If you’re looking for a fun and educational way to keep your kids reading during the summer, this summer reading challenge is just the thing. Designed for families, homeschoolers, and teachers, this printable pack encourages kids of all ages—from toddlers to teens—to explore books across different genres while working toward age-appropriate reading goals and rewards.
With book suggestions, bingo cards, reading logs, and reward ideas, this all-in-one resource makes it simple to keep learning and reading going all summer long—without it feeling like schoolwork.
Related: Help Your Child Fall in Love with Reading
Summer Reading Challenge Printable
This printable pack is a summer reading challenge broken down by age group—Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School, and High School. Each section includes suggested reading goals, book lists organized by genre, recommended series, and authors from diverse backgrounds.
There are also reading bingo cards and a reading log to track books and ratings, and to make reading even more fun. Reward and incentive ideas are included to keep readers motivated. Whether you’re working with a preschooler or a high schooler, this pack has something for everyone.
Please note that the book suggestions are just that, suggestions and ideas to get you started. You can use any books you choose. The goal of the challenge is to read a variety of books and literature, and for your child to have fun will doing it. For older kids, it would even be beneficial to have them help you with making the book selections.
Why Your kids Should do a Summer Reading Challenge
A summer reading challenge helps prevent the “summer slide” and encourage kids to keep learning in a fun, low-pressure way. It promotes a lifelong love of reading, introduces new authors and genres, and helps kids build confidence in their literacy skills. But most of all—it’s fun!
It’s also a great way for the whole family to connect around books and stories. With options for all age levels, this program makes it easy for everyone to join in—whether it’s a bedtime picture book or a classic novel.
Related: Tips for Reading Aloud to Multiple Ages
Summer Reading Challenge for Preschoolers
The early years (ages 2-5) are the perfect time to build a love for books. This level of the summer reading challenge encourages young children to read 20+ picture books with a parent, sibling, or other special person in their lives, introducing them to stories filled with rhythm, color, and interaction. The printable includes genre ideas, a bingo card full of fun prompts, and simple rewards to keep little ones motivated.
Related: Easy-Read Books for Young Kids
Book Suggestions:
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
- Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
- Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin
- Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr.
- Corduroy by Don Freeman
- I Am Enough by Grace Byers
- The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
Corduroy
Chicka Chicka Boom BoomGoodnight Moon
Reward Ideas:
- Printable coloring pages
- Finger puppets
- Mini plush animals
- Bubble wands
- Sticker sheets
- Achievement certificates
- Storytime-themed bookmarks
Crayola Bluey Color Wonder Coloring SetMelissa & Doug Pet Shop Puffy Sticker SetSunny Days Bubble Wands
Summer Reading Challenge for Elementary Kids
Elementary-aged kids are ready to explore chapter books, new genres, and series. This part of the challenge sets a goal of 10–15 chapter books or 20–30 shorter books. With suggested books in fantasy, nonfiction, and more, plus a kid-friendly bingo card and a range of rewards, this level keeps reading exciting and varied.
Related: 9 Books & Book Series for Curious Kids
Book Suggestions:
- Magic Tree House by Mary Pope Osborne
- Junie B. Jones by Barbara Park
- The Bad Guys by Aaron Blabey
- The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner
- National Geographic Kids (nonfiction)
- The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson
- A Light in the Attic by Shel Silverstein
Magic Tree HouseThe Boxcar Children MysteriesA Light in the Attic
Reward Ideas:
- Bookstore gift card
- Printable bookplates
- DIY bookmarks
- Mini LEGO sets
- Storybook character masks
- Reading certificates
- Watercolor paint sets
LEGO Classic Creative Food Friends Building Toy SetWatercolor Paint SetAnimal Pun Bookmarks
Summer Reading Challenge for Middle School
Middle schoolers benefit from deeper, more meaningful stories. The goal for this age is 5–10 novels or 20–30 books in various formats. This challenge includes genres like dystopian fiction, adventure, and biographies, plus diverse voices and relatable characters. The bingo card and reward options help maintain momentum all summer long.
Related: Must-Read Literature Books for Middle School
Book Suggestions:
- Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan
- Wonder by R.J. Palacio
- Ghost by Jason Reynolds
- The Maze Runner by James Dashner
- The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
- The Crossover by Kwame Alexander
- Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl
The House on Mango StreetWonderAnne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl
Reward Ideas:
- Amazon gift card
- Magnetic bookmarks
- Funko Pop figures
- Portable book light
- Reading-themed tote bag
- Mini notebooks and pens
- Personalized bookmarks
Rechargeable Book LightFunko PopReading Canvas Tote
Summer Reading Challenge for High School
Teens are encouraged to read 5–10 full-length novels or 30–50 books in any format. This part of the summer reading challenge includes genres like classic literature, memoirs, poetry, and social justice fiction. With advanced themes and critical thinking elements, this challenge fosters deeper engagement. Teens can track their reading and earn age-appropriate rewards.
Related: Must-Read Literature Books for High School
Book Suggestions:
- To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
- The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
- Educated by Tara Westover
- The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
- Dune by Frank Herbert
- Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
- The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon
To Kill a MockingbirdDuneThe Sun is Also a Star
Reward Ideas:
- Bookstore or Amazon gift card
- Hardcover collector’s edition books
- Literary-themed T-shirts or mugs
- E-reader
- Journal
- Personalized bookplates
- Literary-themed accessories (phone cases, candles, jewelry)
Coffee Glass for Book LoversBook Lover CandleBlank Journal Notebook
Reading Bingo Cards & Reading Log
Each age group includes a unique reading bingo card with creative prompts that match kids’ interests and reading levels. Prompts like “read with a funny character,” “set in a different country,” or “read in your pajamas” help make reading feel like an adventure. Kids can aim for a line, full blackout, or just fill in squares to get a classic Bingo.
The printable ends with a handy reading log that includes space to record:
- Date finished
- Book title and author
- Star rating
This simple tool helps kids stay accountable while reflecting on what they’ve read—and gives parents and teachers a record of progress.
One of the best parts of this summer reading challenge is that it includes every age group. Families can read together, share book recommendations, and celebrate their reading wins side by side. Whether you’re homeschooling or just looking for screen-free fun this summer, this printable is a fantastic resource to keep everyone reading.
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