Summer Reading Challenge

The Summer Reading Challenge is produced by The Reading Agency and delivered in partnership with libraries across the country. The challenge, aimed at children aged 4 to 11 years, is to read six or more library books over the summer. 

The 2025 Summer Reading Challenge will be Story Garden inspiring children to tap into a world of imagination through reading.   Story Garden will celebrate nature and the great outdoors, exploring adventures, fantasy and the magical world of storytelling.  

This year's Challenge features artwork from award-winning illustrator Dapo Adeola, whose illustrations will bring the Story Garden theme to life; creating an enchanting world where children can find magical creatures, plants and flowers to inspire their next reading adventure.

• Children sign up at the library to pick up their Story Garden sticker booklet to start their challenge. 
• Borrow books and get reading!  Children then choose the books they want to read, recording what they have read along the way.  
• For every book read, children will collect stickers to complete their Story Garden scene.
• Every child who completes the challenge, by reading 6 library books, receives a medal and certificate.  

Children can also take part online for digital rewards.

• Sign up for a website profile direct at summerreadingchallenge.org.uk (children will be asked to provide a parent/carer email address to approve sign up)
• Set a personal reading goal for the summer.
• Record the books read onto an online profile and leave reviews to unlock digital badges and online rewards.
• Children will unlock a certificate to download when they reach their goal.

There is help and guidance available to support signing up to the online challenge from The Reading Agency.

Please note the in-person and online Challenges are separate.  Physical incentives such as the poster, stickers and medals are only avaiable via the library for those taking part in-person.

The Challenge has a different theme every year. The 2024 Summer Reading Challenge, Marvellous Makers was developed in collaboration with Create, a leading arts charity and celebrated creativity, imagination and the power of reading. 

8,165 children in Nottinghamshire took part in the challenge in 2024 

Children who take part:

• are more enthusiastic about reading
• maintain their reading level over the holidays
• return to schools keen and ready to learn
• boost their confidence and self-esteem.

To find out more click here

Children can read any books they like on the Summer Reading Challenge; stories, fact books, poetry, jokes, graphic novels. 

Our children's book recommendations page has inspiration. There are lots of ebooks and audio books that can be borrowed from the library online to help complete the online challenge.