The Amazing Generation Summer Challenge
A national program where students have a fun and adventurous summer offline — and schools get rewarded for participating.
Cartwheel and The Anxious Generation are partnering to bring The Amazing Generation — the new book from #1 New York Times bestselling author Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price — into the hands of students across the country. Participating schools and students earn rewards and national recognition.
How it Works
Schools choose
how to share it.
Add the book to your summer reading list. Give it to students during end-of-year counselor conversations. Distribute through summer enrichment programs. However it best fits your district.
Students read independently.
The Amazing Generation is written for ages 9–12 and designed to be read on their own. It's packed with surprising facts, interactive challenges, a mini graphic novel, and real stories from kids their age. Students read at their own pace.
Students share
a reflection.
Students submit a short reflection in the fall—a written response, a photo essay, a drawing, a poem, or a simple “My Summer Reset Plan.” Their choice. We made it easy with a one-page prompt card and an online submission form.
We celebrate
everyone.
Every student who submits a reflection receives a certificate of recognition. Standout submissions will be recognized and shared with districts across the country and select districts will receive up to a $1,000 bookshop.org gift card for their school library.
Get Free Books for Your Students
We have a limited number of copies of The Amazing Generation to send to participating districts—free of charge—so sign up early!
When you sign up for the challenge, tell us how many students you’d reach and how you’d share the book. We’ll select districts to receive up to 15 complimentary copies based on your plan, your district's needs, and available supply.
Any district can participate in the challenge with their own copies of the book. The free books are available while supplies last.
Apply for Free BooksAny district can participate in the challenge with their own copies of the book. The free books are available while supplies last.
Everything You Need—Ready to Go
When you sign up, you'll receive a free digital toolkit so you can launch the challenge with no prep time.
Your toolkit includes:
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Challenge Overview + Coordinator Guide
A 1-pager explaining what the challenge is, how to share it with students, and how reflections get collected in the fall
“My Amazing Summer” Reflection Prompt Card
The card students receive with their book, with the challenge prompt, and format options
Discussion Sparks
5–6 conversation starters with clinical perspective from Dr. Juliana Chen, for students to use with friends, family, or trusted adults
Parent/Caregiver Letter
Ready to send home, explaining the challenge and including conversation starters for families
Games + Activities
Crossword puzzles, a maze, a word search, and a coloring page from The Anxious Generation team
Discussion Guide + Educator’s Guide
For districts that want to go deeper with classroom discussions or a more structured experience (completely optional)
About The Amazing Generation
From Jonathan Haidt, author of the #1 New York Times bestseller The Anxious Generation, and Catherine Price, author of How to Break Up with Your Phone—a new book written directly for kids.
The Amazing Generation is packed with surprising facts, interactive challenges, insights into how technology is designed, and real stories from young adults who reflect on what they wish they'd done differently. It's an optimistic guide to growing up with more confidence, curiosity, and agency—written in a voice that meets kids where they are.
Questions? We’ve Got Answers.
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Who is this for?
How do I get the free books?
What does my district have to do?
How much time does this take?
Can we participate if we don't receive free books?
How do students submit their reflections?
What happens with student submissions?