Summer is the perfect time to catch up on recreational reading.  We read all year round, but in the summer we tend to increase our book intake.  We participate in a variety of summer reading programs because they often incentives for doing something that we already enjoy.

As you may know libraries often host summer reading programs, but they aren't the only ones encouraging reading. Did you know that several bookstores also have summer reading programs for children?  These stores often offer a free book or some other prize to children who complete the summer reading challenge which usually only lasts for six weeks.

Free Summer Reading Programs for Kids

Barnes and Noble Booksellers

Barnes and Noble has a summer reading program for children in grades 1 through 6. The Barnes and Noble summer book challenge requires children to read eight books between May 16th and September 5th, 2017 and write about a sentence or two about their favorite part of the story. Barnes and Noble has a journal form on their site or you can pick one up at your local store. Once the journal is completed take it to your local BN; your child will be able to select a book from the summer reading free book collection which is usually in the children's department.

LifeWay Christian Stores

LifeWay hosts the Summer R.E.A.D program at their stores. The program runs from June 1 to August 31.  This program emphasizes the importance of learning scripture while also rewarding readers for meeting their reading goals.  This program is geared to children in grades 1 through 6, but allows anyone to participate.  There are six stops in the journal, and each stop focuses on a different book of the readers choosing.  The journal also includes a memory scripture and a question about the scripture.  Upon completing the journal, readers will receive a book from the summer reading prizes and a devotional or Bible (these are while supplies last).

Books-A-Million

Books-A-Million summer reading program focuses on selections from The Reading Challenge section in their stores or online.  Participants must read four books from the section, and log them on their journal.  Upon completing the reading log, readers will receive a free Maze Runner Series Water Bottle.  Based on the selections, I believe this program is geared towards upper elementary readers and above.

Your Local Library

Each summer we participate in the summer reading program at our local libraries and surrounding libraries.  We like the programs at our local library because there are incentives to check in each week.  Check out your local library or a library in a nearby community to learn about the library's summer reading program. 

Happy Reading!