Book Giveaways for Kids: What Works, What Doesn't, and Where to Find Them

When you hear book giveaways, free distribution of children’s books to encourage reading. Also known as free book programs, they’re meant to put books into kids’ hands—especially when families can’t afford them. But not all giveaways are created equal. Some just hand out cheap plastic-covered books that end up in the trash. Others, like the ones tied to trusted names like Roald Dahl, the most successful children’s author of all time, with over 300 million books sold worldwide, actually spark a lifelong love of stories. The difference? Quality, relevance, and follow-through.

Good book giveaways don’t just hand out random titles. They match books to a child’s age, interests, and reading level. A toddler doesn’t need a chapter book. A 5-year-old who loves dinosaurs needs books with bold pictures and simple words. And if you’re giving books to kids who don’t see reading modeled at home, the giveaway needs to include a quick tip for parents—like how to turn pages slowly, ask one question, or just sit close and read aloud. That’s what makes the difference. Studies from literacy nonprofits show that kids who receive just one great book they love are 50% more likely to read on their own later. That’s not magic. That’s strategy.

Real book giveaways also avoid the trap of being one-and-done. The best ones are part of a longer effort—like a library’s monthly story hour, a pediatrician’s book prescription program, or a school’s take-home book bag system. These aren’t just events. They’re habits. And they work because they’re consistent. You won’t find those in flashy ads. You’ll find them in community centers, doctor’s offices, and local schools that actually care about kids learning to read.

So what do you look for? Skip the ones that ask for your email in exchange for a PDF you can print. Look for programs that deliver real, physical books—preferably with sturdy pages, clear print, and no hidden ads. The ones that partner with authors like Roald Dahl or local librarians? Those are the ones that stick. And if a giveaway includes a note from the giver—something like, "This book is yours to keep. Read it with someone you love."—that’s the kind that changes things.

What you’ll find below are real stories from parents, teachers, and caregivers who’ve seen what happens when the right book lands in the right hands. Some are about how a free book started a bedtime ritual. Others show how a child who never spoke up in class found their voice through a story about a brave mouse. You’ll see which programs actually deliver, which books get loved again and again, and why some giveaways fade while others become part of a family’s routine.