Annual Summer Reading Campaign Encouraging Kids to Read All Summer Long

Kids in Grades One through Six Can Earn a Free Book by Reading Eight Books and Completing a Reading Journal Available Now at Stores Nationwide

Free Books This Year Include Perennial Favorites for Children Pete the Cat, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Artemis Fowl, Plus Many More

Barnes & Noble, Inc., the world’s largest retail bookseller, today announced the return of its customer-favorite Summer Reading Program. Now in its 22^nd year, the Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program encourages kids across the country in grades 1-6 to celebrate the joy of reading all summer long and gives them the exciting opportunity to earn a free book by reading eight books and turning in a completed reading journal listing the books they’ve read. Free books this year include perennial favorites such as Pete the Cat, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Artemis Fowl, plus many more for children in grades 1-6.

To get started today, simply visit any Barnes & Noble store and ask a bookseller for the Summer Reading Journal, or download it online at www.BN.com. Kids then spend the summer reading eight titles of their choice and return the completed journal to a Barnes & Noble store between May 15 and September 3 of this year to choose a free book from the titles featured on the back of the journal.

“The Summer Reading Program is one of our most popular campaigns at Barnes & Noble because it encourages kids to engage with reading material during the summer, while providing parents with the peace of mind that their families are still learning and growing,” said Stephanie Fryling, Vice President of Merchandising, Children’s Books at Barnes & Noble. “We’re really excited about this year’s exceptional lineup of recent bestsellers and timeless favorites, and we encourage kids across the country in grades 1-6 to get their journals soon so they can experience the joy of reading and earn their free book.”

The Summer Reading Journal will also be handed out at many schools across the country and the program is just one example of the many ways that Barnes & Noble partners with local educators and schools to positively impact the lives of kids. Through its educator discount card and ongoing educator appreciation events, Barnes & Noble offers pre-K through grade 12 educators 20% off list price on most in-store and online purchases for classroom use throughout the year, and an additional 25% off during special appreciation events. Barnes & Noble also partners with schools on bookfairs to help them raise funds, while also hosting events throughout the year to help make reading more fun and accessible for children and families across the country.

In addition to the chance to earn a free book, Barnes & Noble is today announcing a special buy one, get one free promotion on kids chapter books that will run throughout the summer both in stores and online. New titles will be introduced throughout the summer, but will include the following favorites:

• Critter Club by Callie Barkley

• Galaxy Zack by Ray O'Ryan

• Captain Awesome by Stan Kirby

• Hiedi Heckelbeck by Wanda Coven

• Kingdom of Wrenly by Jordan Quinn

• Adventures of Sophie Mouse by Poppy Green

For another great way to encourage families to read more and get special offers, parents can sign up for the free Barnes & Noble Kids’ Club^™ which provides a $5 reward for every $100 spent on kids’ items*, a free café treat on their child’s birthday and a 30% off welcome email coupon**. 

Parents can enroll at their local Barnes & Noble store or online at BN.com/kidsclub.

* Rewards are issued as certificates and sent by email. Maximum 4 rewards issued per year.

**Exclusions may apply.