As students head back to school, a local program is giving Madison-area kids another reason to hit the books.

Pages for Pizza is a partnership between a local pizza business and the Madison Public Library that rewards young readers for reaching their reading goals.

The concept is simple: kids read books, reach their reading goal and earn a certificate for a free, full-size pizza.

The program was inspired by the popular Pizza Hut reading promotion many parents remember from their own childhoods. But Pages for Pizza takes it a step further by offering young readers an entire pizza as their reward.

Since the program began, more than 500 full-size pizzas have been given to local kids who reached their reading goals.

Families with young readers interested in participating can contact the Madison Public Library for information on how to earn a Pages for Pizza certificate.

Organizers hope the program continues encouraging children to read, learn and make reading a regular part of their school year.

If you’re looking for books to read, the Madison Public Library is holding a book sale today through Friday.