News

Pizza Hut launches virtual reading camp

Logo: File (provided)

June 23, 2020

Pizza Hut is changing the format for its Book It program from one where teachers sign their classrooms up to a free "virtual summer camp" brought directly to parents to encourage summer reading, a news release said.

Parents can enroll their youngsters (K-6) online at bookitprogram.com/book-it-for-parents throughout June, July and August. Then participants get virtual camp materials, including themed monthly book recommendations and family activities.

Each featured book was selected to inspire young readers to be "inquisitive, explore the world around them, achieve the impossible and break down barriers," the release said. Monthly themes include bugs and insects, sports and outdoor activities, and science, technology, engineering and math or STEM skills.

Like the BOOK IT program that runs October through March, kids can earn free Personal Pan Pizzas each month by meeting reading goals. Parents can also award badges related to each month's themed books and activities.

The 36-year-old reading program has involved more than one in five Americans thus far, Pizza Hut said. The program also runs annually from October through March in elementary schools.