Ahh, sweet summer! Memorial Day (for me) is the unofficial start to longer days and sticky popsicles. We are days away from a much-needed break from early alarms and packed lunchboxes! While our kiddos are soaking up the sunshine, something sneaky can start to happen—the summer slide.
📉 What Is the Summer Slide?
If you’re new to the term, summer slide refers to the learning loss students can experience during the summer break, especially in reading and math. Research shows kids can lose up to two months of reading progress over summer break if they don’t keep reading. The younger the child, the more significant the impact… yikes!
But don’t panic! Preventing the summer slide doesn’t require a full homeschool schedule. There are tons of easy, low-prep (and even FREE!) ways to keep kids reading all summer long—and I’ve rounded up the best ones for you in this post! Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or both, you’ll find something here to make summer reading simple and fun. PLEASE NOTE: Affiliate links are included throughout this post.
☀️ 1. Join a FREE Summer Reading Program
These programs are a total win-win: they motivate kids to read and reward them for doing it!
Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Journal (Grades 1–6)
Kids in grades 1–6 can earn a FREE book just by reading this summer. For every two books completed (one matchup in your journal), bring the journal to your local Barnes & Noble to receive an exclusive Summer Reading sticker. After completing all four matchups, you’ll earn a special Champion sticker and a free book! Rewards are redeemable in-store between July 1 and August 31, 2026. 📚 Download the 2026 Summer Reading Journal
Books-A-Million Summer Reading Adventure
Participants choose four books from the Summer Reading Adventure section in stores, read them, and write about each one in their Summer Reading Adventure logbook. Once the challenge is complete, bring the logbook to a local Books-A-Million or 2nd & Charles store to receive a prize while supplies last. The 2026 prize is a Warriors toy (while supplies last). 📚 Download the 2026 Logbook Here
Pizza Hut’s Summer of Stories (Ages 4–12)
This one takes me back to my childhood! Pizza Hut BOOK IT! is back for summer 2026, now renamed “Summer of Stories.” The program has moved fully to a digital format. Parents set reading goals in the free BOOK IT! Mobile App, kids track their progress, and rewards are redeemed right in the app. No more paper trackers!
During June, July, and August, any child who meets their parent-set reading goals can earn a free Pizza Hut single-topping Personal Pan Pizza from participating locations. Kids can earn up to three free pizzas over the summer (one per month) with a per-family limit of five pizzas per month. 📚 Sign up for Summer of Stories here
Chuck E. Cheese Reading Rewards
Chuck E. Cheese offers printable reading logs this summer. Kids simply write down each book title, author, date, and pages read as they go. There’s room for up to 10 entries. Once the log is complete, a parent or guardian signs the bottom. Present the completed log at checkout with any food purchase at a participating Chuck E. Cheese location to earn 10 free Play Points! PRO TIP: You can keep filling this reading log throughout the summer! 📚 Download the Summer Reading Log
Local Libraries & Statewide Programs
Many public libraries offer summer reading challenges with prizes, storytime events, and even performances. Some states even sponsor reading initiatives with digital options. Check your local library’s website or stop by the children’s desk for their free summer reading programs!
📚 2. Let Kids Choose Their Own Books
Do you know one of the biggest predictors of reading engagement? Choice.
Let children browse at the library or bookstore and pick what interests them—graphic novels, joke books, fantasy, nonfiction, even cookbooks! If they love it, they’ll read it. That’s what counts.
PRO TIP: Create a “yes shelf” at home. Stock it with books they can read anytime, anywhere. Add post-its for them to share favorite quotes or draw about what they read!
🛝 3. Make Reading Part of Daily Life
Reading doesn’t have to feel like a school assignment! Look for creative ways to weave it into your daily summer rhythm:
- Morning basket time: Start the day with a picture book or chapter.
- Car audiobooks: Let Audible or Libby do the reading while you drive.
- Bedtime routine: Even older kids enjoy being read to!
- Scavenger hunts: Use clues to get kids reading directions or signs while out and about.
- Reading picnics: Grab a blanket and head to the backyard or park. Don’t forget snacks!
📚 4. Start a Simple Book Club
Invite a few friends (or cousins!) and host a casual summer book club. Choose one book each month, meet to talk about it, and throw in themed snacks or a craft to celebrate. Kids love the social aspect, and you’ll be sneaking in all that great comprehension practice. It’s a win-win!
💻 5. Try Digital Options for Reluctant Readers
Some kids just aren’t into physical books—and that’s okay! Try ebooks, audiobooks, or reading apps that gamify the experience. A few options to consider:
- Epic! (free for educators, often free during summer for families)
- Libby (free through your library card)
- PBS Kids Reading Games
- Storyline Online (celebrities read books aloud—it’s magical!)
Final Thoughts
Preventing the summer slide doesn’t require hours of worksheets or expensive programs. With a little intention and a dash of creativity, your child can soar into the next school year with strong reading skills and a love for books!
ACTIONABLE STEPS: Grab your sunglasses, stock the beach bag with your favorite titles, and let the summer reading adventures begin!
What are your family’s favorite summer reading programs? I’d love to hear more in the comments!
