Back for 2026. Barnes & Noble has brought back their Summer Reading Free Book Giveaway for kids in Grades 1-6. You child will need to read any eight books this summer and record them in this Summer Reading Journal [printable PDF]. This year has a “playoff†format.
My family has participated the last two summers, although for 2026 they have added a requirement to visit a Barnes & Noble store four separate times, each time you finish two books:
1. Each time you complete two books (one matchup on your journal), bring your journal to your local Barnes & Noble store. You’ll receive an exclusive Summer Reading sticker and create a recommendation slip for your favorite of the two books — your recommendation slip will be displayed in the store!
2. Return after each completed matchup to collect your sticker and share another recommendation.
Be sure to check out other kids’ recommendation slips for ideas on what to read next.3. After completing all four matchups on your journal, you’ll complete your full sticker collection and earn a special Barnes & Noble Champion sticker. Keep your journal so you can look back on all the great books you read this summer.
4. Finally, select a book from the list below to receive for free! Thank you for reading with Barnes & Noble this summer.
