Summer vacation is here and a good way to promote reading for children is by signing your kid/s up for summer reading programs where you can set goals, track reading progress, and reward their progress. I have compiled a list of websites and locations that offer summer reading programs. If you are aware of other local reading programs please email me at jodil@macaronikid.com and I will get them added to the list.
“You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax, all you need is a book.”
~Dr. Seuss
Summer Discovery with Dakota County LIbrary
Kids ages birth through age 18 can register to be a part of the Dakota Library's Summer Reading and Learning Discovery Program by stopping by a Dakota County LIbrary to pick up your free book and reading log to get started. Pick up your Summer Discovery log and free book at a Dakota County Library location starting June 1-August 31, 2026
Summer Discovery materials are available for the following age groups:
- Children age birth–11
- Teens age 12-18
Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Program
Barnes and Noble has a summer readding program for kids in grades 1-6. Download and print this reading journal to keep track of your child/children's progress. Once they read 8 books and record which part of the book is your favorite and why you can bring the completed journal in to a Barnes and Noble Store between July 1 and August 30, 2026. Your child can then choose the FREE reading adventure book that is listed on the summer reading journal.
Scholastic Summer Reading Program
This program runs from May 9 - September 12, 2025. From May 9th through September 12th, kids can visit the summer zone in Scholastic Home Base, a completely free digital destination which offers stories, characters, games, and a community of readers. Home Base is moderated for safety 24/7.
Camp BOOK-IT! (for parents to track child/s reading progress)
Use the BOOK IT!® Mobile App to set goals, track progress, and redeem rewards. During the summer months of June, July, and August, any child that meets their parent-set reading goals can earn a free Pizza Hut® single topping Personal Pan Pizza®* from participating locations.
Enroll in this program today here.
Feed Your Brain Virtual Summer Reading Program with Half Price Books
Sign up for HPB's Summer Reading Camp is in progress now. All registered campers can download printable camp components all summer long, including book recommendation lists, craft and activity ideas, coloring sheets, and a scavenger hunt. Check out the schedule and register your camper to join in on the fun!
Reading is Fundamental's RIF'S Soar Into Summer Reading
RIF inspires reading in children by providing content that impacts and engages communities in the solution to be sure that children are given the fundamentals to succeed. Parents can find tips, reading lists, activity sheets by grade level and more here. Click here for suggested reading selections HERE. This year the kids will be going on a reading road trip.
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