Summer Reading Programs 2012

Summer vacation begins in just over four weeks, and with all the craziness in school right now, it can't come soon enough for me.  I can already visualize that first week of summer vacation -- I'm going to let myself the kids sleep in for as long as I they want, and stay in pajamas the whole morning. Hair brushing will be optional!  Everyone gets unlimited screen time (TV/videogames/computer), and I won't nag anyone to practice piano or flute.

Like I said, just one week of this is allowed, then it's time to act like intelligent human beings again and stick to some kind of routine. The hair has to be brushed, the beds have to get made, their screen time goes back to 1 hour per day (okay, maybe 2 in the summer), and they have to earn it by reading books.

Fortunately, my kids don't need to be forced to read, but every summer the kids like joining the summer reading program at our local children's library.  They offer free books and a free personal Round Table Pizza when a child turns in his completed summer reading list.  If your local library doesn't offer one, don't despair.  Here's a list of stores and websites that offer free summer reading programs to keep your child reading all through the summer (and beyond!):



Barnes & Noble Imagination's Destination -- download a reading journal and receive a free book when you read 8 or more books.

American Girl Read-a-Palooza -- Their summer reading website offers tips for starting a summer book club, downloads and activities.  In addition, American Girl will donate $1 to Save the Children's US Literacy Program for each book purchased on their site.

Scholastic Summer Challenge -- log your reading minutes for the chance to win prizes, and to help set a world record for summer reading.

iVillage / PBS Kids Summer Reading Challenge -- sign up via iVillage to receive daily reading tips, free PBS Kids show downloads, book discount coupons, and the chance to win prizes.

Pizza Hut's BookIt Summer Break Reading Challenge -- read five books over the summer for the chance to win a "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" summer fun prize package.

Half Price Books Feed Your Brain Summer Reading Program -- log at least 300 minutes of reading (15 minutes per day for 1 month) to earn a $5 HPB Back-to-School-Bucks award.

H-E-B Grocery's Reading Rocks! With H-E-Buddy Summer Reading Program -- read 10 books over the summer and mail in your completed reading log to receive a prize.


Year-round reading challenges
Chuck E. Cheese Reading Rewards Calendar -- read every day for 2 weeks to earn 10 free Chuck E. Cheese tokens.

Pottery Barn Kids Book Club -- attend 5 PBK story times to receive a special gift.



Past summer reading programs
These companies have had summer reading programs in years past, but so far I haven't seen anything in the works for 2012.  It's not too late, keep your fingers crossed!
Leapfrog
Books a Million
National Amusements / Showcase Cinemas

Do you know of any other summer reading programs?  I'd love to hear about them!