For the first time in its 40-year history, Pizza Hut has launched a mobile app for its iconic BOOK IT! reading program, available at major app stores. The new digital platform was created to keep children actively reading over the summer break and offers a fun, engaging way for families to track progress, set goals, and earn pizza rewards. The app’s release marks a significant milestone for the long-running initiative, modernizing its approach to help prevent the “Summer Slide.
The “Summer Slide” refers to the learning loss students often face when school is out, with research indicating that children can lose up to two years’ worth of learning by the time they reach middle school due to cumulative summer setbacks. In response, Pizza Hut has revitalized its seasonal literacy campaign under the new name, BOOK IT! Summer of Stories. Launched officially on June 1, the program encourages parental involvement by allowing families to customize monthly reading goals tailored to their child’s grade level and abilities, from Pre-K through sixth grade.
The app not only helps parents guide and monitor their children's reading habits but also brings a delicious incentive: kids can earn a free Personal Pan Pizza® during the months of June, July, and August by achieving their reading targets.
Pizza Hut U.S. Chief People and Culture Officer Lucila Cuello said, “BOOK IT! has inspired a love for reading in millions of children since 1984. 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!”
Families can join the initiative by downloading the app, setting June reading goals, and launching their own Summer of Stories adventure.
Learn more here: www.bookitprogram.com.