Dear Future Summer Readers,
Every book you open is an adventure – whether you are exploring new places, meeting new characters, or learning something new. A whole summer of reading fun is waiting just for you!
This summer, as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of America’s founding, we are excited to invite all children (K-8) to join in the Second Lady’s 2026 Summer Reading Challenge. Participants will read and track 12 books of their choice between June 1 and September 4. Every book counts!
When you finish your 12 books, ask your parents/guardians to let us know, and we will send you a personalized certificate, an America 250th anniversary-themed bookmark, and a special link to receive a prize! You will also be entered for a chance to visit our nation’s capital and the White House with a chaperone. Terms and conditions apply.
Where will your next book take you? We can’t wait to find out!
Usha Chilukuri Vance
Second Lady of the United States
Leaderboard
Coming soon 2026
Eligibility
1
Must be entering kindergarten through eight grade.
2
Must reside at or have a USPS verified address.
Instructions
The goal is simple: read 12 books of your choice between June 1 and September 4.
1
CHOOSE YOUR BOOKS
Pick any 12 books—fiction or nonfiction, classics or new releases—that inspire your curiosity and imagination.
2
TRACK YOUR PROGRESS
Download the official Summer Reading Challenge Reading Log and record each title as you finish.
3
CELEBRATE YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS
Once you’ve read all 12 books, have a parent or guardian submit your completed log using the submission form on wh.gov/read by 11:59PM ET on September 4.
Submission
Reading Log and Submission Form will be available June 1st!
Prizes
All participants will receive a digital certificate, a personalized letter, and an America-250th themed bookmark, plus a chance to win a trip to the Nation’s Capital and the White House on September 25th, 2026. Additionally, this year, we will have more prizes for participants – specific details will be revealed at a later date. Stay tuned!
Details are subject to change.
Storytime with the Second Lady
SECOND LADY USHA VANCE