Check out the FREE 2023 Summer Reading Programs for kids!
It’s that time of year again when we break out the list of free summer reading programs. Since research shows that kids who don’t read over their summer break actually lose some of the skills they’ve learned, it’s important to find some creative ways to get kids connected to books. Join a few of these wonderful programs that offer fun & free incentives for summer reading!
2023 FREE Summer Reading Programs for Kids
It’s time to start thinking about summer which means book lists, activities and fun ways to keep kids busy over the next few months (be sure you grab a copy of the FREE printable 100+ Fun & Free Summer Activities for Kids)!
I’m always excited to see what libraries and book stores have planned for kids and there are a TON of really cool ideas this summer. Just in case you’re not familiar, keeping kids reading throughout the summer is a big initiative that teachers, libraries and educators encourage so kids are keeping those literacy skills honed.
Get all the details for the popular summer reading programs, some of the most frequently asked questions and affiliate links for some of our favorite books and reading items — and be sure to search locally for summer reading programs near you for additional regional summer programs for your city or area.
Library Summer Reading Programs Near Me
First, check your local library for the 2023 summer reading activities! Many libraries will use the Collaborative Summer Reading Programs theme — All Together Now — which focuses on kindness, friendship and unity! Libraries will offer lots of creative and cultural activities with this year’s theme so check your local library calendar to see what might be coming to town.
All libraries offer different incentives but most really hit it big over the summer to keep kids of all ages — toddlers to teens — reading and prevent the summer slide! If you like to have e-books available, download the FREE Kindle Reading app that can be used on almost any phone or tablet!
And here are some great activities & free printables to pair with your reading this summer too:
- Send kids on a Kindness Scavenger Hunt (w/ free printable)
- Encourage acceptance and appreciate of different cultures and countries with this 30 Kids Books about Countries around the World book list!
- Teach kids how to make new friends with these free printable “Get to Know You” questions
- Inspire kids to be global citizens with these 40+ Games, Books & Activities to Help Kids Explore the World!
Also be sure to sign up for the Amazon FreeTime Unlimited 1 month FREE Trial!! Kids ages 3 – 12 will have access to all types of e-books and audio books along with educational apps & their favorite learning tv shows too!
Barnes and Noble 2023 Summer Reading Program
Kids in 1st – 6th grades can read 8 books this summer, download the 2023 reading journal & turn it in for a free book with the Barnes & Noble Summer Reading program!
I love that B&N always includes both newer titles and classics as some of their reading rewards like:
- Rosie Revere and Raucous Riviters,
- The Bookwanderers
- Wish and
- I Want My Hat Back (a few of our faves!)
So even if your kids are set on reading the same type of books all summer, they are encouraged to ‘branch out’ to something new when choosing their free item. Kids can turn in their 2023 reading log between July 1st and August 31st to receive their free book.
2023 Half Price Books Summer Reading
Half Price Book stores has shifted it’s summer reading to a great page — visit the Summer Reading Camp to see how kids can earn $5 in Bookworm Bucks to spend at the stores. Kids turn in logs during June & July. Younger kids can be read to while older kids who can read on their own will record their reading time each month.
The website also has some fun free printable camping-themed activities that kids can enjoy this summer too!
SYNC Free Summer Audio Books for Teens
Once again, SYNC is offering FREE audio books for teens beginning in May! Kids ages 13+ can download FREE audio books from SYNC each week during the summer – two titles are offered each week.
There are a wide variety of audio books available across different genres and themes so everyone should find something they enjoy listening to this summer. And Yes! audio books are considering ‘summer reading’ too — they help to increase vocabulary, comprehension and confidence! The books offered are compatible with IOS, Android, Kindle and Windows. ** Remember, these are YA titles so even if you have an advanced reader in the house, be sure to review the content so you know it’s appropriate for your child.
Teens should check back each week for new titles but you can see ALL the offerings in the “Sync Season” tab on the right side of the main page.
2023 Scholastic Summer Read-a-palooza
Kids can register on the Scholastic Summer Reading program Home Base to record their reading hours (this is a popular program with teachers & librarians who want to inspire kids to keep reading). Kids who read and record their hours will help to donate books to children living in areas with limited access to libraries so it’s a great cause too!
The 2023 program is also offering live online author events, mini games and multi-player games along with the ability for kids to track their reading *which is a big thing at some schools! Check out the schedule to see if your child’s favorite author is featured!
Free Online Books for Kids and Teens
Summer slide is a BIG issue — kids who stop reading over the summer months have a much harder time getting back into the swing of it (along with classroom learning) once school starts back up in the Fall. So we’ve rounded up some wonderful places to find FREE e-books and read alouds online for kids & families!
Audible.com has some AMAZING free for kids books to listen too as they continue to offer a great variety of audio books for all ages. Choose from picture books, classics, and favorite chapter books! Also, check out the free audio books for teenagers too!
If you’re an Amazon Prime member, be sure to use your Prime Reading benefits for FREE books each month & to check-out books this summer! Some months have books for kids and teens offered 🙂
Prime First Reads also offers members early access & one FREE book each month on Kindle (including children’s books!)
PBS Kids has picture book read along videos each week with favorite authors & celebs – great for ages 3 – 6 years. I love that these videos have a great variety of authors along with activities that are paired with each book!
Storytime from Space has astronauts reading kids books with a great variety of STEM stories!
More Summer Reading Ideas
10 Books that Celebrate the Joy of Summer