Run by the Reading Agency, in partnership with public libraries, the Summer Reading Challenge is a UK-wide initiative encouraging children aged 4-11 to read for pleasure during the summer holidays.
It's a free program, helping children maintain their reading skills and confidence while out of school. Participants sign up at their local library, set a reading goal (often six books), and read anything they choose. They receive stickers and rewards for each book read, and upon completion, a certificate and often a medal. The challenge aims to prevent the "summer slide" in literacy and foster a love of reading.
The 2025 theme is "Story Garden," which focuses on nature and the outdoors through reading.