Pizza Hut Modernizes “Book It” Summer Reading Program with New App
In a bid to enhance the educational engagement of children during summer vacations, Pizza Hut has revamped its long-standing “Book It” program, introducing a new app aimed at fostering reading habits among youth. Launched on June 1, this initiative aims to combat the “brain drain” phenomenon, which refers to the loss of academic skills that often occurs during extended breaks from formal education.
The reimagined “Book It! Summer of Stories” now leverages modern technology. Available on both Google Play and the Apple App Store, the app allows parents to establish summer reading goals, monitor their children’s progress, and provide rewards upon achieving reading milestones. This innovative approach promises to keep reading at the forefront of family activities throughout the summer months.
To participate, families simply need to download the app and set their reading goals by the beginning of June. Children who successfully reach their goals will be eligible to receive a free Personal Pan Pizza each month during June, July, and August. This incentive not only encourages children to read but also reinforces the positive association between learning and rewards.
“Book It has inspired a love of reading in millions of children since 1984,” remarked Lucila Cuello, chief people and culture officer for Pizza Hut U.S., in an official statement. “Now, with the launch of the Book It app, we’re making it even easier for parents to connect with their kids, set meaningful reading goals, and inspire plenty of fun pizza-filled memories with their families. This new platform will help keep reading goals top of mind this summer – and turn progress into pizza.”
Since its inception in 1984, the Book It program has encouraged literacy among elementary school-aged children, with over 70 million participants to date. The program has distributed more than 1.5 billion Personal Pan Pizzas, offering not just a delicious reward, but also an effective motivational tool for improving literacy skills.
The integration of technology into the Book It program highlights Pizza Hut’s commitment to supporting education and community initiatives, reinforcing the brand’s position as a socially responsible entity. As parents seek to enrich their children’s summer experiences, the Book It app offers a valuable tool for engaging young readers while connecting family members in the pursuit of learning.
In summary, Pizza Hut’s updated “Book It” program exemplifies an innovative approach to childhood literacy, demonstrating how traditional initiatives can evolve to meet the needs of modern families. By incorporating digital solutions and incentives, the program aims to instill a lifelong love of reading, ensuring children not only enjoy the summer but also return to school with their skills intact.
