Book It Club is 40 — A Classic Program Turns 40
Can you believe it? The beloved Book It! program is turning 40 this year!
Book It Club is 40
This iconic reading incentive program has inspired countless children to pick up a book and explore the wonderful world of literature. Let’s take a look back at its history and celebrate its enduring impact.
A Brief History of Book It!
Founded in 1984 by Pizza Hut, Book It! was designed to encourage elementary school children to read more. The program offered students the chance to earn free pizza for reading books. This simple yet effective reward system quickly became a popular way to motivate young readers.
I remember going to Pizza Hutt to get a free personal pan pizza. I also remember a pin that you placed stars on it as you read books.
Over the years, Book It! has expanded its reach and adapted to changing times. It has partnered with various organizations and schools to provide reading incentives to children in need. The program has also evolved to include digital tools and resources to make reading more accessible and engaging for today’s youth.
The Enduring Impact of Book It!
Book It! has had a profound impact on the lives of millions of children. By fostering a love of reading at a young age, the program has helped to develop critical thinking skills, improve academic performance, and expand children’s horizons. It has also played a vital role in promoting literacy and closing the reading achievement gap.
As Book It! celebrates its 40th anniversary, we can’t help but feel a sense of gratitude for its contribution to the world of education. This iconic program has inspired countless children to become lifelong readers and has helped to shape the future of literacy.
Hard to believe 10 years I wrote about it being 30. In this blog post. Pizza Hut Book It Turns 30! So, in ten years, 2034, Book It! will turn 50.
Carl Loredo, President Pizza Hut U.S.
“I’m incredibly proud of what the BOOK IT! program has achieved over the past four decades. It’s inspired more than 70 million children to discover the magic of books, helping to build a lifelong love of reading. As we’re celebrating 40 years, we’re excited to invite readers of all ages to rediscover the joy of reading—one book (and pizza) at a time.”
How to Celebrate Book It!’s 40th Anniversary
- Read a Book: The best way to celebrate Book It!’s birthday is to pick up a book and start reading!
- Visit Your Local Library: Support your local library and explore its collection of books.
- Share Your Book It! Memories: Share your favorite Book It! memories on social media using the hashtag #BookIt40 or #BookIt
Even as a celebration Pizza Hutt is giving away one million personal pan pizzas.
As they celebrate 40 years, Pizza Hut shares some fun facts about the beloved literacy program:
- Since 1984, it’s estimated that more than 1.5 BILLION pizzas have been awarded to young readers through the BOOK IT! program.
- From 2013 – 2023 alone, Pizza Hut gave away more than 56 million Personal Pan Pizzas – enough to stretch from coast to coast in the U.S. twice!
- In the past, United States Presidents have shared their support for the brand’s mission to inspire reading among the country’s youth, including President Ronald Reagan.
- From 2019 – 2023, Pizza Hut expanded its program by partnering with First Book, a non-profit designed to offer books at a discount or for free for educators who serve kids in Title 1 schools, to better support children of all backgrounds to help them succeed. In just five years, the partnership has impacted more than 391,000 children at these schools.
This year’s 40th-anniversary celebration coincides perfectly with October’s National Book Month, making it the ideal time to recognize the countless ways books have shaped our lives. Whether you’re a young student just discovering the magic of reading or an adult rekindling your love for books, Pizza Hut is here to celebrate your journey with a free Personal Pan Pizza (with $8 minimum purchase)* – because great books deserve great rewards. See each participating locations for more details.
Let’s raise a glass to Book It! and all the amazing things it has done to promote reading and literacy. Here’s to another 40 years of inspiring young minds!
Do you remember Book It!? If so, feel free to share your experiences on the comments.
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