Last week’s Friday Fav was all about the amazing summer reading programs at our local libraries—but did you know Barnes & Noble also has a fantastic program for kids? This week, we’re shining the spotlight on another fun (and free) way to keep young readers motivated all summer long.
📖 What is it?
The Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program is a simple and exciting way to reward kids for reading. Children in grades 1–6 can read any eight books of their choice, jot them down in the official Summer Reading Journal, and once completed, they can bring it into any Barnes & Noble store to pick out a free book from a special list. Yep—free!
👉 Click here for all the details and to download the reading journal
💡 Make Reading Extra Fun This Summer
Looking to keep the momentum going? Try these creative ways to make reading a highlight of your kids’ day:
- Book Bingo – Make a bingo board with different genres, settings, or themes to encourage variety.
- Reading picnic – Pack a blanket, snacks, and your current reads for an outdoor reading break.
- Sticker chart tracker – Let kids track their books read with stickers—so satisfying!
- Themed reading nights – Read a space book, then watch a space movie. Read about baking, then make cookies!
- Book swap with friends – Trade books with classmates or neighbors for a fresh supply of stories.
📅 Don’t Miss Out
The program runs through August 31st, so there’s plenty of time to get those eight books in. Whether your child is already a bookworm or needs a little extra motivation, this is a great way to keep reading fun and rewarding.
So print that journal, stack up those books, and let’s make this a summer full of stories!
