Learn about Pizza Hut’s Book It! literacy program, which has reached over 70 million students since its founding in 1984 and has the support of radio host Charlamagne Tha God.
The Book It! program, created by Pizza Hut, is celebrating its 40th anniversary this month. Since its inception in 1984, the program has given away over 1.5 billion free pizzas to young readers, making it a beloved childhood memory for over 70 million participants. The program encourages students to meet their reading goals in exchange for certificates that can be redeemed for Book It! swag and a personal pan pizza at Pizza Hut locations.
The Book It! program was founded by Arthur Gunther, then president of Pizza Hut, in response to a call from President Ronald Reagan to engage businesses in education. Gunther was inspired by his son, Michael, who struggled with reading due to eye problems. The program aims to incentivize reading and foster a love for books among students from preschool through sixth grade.
Participants like Frank Torok, now 37, fondly remember the excitement of earning a personal pan pizza by meeting their reading goals. The program has had a lasting impact on many individuals, including radio host Charlamagne Tha God, who credits Book It! for introducing him to authors like Judy Blume and Beverly Cleary.
The Book It! program has become a core memory for millions of individuals, creating a magical experience that combines the joy of reading with the reward of a delicious pizza. With certificates from their teachers, students can visit Pizza Hut locations to claim their rewards and enjoy the sense of accomplishment that comes with reaching their reading goals.
As the Book It! program continues to inspire young readers and promote literacy, it remains a cherished tradition that has shaped the childhoods of countless individuals. Through the power of pizza and books, Pizza Hut has created a unique and enduring program that celebrates the importance of reading and education in a fun and rewarding way.
Source: The NY Times
