Second Lady Ushavance Launches Summer Reading Challenge

Second Lady Ushavance has kicked off a summer reading challenge aimed at countering the drop in literacy rates across the United States. This initiative will likely spark nostalgia for Gen X and millennial parents who remember similar programs from their childhoods.

Every summer since 1984, American kids have joined the Pizza Hut Book It! program. The program encourages children to set reading goals in exchange for personal pizza rewards. Kids rush through their summer reading lists, collecting stickers to earn those coveted prizes.

Those who complete the challenge by reading 12 books will receive recognition and even a chance to discuss their summer reading experiences at the White House.

While other rewards exist, the real draw for children was the opportunity for a fun outing to Pizza Hut and access to their famous buffet—a treat that made reading feel like a worthwhile adventure.

The Vance Reading Challenge is open to kids from kindergarten through eighth grade. To participate, children need to read 12 books between June 1st and September 5th, 2025. They must complete a reading log, create illustrations about their books, and email the details to the White House with their parents’ approval. While reading 12 books might seem like a small feat, one lucky participant will earn a lifetime trip to Washington, DC.

It’s interesting to note that Vice President J.D. V. V. V. and his wife, Usha, are the first millennials residing at the Navy Observatory. This new reading initiative seems particularly fitting, as Usha Vance likely remembers the joy of those classic middle-class dining experiences.

The Second Lady’s announcement on Twitter certainly generated excitement, inviting families to join in the challenge with ease.

It’s worth mentioning that Pizza Hut has moved away from buffet-style dining, losing some of its regular customers who once enjoyed the casual community atmosphere. The nostalgic charm of the red cups and quirky decor made it feel like a local hub, especially for kids who now dine out less often than before. Friday nights used to mean bustling pizza nights, but now, takeout often replaces those fond memories.

Though Pizza Hut’s Book It! program continues, the buffet experience has faded away in many locations, along with the sense of community it once fostered. Nevertheless, Ushavance’s Reading Challenge serves as a reminder of a bygone era and could ignite a renewed passion for reading among young people, especially with the enticing promise of awards and a visit to the White House.