Pizza Hut’s ‘BOOK IT!’ Summer Reading Program Returns to Provide Voracious Young Readers with Pizza Parties and More

**Pizza Hut Revives Nostalgic Summer Reading Programme for Children**

This summer, Pizza Hut is bringing back its beloved BOOK IT! programme, known for encouraging young readers through the enticing reward of free pizza. The initiative, branded “Summer of Stories,” aims to inspire children from pre-Kindergarten through to Year 6 to maintain their reading habits during the long school break.

The announcement of the programme’s return was made by BOOK IT! on Instagram on April 23, stirring excitement among parents and children alike. “SUMMER OF STORIES IS BACK! 📚🍕,” the post exclaimed, indicating that children will once again have the opportunity to exchange their reading accomplishments for delicious rewards.

From June 1 to August 31, those eligible can join the programme, which operates entirely free of charge. Parents and teachers can conveniently register through the dedicated BOOK IT! App starting May 1. The initiative promises that participants will not only foster a love for reading but also earn personal pan pizzas for achieving set reading goals.

Participants in the programme will receive digital Reading Award Certificates upon reaching their designated reading milestones. These certificates can be redeemed for a one-topping Personal Pan Pizza® at their local Pizza Hut, enabling a monthly reward for young readers. Notably, children must be present at the time of redemption, turning the experience into a small celebration of their achievements.

The BOOK IT! programme is rooted in a rich history that dates back to the mid-1980s. The initiative was conceived following discussions about literacy support from then-President Ronald Reagan. Arthur Gunther, the then-president of Pizza Hut, and marketing executive Bud Gates recognised the need for an engaging way to encourage children to read. Gates, inspired by the challenges of motivating his own child, proposed the idea of connecting reading with pizza—a strategy that proved to be successful.

Within just under a year of its launch, BOOK IT! had reached an impressive seven million students across more than 233,000 classrooms in the United States, according to reports at the time. This remarkable achievement highlighted the programme’s effectiveness in promoting literacy among children through a fun and rewarding incentive.

In addition to the summer programme, BOOK IT! continues to offer resources and activities aimed at aiding parents, teachers, and homeschooling educators throughout the school year. This comprehensive approach further supports children in their educational journeys, underscoring a commitment to literacy beyond the summer months.

Moreover, the nostalgic initiative has sparked calls for a similar programme aimed at adult readers. Many former participants fondly reflect on their experiences and the sense of accomplishment they felt when rewarded for their reading efforts, prompting a desire for opportunities to relive that childhood joy in their adult lives.

As the summer approaches, the relaunch of BOOK IT!’s “Summer of Stories” serves as a timely reminder of the important association between reading and rewards. With its fun approach to boosting literacy, the programme not only aims to keep young minds engaged but also highlights the joy that comes from books and the delight of earning a tasty treat as a result. It’s a win-win for children, parents, and educators alike as they embrace the joys of reading together.