What if your child’s artwork ended up on thousands of book bags, carried by students, families, and readers across the country? This summer, The Reading Foundation is making that possible.
In our 36th year of changing lives through literacy, we are inviting young artists ages 5–18 to design our next official Reading Foundation Book Bag, and the deadline to enter is July 31, 2026.
What Is the Reading Foundation Book Bag Design Contest?
The Reading Foundation Book Bag Design Contest is an open call for young artists ages 5 to 18 to submit original artwork inspired by the theme: Reading Changes Everything.
We want to know what reading means to your child. Does it make them feel like a superhero? Take them on adventures? Open doors to new opportunities? Help them feel confident and proud?
Whatever reading means to them, we want to see it through their art.
The winning design will be printed on our official Reading Foundation Book Bag, making it a keepsake and a commemorative piece marking 36 years of literacy advocacy.
What Does the Winner Receive?
The winning young artist will receive:
- Their artwork printed on the official Reading Foundation Book Bag
- A curated book prize pack
- A $100 bookstore gift card
- Recognition on The Reading Foundation website and social media channels
Who Can Enter?
The contest is open to young artists ages 5 to 18. All skill levels are welcome, this is a celebration of creativity, imagination, and a love of reading. No previous art experience is required.
How to Enter
Entering is simple. Visit the link below, complete the submission form, and upload your artwork by July 31, 2026. All you need is creativity and a love of reading.
📅 Submission deadline: July 31, 2026
🔗 [ENTER HERE — LINK]
Why This Contest Matters
The Reading Foundation has spent 36 years transforming the lives of children through clinical literacy programs across Los Angeles, Vancouver, Calgary, and Toronto. We believe that every child deserves the confidence that comes from reading, the confidence to dream bigger, go further, and rewrite what is possible.
This contest is an invitation to celebrate that belief through art. When a child picks up a pencil to draw what reading means to them, they are telling their own story. And when that story ends up on a book bag carried by readers everywhere, it becomes something even bigger.
That is the power of reading. And that is what 36 years of The Reading Foundation looks like.
Is your child ready to experience that transformation? This summer, our Los Angeles clinic has a limited number of spots still available in our clinical literacy program — and we would love to welcome your family. Whether your child is struggling with reading or simply ready to unlock their full potential, our team is here to help.
[Explore summer enrollment at our Los Angeles clinic →]
Share the Contest
Know a young artist who loves to read? Share this post with a parent, teacher, or caregiver who might want to enter. The more young voices we hear from, the better.
📅 Deadline to enter: July 31, 2026
🔗 [ENTER HERE — LINK]