon Summer Reading Challenge – When students K-8 read any 8 books and turn in their list by September 10, 2019, they will earn a free book. It looks like you have to turn in the list to one of the Amazon retail or pop-up stores, so it appears to only be available in certain areas. Check the website for details. FREE BOOK!
5. Chuck E. Cheese’s Reading Rewards Calendar – Through December 31, 2019, Chuck E. Cheese will reward kids for good behavior with its calendars. Download a Reading Rewards Calendar and your kiddo can mark off each day he/she reads. When the calendar is full, two weeks, turn it into your local Chuck E. Cheese for 10 free game tokens. Bonus, this can be done again and again. (PS – there are other reward calendars too.) 10 FREE GAME TOKENS!
6. Scholastic’s Summer Read-a-Palooza – Through September 6, 2019, kids can log summer reading minutes to earn digital prizes. As part of Scholastic Summer Read-a-Palooza, kids and families can help get at least 200,000 books to kids in book deserts—areas with limited or no access to books. Plus reading minutes for schools around the country are tracked so you can help your school earn bragging rights. HELP DONATE BOOKS! 
7. Showcase Cinemas – Bring a book report (the form is downloadable from website) on Wednesdays from July 8 – July 29, kids get in for free to see selected movies on Wednesdays at 10:00 am. FREE MOVIE! 
8. Pottery Barn Kids Summer Reading Challenge – Through August 26 PBK invites children to ‘take the challenge’ by reading 14 hand-selected books from one of two lists. Children who complete the book list and bring it to a Pottery Barn Kids location will receive a free book, and parents can enter their child into an online drawing for a backpack full of books. FREE BOOK! (2019 information not yet available.)
9. Half Price Books Feed Your Brain – In June and July, kids 14 and under can earn a $5 coupon by reading at least 300 minutes a month and tracking their reading minutes on a reading calendar. Teens can participate in the teen challenge by writing a book review of a select title. Half Price Bucks! 
10. Sylvan Book Adventure – Kids (K-8) read books (7,000 titles to choose from), and then take a short quiz to earn points. The points can then be redeemed for virtual prizes. Bonus, parents can monitor kids reading with online progress reports. Redeem points for prizes. 
11. Book It – BookIt offers activities and printables to help prevent the summer slip.  Plus parents will find summer reading list by grade. Fun activities. (2019 information not yet available.)
12. HEB Grocery Stores’, HE Buddy Summer Reading Club – Read any 10 books and then mail back the form by October 1 to receive your “cool” prize. (I am guessing a t-shirt since it asks for shirt size.) FYI – this year this is valid for Texas residents only. Free t-shirt! 
13. Books A Million – Read any four books on the summer reading adventure section this summer, have your parents verify and sign the form and return to your local BAM for a free Diary of a Wimpy Kid drawstring backpack (while supplies last). FREE DRAWSTRING BACKPACK!
14. Applebee’s Book Worm Reading Club – This reading-focused reward program encourages students ages 10 or younger at school or the library to read at least 10 books that they record on their “Bookworm Club” record card. Once a student completes all 10 books they will earn a free kid’s meal at Applebee’s (when accompanied by an adult making a purchase). FREE Kid’s MEAL! Note – this is a regional program, please contact your local Applebee’s to find out if your location offers a similar program. 
15. Reading Rewards – Customize a reading incentive program just for your kids with Reading Rewards. This site makes it easy (and free) to set up your own reading goals and allow your kids to “buy” rewards in the reward store created by you. Ideas include movie night, a trip to the dollar store, a sleepover with friends – anything you can think up. DIY PRIZES!
16. Sync Summer Reading Program for Teens – Here’s a summer reading program made especially for teens (13+) that will get them two free audiobooks each week from April 25 – July 25, 2019.
17. Local libraries – Most local libraries have some kind of summer reading program often with goodie bags from local merchants. Check your local library for more details.

More Summer Ideas!

Help your kids keep track of their summer reading with this free printable summer reading log.

Set screen time rules for summer with this Summer Screen Time Rules checklist printable. My kids love having a loose schedule they can be in charge of to play out their day.

Plus keep your kids busy this summer with these 15 Free Summer Activities For Kids.