Free September Reading Log Printable

A September Reading Log is a fun way to keep kids motivated as the new school year settles in.

This apple-themed tracker turns reading into something visual and hands-on, making it easy for children to see their progress grow throughout the month.

When my son was younger, he couldn’t wait to color in another apple after finishing a book, and it quickly became part of our evening routine.

Whether you’re encouraging daily reading at home, in the classroom, or as part of a fall literacy challenge, this simple log is a creative tool for building consistent, joyful reading habits.

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Apple Reading Log

The September reading log printable starts with a header kids can make their own. The word “September” is big and bold, waiting to be filled with color.

Around it, you’ll find an apple tree heavy with fruit, Johnny Appleseed tipping his tin hat, a boy kicking through crunchy leaves, and a girl enjoying the first days of fall.

Beneath the header, there’s space for your child’s name so it’s clear the log is theirs. The main section has 12 blank apples, one for each book read this month.

Every finished book earns an apple to color, and by the end of September, the page becomes a bright, visual record of their reading. At the bottom, they can write the total in the space marked, I read ______ books this month!

How to Use

A September book log isn’t just for keeping track, it can also turn reading into a month-long celebration. Here are a few ways to make the most of it:

• For reluctant readers: Let every kind of reading count, from bedtime stories to graphic novels. When my son was younger, this simple change made the log feel less like homework and more like a game.
• Adjust for different ages: For preschoolers, one apple can mean one short story. For older kids, make each apple worth a set number of pages or chapters.
• Tie it to fall activities: After a trip to the apple orchard, pick apple-themed books to read that week. You could also add books about Johnny Appleseed before his special day on September 26.
• Set and celebrate goals: At the start of the month, have your child choose a number of books to aim for. When they hit their target, celebrate with something simple like a special library trip or a cozy reading afternoon.

Benefits of the September Book Tracker

This tracker gives kids a clear goal to work toward and a fun way to see their progress. Each time they finish a book, they color in an apple, and by the end of the month, the page becomes a colorful record of what they’ve read.

• Encourages consistent reading – When Freddie was 7, he’d sprint to grab his log after finishing a chapter, eager to fill in another apple before bedtime. That little ritual kept him reading every night without reminders.
• Turns goals into something visual – One year, Freddie colored each apple to match the book cover, by the end, his log looked like a mini bookshelf.
• Builds ownership – Having their name on the page and tracking their own books gives kids a sense of responsibility for their reading.
• Adds creativity to the routine – Coloring the apples and the September header makes the log feel more like an art project than homework.
• Celebrates achievement – Writing the final number at the bottom is a proud moment that caps off a month of effort.

Top Fall Books to Track

Fall is full of cozy reads, and September is the perfect time to mix in books that match the season. These three favorites are fun to read and even more fun to record on the reading log:

1. The Scarecrow by Beth Ferry – A gentle story about kindness and unlikely friendships, wrapped in stunning fall illustrations.
2. Fletcher and the Falling Leaves by Julia Rawlinson – Fletcher the fox learns about change as he tries to help his favorite tree keep its leaves.
3. Apples and Pumpkins by Anne Rockwell – A sweet, simple story about a family’s day picking apples and pumpkins at the farm.

More September Worksheets

If you’re putting together a September-themed activity set, these extras pair perfectly with the reading log:

September word search – Use as a fun warm-up before reading time, featuring fall and back-to-school words.

Pair Johnny Appleseed coloring pages with a short biography before reading apple-themed books.

Roald Dahl bookmarks to color – Kids can decorate bookmarks after reading Matilda, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, or The BFG.

Get Your Free September Reading Log Printable Here!

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