Looking for fun and educational ways to keep your kids engaged this summer? Our Macaroni Kid Summer Reading Guide 2025 is packed with reading programs that reward kids for turning pages instead of turning on screens. From free books to pizza, play points, and sweet treats, there’s something for every reader in your family.
Whether your child is a toddler just discovering picture books or a middle schooler exploring chapter books, these national and local programs are great ways to build reading habits — and earn rewards while doing it!
Featured Summer Reading Programs:
Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program (Grades 1–6)
Kids can earn a free book from Barnes & Noble!
- Read 8 books and write about your favorite part of each one in the Summer Reading Journal.
- Submit your journal at any Barnes & Noble store between July 1 and August 31, 2025.
- Choose a free book from a pre-selected list by grade level.
Chuck E. Cheese Reading Rewards Program
Reading earns free play points!
- Download the Reading Rewards Calendar.
- Track reading daily for two weeks.
- Bring the calendar to Chuck E. Cheese and get 10 free play points.
- Offer valid through December 31, 2025 and can be redeemed multiple times.
Panda Express “Read With Me” Program (Pre-K–5th Grade)
Perfect for classrooms, camps, or homeschoolers.
- Teachers register their class or group online.
- Students read 5 books.
- Each participant receives a free Kids Meal coupon once completed.
Pizza Hut BOOK IT! Summer of Stories (Pre-K–6th Grade)
Turn reading goals into free pizza!
- Runs June through August 2025.
- Use the BOOK IT! app to set and track daily reading goals.
- Earn a digital coupon for a free one-topping Personal Pan Pizza each month.
- Limit of 3 free pizzas per child, up to 5 pizzas per family per month.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (Birth–Age 5)
Free books delivered to your door monthly!
- Available to children from birth to age 5 in participating areas.
- Register your child at ImaginationLibrary.com.
- Books are delivered monthly at no cost to families.
Nothing Bundt Cakes “Books & Bundts” (Pre-K–Elementary)
Sweet rewards for summer reading!
- Pick up a reading tracker at a participating Nothing Bundt Cakes location.
- Read and record minutes (e.g., 400 minutes/month).
- Earn a free Bundtlet (mini bundt cake) and an award certificate.
Scholastic Summer Reading Program (May 9 – September 12, 2025)
An interactive digital reading experience.
- Log reading, attend virtual events, and play games at Scholastic Home Base.
- Engage with books and authors in a safe, moderated online environment.
Half Price Books Summer Reading Camp (Preschool–Middle School)
Get $5 in Bookworm Bucks!
- Track reading in July and August.
- Submit your reading log at a participating Half Price Books store.
- Earn $5 to spend on books in-store.
Local Library Summer Reading Programs
North Houston libraries are a great place to start a summer reading adventure!
Local libraries typically offer free reading programs, special events, story times, and prizes all summer long. Be sure to check out:
- Harris County Public Library – www.hcpl.net
- Montgomery County Memorial Library System – www.countylibrary.org
- Houston Public Library – www.houstonlibrary.org
Many programs kick off in early June with fun launch events, craft kits, and even free books. Don’t miss out!
Other Fun Reading Programs To Check Out:
Mensa for Kids Excellence in Reading Program
Encourages children to engage with classic literature and rewards them with a commemorative certificate and a free T-shirt upon completion.
- How It Works:
- Select a reading list based on grade level from the Mensa for Kids website.
- Read all the books on the list, recording completion dates and ratings.
- Submit the completed list to receive recognition and rewards.
The Good and the Beautiful Summer Reading Program
Designed to instill a love of wholesome literature in children.
- How It Works:
- Order a free Summer Reading Pack from The Good and the Beautiful.
- Use the included materials to track reading progress.
- Upon completion, children receive a free book as a reward.
American Library Association (ALA) Summer Reading Lists
Provides curated reading lists to keep children engaged throughout the summer.
- How It Works:
- Access the 2025 Summer Reading Lists categorized by age group.
- Select books from the lists to read over the summer.
- Utilize these lists to discover new and diverse reading materials.
Make Summer Reading Fun & Consistent
Here are a few tips to keep kids reading all summer long:
- Create a special reading nook or reading fort.
- Keep a variety of books available — visit libraries, used bookstores, or Little Free Libraries.
- Set daily or weekly reading goals.
- Pair reading time with screen-free rewards or incentives.
- Make it a family affair by reading together or doing themed activities around books.
Let’s make 2025 a summer of stories, imagination, and adventure — one book at a time!
Save & Share this Guide to help other families find fun, free summer reading programs.
Did we miss one? Let us know at KirstenS@macaronikid.com
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