Whether this is your first step onto the path of The Book Odyssey or you’ve followed the call of stories with us before, here is everything you need to know about the annual BookSparks Summer Reading Challenge.

What is the Summer Reading Challenge?

The Summer Reading Challenge is BookSparks’ largest seasonal campaign, where we gather the books we believe will define the summer and invite readers everywhere to follow along. This year, we set sail on The Book Odyssey, a season of stories that feel fated, unexpected, and impossible to put down.

To make it interactive, we invite you to read along with us and share your experience using #SRC2026 and #TheBookOdyssey. Each year may bring a new theme, but the foundation stays the same: discover the featured reads, get your copies through NetGalley when available, support your local indie bookstore or library, or follow @BookSparks for chances to win. Then read, share, and take part all summer long.

Do I get free books when I sign up for SRC2026?

Signing up for the Summer Reading Challenge is your way of stepping into The Book Odyssey and staying connected to everything happening throughout the season. It does not guarantee free copies of featured books.

Advance review copies are extremely limited and allocated in advance, so we are unable to fulfill individual requests. When additional copies become available, we share them through our Review Network, newsletter, and across our Instagram and TikTok channels.

How can I participate in SRC2026?

There are many ways to take part in The Book Odyssey this summer, no matter how you like to read.

• Shop Indie: Support independent bookstores by purchasing your summer reads locally or through Bookshop.org.
• Borrow: Visit your local library or trade books with fellow readers along the way.
• Win on Social: Follow @BookSparks on Instagram and TikTok for giveaways as they become available.
• Share: When you post about any #SRC2026 pick, tag @BookSparks, #SRC2026, #TheBookOdyssey, and the author to join the wider conversation unfolding all summer long.