Let’s be honest. It’s easy for kids to spend the summer parked in front of Peacock, YouTube, or Disney+. But if you’re looking for a screen break without the whining, here’s a winning strategy: free stuff. Across the country, major brands are offering real incentives for kids who read this summer — including meals, books, and even arcade time. Below are six national reading programs happening now that reward kids for turning pages instead of turning on their devices.
Barnes & Noble: Free Book
What it is: The classic Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program is back for 2025 and available in stores nationwide. Designed for kids in grades 1 through 6, this program is simple: read 8 books over the summer and write a few short sentences about each one in a downloadable Reading Journal. Once completed, the journal can be brought to any Barnes & Noble location to pick out a free book from a special list curated just for the program.
Why it works: The journal gives kids structure while allowing them to choose any 8 books they like. The reward is a brand-new book they can take home…and it’s all free.
Ends: August 31, 2025
Link: Barnes & Noble Summer Reading
Books-A-Million: Free “Wings of Fire” Hat
What it is: Books-A-Million’s “Summer Reading Adventure” invites kids to read 4 books from a themed list that includes popular series like Dog Man, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and Wings of Fire. After reading, kids complete a reading log and return it to their local BAM store to claim a free Wings of Fire hat (while supplies last). The log can be downloaded online or picked up in-store.
Why it works: BAM knows what kids are actually reading and tailors its list accordingly. The “Wings of Fire” hat is a fun, collectible reward that feels like a real accomplishment to kids.
Ends: While supplies last
Link: Books-A-Million Summer Adventure
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library: Free Monthly Books
What it is: One of the most impactful literacy programs in the world, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library sends a free, age-appropriate book every month to children from birth through age 5. There’s no catch and no cost. It’s entirely funded through the Dollywood Foundation and local community partners. Parents simply register their child online (based on zip code availability), and the books start arriving by mail.
Why it works: For younger kids, this program builds home libraries and bedtime routines. For families, it’s a rare chance to receive high-quality books at no cost for years.
Note: Check availability in your area.
Link: Imagination Library
Pizza Hut BOOK IT! – Free Personal Pan Pizza
What it is: The legendary BOOK IT! program is still going strong, just now managed entirely online. Educators (including homeschool parents) enroll students in grades K–6 and set personalized monthly reading goals. When students meet those goals, they receive a digital certificate good for one free Personal Pan Pizza at participating Pizza Hut locations.
Why it works: The monthly reward system builds consistency and excitement. For homeschoolers, it’s a great way to formalize a reading plan with tasty motivation.
2025–26 Dates: October 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026
Link: BOOK IT! Program
Panda Express “Read With Me”: Free Kids Meal
What it is: Panda Express offers an educator-focused reading program called “Read With Me,” where teachers sign up to receive classroom materials like bookmarks and reward coupons. Once a student reads 5 books, they earn a certificate for a free kids meal at Panda Express. This is a great classroom or summer camp program, though parents may want to ask their child’s teacher to enroll.
Why it works: The partnership with teachers ensures accountability, and the promise of free orange chicken is a pretty good motivator.
Note: Available only through educators.
Link: Panda Express Read With Me
Chuck E. Cheese: 10 Free Play Points
What it is: Chuck E. Cheese rewards kids who complete their Reading Rewards Calendar – a simple printable form where kids mark off 14 days of reading. Once filled in, the calendar can be brought to any participating Chuck E. Cheese location in exchange for 10 free Play Points, good for arcade games and attractions.
Why it works: This one’s a favorite among younger kids. The calendar gives them a visual way to track their progress, and the reward feels instant and fun.
No expiration listed; available year-round
Link: Reading Rewards Calendar (PDF)
At the end of the day, these aren’t sweepstakes or gimmicks. They’re real, widely available programs that could help your kids build healthy reading habits and unplug for a while. So before they start another episode, try challenging them to a book. With pizza, toys, and prizes on the line, it’s a win-win for your family and your Wi-Fi bandwidth.