The Summer Reading Challenge is aimed at 4-11 year olds, but older or younger children can also take part if you'd like them to.
It's presented by The Reading Agency and delivered by libraries across the country.
2021 Summer Reading Challenge - Wild World Heroes
10 July - 11 September
Go wild about reading this summer. We're teaming up with the World Wildlife Fund for a very special nature-themed challenge that will inspire you to stand up for the planet.
The challenge encourages children to read 6 or more books of their choice during the summer holidays to help prevent the summer reading 'dip'.
Take part in the Summer Reading Challenge
To take part in the Summer Reading Challenge:
- Your child needs to be a library member. If they're not, see how to join the library.
- From Monday, 12 July 2021, your child can sign up for the challenge at any open library in the borough. View open libraries.
- You'll get a Wild World Heroes collector's folder to keep track of your reading. Add the books your child reads over the summer to the collector's folder. They need to read at least 6 books to complete the challenge.
- If they complete the challenge before Saturday, 11 September 2021, come back to the library with your collector's folder. Your child will get a certificate and a medal and we'll enter you into a prize draw.
If you can't get to a library, your child can take part in an online version of the challenge.
How to join the challenge online.
Ideas, games, competitions and more
The Summer Reading Challenge website has fantastic reading ideas, fun games and exciting competitions. You can also keep up to date with all the latest Summer Reading Challenge news.
For even more fun, including videos, events and activities to inspire a love of reading, view the Summer of Reading programme. The Summer of Reading has been launched by The Reading Agency. Check out their weekly schedule of events for extra family fun over the summer.
What to read for the challenge
Your child can read anything they'd like - all books count towards the goal. This includes comics, poems, audiobooks and picture books. You don't need to buy new books for the challenge either. You can borrow from the library or even re-read a book.
You may like to:
Events and activities
Summer Reading Challenge events and activities will take place throughout the summer holidays.
You can find out about these events on:
Winter mini reading challenge 2020-21
Date: Tuesday, 1 December 2020 - Friday, 15 January 2021
Suitable for: children between the ages of 4-11, although children of any age can participate
The Winter Mini Challenge (Everyone is a Hero) encourages children to keep up their reading habits over the winter holidays. The theme is all about discovering heroes big and small, by reading brilliant books.
You can access rewards and incentives for reading and reviewing books, as well as fun activities, videos and reading recommendations.
How to take part in the Winter Mini Reading Challenge
If not already done so, you'll need to register with the Reading Challenge website. You'll then be able to access rewards and incentives for reading and reviewing books, as well as fun activities, videos and reading recommendations.
To take part in the Winter Mini Reading Challenge:
- Read 3 or more books - these can be any books of your choice
- Add the books you finish to your profile on the challenge website and leave a short book review
- Once you've reached your reading goal, you'll unlock a virtual badge and a special 'Everyone Is A Hero' certificate to print off and keep
Join the challenge or login to your account