SUMMER READING

It’s that time of year when people are thinking of ways to keep their kids busy during the summer and most especially to keep them from losing their academic skills. Summer reading programs are great ways for the kids to keep reading all summer long and to have fun while doing it. Check out these great summer reading programs. Several have already started.

Make sure to let us know of any we may have missed.

Barnes and Noble

• Kids in grades 1-6 can score a free book for reading 8 books and writing about them in their reading journal.
• Free books can be collected July 1 and August 31, 2025
• Find all the information HERE.
• Print out the reading journal HERE.

BBGB — Summer Reading Book Bingo

• Earn prizes for completing bingo
• Printable bingo page
• 1st prize is a cookie from Sugar + Twine
• Boards can officially be brought in for prizes starting May 25. This store is in Richmond. If you’re not from the Richmond area, plan ahead. Complete the first bingo, plan a day trip to Richmond, stop by BBGB while there to collect the prize.
• May 23 – Aug 30
• Find all the information HERE.

Books and Baseball

• This FredNats Books and Baseball Reading Program is sponsored by Red Door ProWash.
• It’s an easy, four-step program that rewards its participants with a FREE ticket to a FredNats baseball game and on-field recognition before the game.
• Get more information HERE.

Books a Million

• Choose any 4 books from the summer reading adventure feature in-store or online.
• Write about the books you’ve read.
• Show your completed logbook to a store associate to score a free hat (while supplies last)
• Get all the information HERE.

Chuck E. Cheese

• Have your child read and track their progress on the Chuck E. Cheese Reading Rewards Calendar.
• When completed, they’ll receive 10 free play points.
• Get all the details HERE.

Gateway Comics & Toys

Update: This is not being offered for 2025.

• This is for grades K-8.
• Check out 5 comic books at a time.
• Must sign up in-person.
• Get more information HERE.

Half-Priced Books

• The Summer Reading Camp starts June 1, but you can register now.
• Your children can earn $5 Bookworm Books to spend.
• You can still participate digitally if you do not have a store nearby.
• Get all the information HERE.

Imagination Library

• Children ages 0-5 can receive FREE books from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
• This program goes statewide in Virginia after July 1, 2024.
• Check availability HERE.

Local Library

• Check your local public library. Most will offer summer reading programs with cool prizes.
• You can check out the reading program for the Central Rappahannock Library HERE. The summer reading program sign-ups began May 15, 2025. The program ends Aug. 15. This year’s prizes include free food and swag from Raising Cane’s.

Mensa for Kids

• Children can earn a commemorative certificate and an Excellence in Reading T-shirt for completing the Excellence in Reading Program.
• Find all the information HERE.

Panda Express

• Teachers this is for you. Enroll your class and get a bookmark and reward materials for your students.
• When students meet their goal of reading 5 books, they can get a FREE kids meal coupon!
• Get all the information HERE.

Pizza Hut’s Camp Book It

• The Pizza Hut BOOK It! program encourages kids to read throughout the school year and during their summer break.
• This program is for Pre-K through 6th grade.
• Kids earn a free personal-sized pan pizza.
• Get all the details HERE.

Scholastic

• FREE online summer reading Home Base
• Digital games, events, and more!
• May 9 – Sept. 12
• Get all the information HERE.

Tyrannosaurus Tot and Fred Books

• Two local bookstores are encouraging kids to read this summer. This event runs May 23 – July 18, 2025.
• Kids entering grades K – 6 are invited to read 9 books, complete a fun reading journal, earn a free book, and participate in an end-of-summer pizza party to celebrate.
• Turn in your completed journal by July 18 or bring it to the pizza party!
• Pick up your FREE reading journal at Tyrannosaurus Tot Studio or Fred Books.
• You can sign up HERE.

Nothing Bundt Cakes

Did you know that Nothing Bundt Cakes offers a summer reading program? The best part — your child can earn free bundtlets!! Get all the details HERE.

Hundred Acre Books Summer Reading Program

Hundred Acre Books in Culpeper, VA, has a fun Summer Reading Program for all ages! Starting 6/13/2025, pick up your program and collect prizes. This program runs until Labor Day Weekend.

📚 Second Lady’s Summer Reading Challenge (2025)

Calling all K–8 students! The Second Lady, Usha Vance, invites you to dive into an exciting summer adventure with her Summer Reading Challenge — running from June 1 to September 5, 2025. The goal? Read 12 books of your choice and track your progress using a provided reading log. Every reader who completes the challenge will receive a personalized certificate, a fun prize, and be entered into a drawing for a special trip to Washington, D.C., accompanied by a chaperone.

READING RESOURCES

• Are you looking for a new audiobook to listen to? Find great reviews at Audiofile SYNC. All of their audiobooks are organized by age groups. Follow this LINK.
• Sonlight Home School Curriculum offers a FREE printable summer reading challenge kit. Follow this LINK to find out more.

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