summer book contests

Summer Reading Contests!

For bookworms — they’re a fun way to reward an activity that doesn’t often result in prizes.

For reluctant readers — they provide some jazzy incentives to keep up those reading muscles over the summer break.

Locally, the Twin Cities metro area libraries all participate in Bookawocky, I believe. Write reviews, attend library events, earn badges, and win prizes. See your library for details, or check out the site at…
http://bookawocky.org/

Scholastic is sponsoring Power Up and Read which includes the chance to win prizes and help set a new world record. Visit their extremely exciting site here:
http://www.scholastic.com/ups/campaigns/src-2015

Pizza Hut’s Book It program is many years old now. The summer reading program is a bit different than the school-year program. Kids are entered into a sweepstakes drawing themed around Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Find the details here:
http://www.bookitprogram.com/

The Library of Congress is sponsoring a contest called Letters About Literature. The opening description from their site says, “Letters About Literature is a reading and writing contest for students in grades 4-12. Students are asked to read a book, poem or speech and write to that author (living or dead) about how the book affected them personally. Letters are judged on state and national levels.” Go to their site to learn more:
http://www.read.gov/letters/

Half Price Books has their act together with their Feed Your Brain summer program. Differing requirements suit kids ages 8th grade and down, or 9th grade and up. Earn Bookworm Bucks by following the guidelines you can find here:
https://www.hpb.com/fyb/

Once again, Barnes and Noble has a fun summer contest. It’s theme is Imagination’s Destination this year. Read 8 books to earn a free book from their selections by grade level. Check out the rules and what you can choose from at their site:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/u/summer-reading/379003570/

Books a Million is a bookstore we don’t have in Minnesota. They’re running a summer reading program with a fairly heavy fantasy theme, predominantly for middle-grade readers it looks like. Worth looking at if your child likes fantasy novels and wants a Camp Half Blood tote bag:
http://www.booksamillion.com/summerquest?AID=11552245&PID=3278587

Sylvan’s Book Adventure is for kids grades K-8. Read books, take quizzes, earn prizes. Check out the program here:
http://www.bookadventure.com/home.aspx

Chuck E Cheese always rewards reading with their Reading Calendars which you can find at their site. Earn tokens for their in-store games and rides. Here’s where you get the calendars: http://www.chuckecheese.com/activities/rewards-calendars

If you know of any reading contests in your area, feel free to comment and let others know about them. If not — you could always create your own!