Kids and teens who need a little more incentive to read just got it from Tyndale House Publishers. Running June 1-Aug. 31, the publisher’s Summer Reading program offers an opportunity to earn rewards for reading designated books and writing about them online.

Paul L. Maier, an expert in ancient history, takes readers on a sensational ride with his popular character Jonathan Weber (Skeleton in God’s Closet, More Than a Skeleton), a Harvard professor. Shannon, Weber’s archaeologist wife, make a startling discovery at Pella, Jordan, then a second discovery in the geniza—a storage place for decaying manuscripts—in the Eastern Orthodox Patriarchate in Istanbul, Turkey. What begins as a cataloging of ancient manuscripts ends with the revelation of long-buried portions of the New Testament in the Constantine Codex.

Thomas Nelson is promising “more relatable” characters in its new middle-grade titles, releasing this month and in August under the Tommy Nelson brand.

In addition to its continuing Amish series, “The Mysteries of Middlefield” by Kathleen Fuller, the company is releasing four new series.

NavPress Think imprint and best-selling author Melody Carlson are inviting readers to help develop the main character of Trapped: Caught in a Lie, the next installment of the “Secrets” series for teens.

In Trapped, the main character finds herself caught in a sticky situation after cheating in school. Readers can help mold this character's identity by submitting ideas for her name, hobbies, activities, job, what her family life is like, who her friends are and the types of people with whom she interacts.

The winner will receive a library of Carlson’s Think books (a $275 value), including the “True Colors,” “Secrets” and “By Design” series.

NavPress will first screen the entries, then forward them to Carlson, who will select the winner. She will use some or all of the winning characteristics Trapped, which is scheduled to release in April 2012.

The contest is open until midnight May 22. Click here to enter.