The Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Program Free Book Side Note

Posted by Alex Sharp Jul 26, 2009

My child turned in two Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Program lists yesterday. The book choices were great - some classics, some newer, multicultural, you name it. A list of the free books by grade shows that there are plenty of choices, and there was no problem getting books for a higher reading level than my child's grade.

The reading logs are great; they help focus on the books and filling them out does take effort and thought. I read the fine print, and it says, “This offer is valid for one free book .. Limit of 2 free books (1 free book per completed Reading Journal) per school-age child (Grades 1-6). Of course, since we were tired, hungry, and in a hurry, the sales clerk told us she was not allowed to turn in two reading journals; the associates had been specificall”y told one book per child. (Sigh) I pointed out the statement on the paper. She said, “Well, I'll do it this time.” It makes me wonder if the next person with two logs will only get one book.

So as much as I love Barnes and Noble and I appreciate the Summer Reading Programs, I don't like feeling like I have to read the fine print for something that is supposed to be fun, simple, and in the hands of an elementary school child. We'll continue to participate, because the pros far outweigh the one little hassle, but just know that the program has a bonus lesson in fine print -- and know that two reading logs are allowed, at least this summer.