It’s a well-known challenge: the “summer slide” that sees children lose significant learning progress during the school break. Research from ID Tech suggests that by the time they reach middle school, students can lose up to two years’ worth of learning due to these seasonal setbacks.
To counter this, Pizza Hut’s long-running BOOK IT! initiative is stepping up with a modern twist — the launch of the BOOK IT! app. This digital tool is designed to help parents and kids stay engaged with reading throughout the summer, turning the break into an opportunity for learning rather than loss.
“With the launch of the BOOK IT! app, we’re making it even easier for parents to connect with their kids, set meaningful reading goals and inspire plenty of fun pizza-filled memories with their families,” said Lucila Cuello, chief people and culture officer for Pizza Hut U.S.
The app marks another digital-focused move from the pizza giant, which earlier this year tapped into its status as the official pizza sponsor of the NCAA March Madness tournament. In March, the company introduced a mobile companion experience powered by artificial intelligence, delivering real-time reactions and exclusive offers to fans via Instagram.
These initiatives align with the broader vision of Pizza Hut’s parent company, Yum! Brands, which has partnered with Nvidia to explore AI applications across its global operations. From voice-automated order-taking to computer vision–enhanced processes and deeper restaurant analytics, Yum! Brands is embracing AI to improve efficiency and customer experience.
The BOOK IT! app signals a fresh approach to bridging the summer learning gap, combining a digital platform with Pizza Hut’s signature reward — pizza — to keep reading front and center for families
