10 Most Interesting Reading Challenges For Book Lovers To Try
Explore these easy and engaging reading challenges to spark your reading journey. These ideas are great for all ages!
Why do a reading challenge?
- They motivate you to read consistently.
- They expose you to new worlds and ways of thinking.
Indulge in the joy of reading!
These reading challenges can be enjoyed individually, as a family, or with friends for more fun and motivation.
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10 Most Fascinating Reading Challenges
1. Book Series Challenge
Few things beat reading a book you can’t put down. Except knowing there’s another book in the series!
Pick a series. Start with book one, and read all of them!
Pro Tip: One of the most effective strategies for getting a child reading is to get them hooked on a series.
Ideas for adults:
2. Popular Book List or Club
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Do you want to stay current with the latest authors and titles?
Search the New York Times Bestseller’s list, set your goal, and read.
Or, why not join a celebrity book club? Follow them on Instagram or online to discover their latest book picks.
Kids will enjoy Brightly Book Club for Kids for extra ideas and motivation. Get your middle school child reading and listening to this Book Club for Kids Podcast.
Related: Free & Family-Friendly Podcasts
3. Travel Through Time
Select a captivating historical era and dive into multiple books set during that period.
4. Book and Movie Duo
*One of the most popular!
Streaming services make it easy to read the book, and then watch the movie. Create a pre-viewing book list and invite a friend or family member to read and watch with you.
- Use this list of books to start a reading habit.
- Kids can find books that are movies too.
5. Author Spotlight
Discover a fantastic book? Explore other works by the same author. You’ll likely find more gems to enjoy.
6. Improve Your Game
*Most Unique
Use a reading challenge to boost a skill or discover hidden interests.
- Enhance (or start) your side hustle
- Become a better business leader
- Develop a new hobby
- Learn more about an interesting topic (kids love!)
- Dive into a theme (kindness, courage, friendship)
Pro Tip: Enhance your child’s challenge with a project showcasing their learnings—a perfect summer or holiday break activity.
Related: Best Kindness & Friendship Books & Growth Mindset Books
7. Genre Swap
Choose one book from several different genres to read for this challenge.
- Nonfiction
- Biography
- Historical fiction
- Action and Adventure
- Classics
- Graphic Novel
- Mystery
- Fantasy
- True Crime
- Romance
- Science Fiction
- Short Stories
- Suspense
- Memoir
- Poetry
- Self-Help
Related: Inspiring Books for Kids & Inspirational Books for Women
8. A to Z Reading
*Fun for Families
Pick books that take you through the alphabet from A to Z by title or author.
This unique reading challenge idea requires more research, but also helps you get out of your comfort zone.
9. Seasonal Reads
Create a challenge (for kids or adults) to read books that match the current season or holiday.
Kids love to choose books from these lists:
- Halloween picture books
- Christmas picture books
- Springtime picture books
- Summer book
- Fall Picture Books
10. 52 or 100 Book Challenge
Go big! Boost your reading by aiming for one book per week for a year, or take on the 100-book challenge for a bigger leap.
Need motivation? Bill Gates reads roughly 50 books per year.
Bonus: Join Our Reading Challenges
We offer FREE reading challenges for both kids and adults. We read one book each month- so it’s easy!
See more Reading Challenges Ideas For Kids & Adults.
Plan A Custom Reading Challenge Now
1. Give your challenge a goal and a timeframe for reading.
How many books do you want to read? What is your timeframe? A month? 6 months? A year?
Pro Tip: Starting with a shorter timeframe works best for kids and new readers.
2. Select the books you will read.
- Use the reading challenge ideas to decide what types of books to read.
- Check books out from the library that you do not already own.
- Vary the format between e-books, audiobooks, and paperbacks based on availability.
3. Track your progress.
Use this free reading tacker to help you easily track the number of books you have read.
4. Keep it fun!
Reading challenges should inspire, not overwhelm. Feel free to ditch any book you’re not enjoying. You have permission!
What’s Next?
Next, find a great book list for your child’s age from babies to middle school!