With our kids’ summer break starting this weekend, we decided to turn our usual reading goals into a playful family project. The idea came while we were playing “would you rather” on a morning walk: what if each reading spot competed in a bracket, March Madness–style? We sketched a paper template when we got home, and an hour later Sherry shared it on Instagram. Her DMs filled up with requests for the bracket, so we created two free printable options and are sharing them here. I even filled out a sample as a 41-year-old man—our kids’ lists are a lot wilder, which made the whole thing more fun.
The concept is simple and flexible: have kids test different reading locations by facing them off in head-to-head matchups. Is reading on the bed better than reading under it? Will a float in the pool beat a blanket fort? Do the hammock or the outdoor swing win? The bracket encourages kids to explore new spots, mix up their routine, and ultimately crown a favorite cozy place to read.
Click To Download The Simplified Summer Reading Bracket Printable Above
We first printed the simpler version that Sherry posted, then refined it slightly. The updated version includes time guidelines for each round, starting with 15 minutes per spot and building to 30 minutes in later rounds so each location gets a fair test. We also split the bracket into two sides: inside locations versus outside locations. That separation encouraged the kids to think of more creative outdoor options and made the eventual final showdown more interesting. I’m betting on the hammock; Sherry thinks floating in the pool will win.
Our kids created their own list of 16 locations, which became an enjoyable activity in itself. They picked many of the same spots, but it was entertaining to see where their choices diverged. They even included two neighborhood locations to see whether reading somewhere new — a special “destination reading” spot — felt more exciting than a familiar nook at home.
Click To Download The Summer Reading Bracket Printable Above (With Times)
The printable is intentionally simple so kids can personalize it with markers, stickers, or drawings as they move through the bracket. We considered adding space for a detailed reading log, but decided kids could jot notes on the back of the page or on a separate sheet if they want to track books and times. The minimal layout keeps the focus on trying out each spot and having fun.
Other Reading Bracket Variations
There are many ways to adapt the bracket to fit your children’s ages, interests, and attention spans. A few ideas to customize the experience:
- Assign different genres to each round, starting with comics or picture books and progressing to longer chapter books as the bracket advances.
- Add a comfort element each round, such as a stuffed animal in early rounds, then a snack, and finally a cozy blanket or a favorite drink for later rounds.
- Offer small rewards for advancing, like choosing a new book at the library or earning extra read-aloud time with a parent.
- Let siblings nominate each other’s locations to introduce playful or unexpected challenges—reading in a tree or under a picnic table, for example.
How involved you make it is up to you. For our family, following the full bracket adds up to 30 reading sessions, totaling more than nine hours of reading per child—an easy way to keep momentum through the summer while preserving the joy of exploring books. Our kids already love to read, and the bracket’s novelty has them eager to try each spot right away. At this moment they’re both settled into two pretty unusual locations, which is exactly the point.
If you want the simpler printable or the version with times, both are available for download below. Use them as-is or tweak them to match your kids’ preferences and schedule. Happy reading—and enjoy watching which cozy nook becomes the family favorite this summer!
Download The Summer Reading Bracket Without Times
Download This Summer Reading Bracket With Times
Happy reading! If you try it, we’d love to hear which spots became favorites in your home. I might keep experimenting too—hanging daybed, hammock, or poolside lounge each has its merits—so I’ll likely keep rotating through them.