2020 Reading Challenge | Free Printable Included
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Want to Join a Reading Challenge?
It is now the year, which means it’s time to start planning a reading year that you can be proud of. If you didn’t read my post yet about setting reading goals for a productive reading year, then you can find that post here.
If you need something to motivate you to read more books in this new year, then why not try a reading challenge? If you have never done one before, don’t fret. They are relatively easy to do.
Benefits of a Reading Challenge
You might be wondering why it is such a good idea to join a reading challenge. One of the reasons it can be a good thing to do is that you have several book ideas for when you don’t know what to read. It can also get you reading more variety of books, in genres you might not normally read. It can also be fun and great to look at when the end of the year arrives.
How to Join a Reading Challenge
If you are convinced that a reading challenge is a good idea to join for 2020, then read on. A really good reading challenge can be found on modernmrsdarcy.com. If you haven’t heard of this site, then you should check it out. Anne Bogel from Modern Mrs. Darcy hosts a reading challenge every year. She recently released the 2020 reading challenge in which you are challenged to read twelve books divided into ten categories. You can check out her list here.
Because I find it might be difficult for children to able to fulfill all of the categories on her list, and do believe that a reading challenge would be good for kids, I created one of my own tailored specifically for younger readers, but can be used for older readers as well.
Below is my 2020 Reading Challenge for Kids. I have also included a free printable and book recommendations for most of the categories.
2020 Reading Challenge for Kids?
There will be a total of twelve books, however, I decided to split it into twelve categories.
The categories are as follows:
- The first book in a series.
- A book that is over 50 years old.
- A book that is over 100 years old.
- A book about an animal.
- A book that has been translated.
- A book written in verse.
- A book that takes place at Christmas.
- A book that someone else picks for you.
- A book about a famous person.
- A book you wanted to read last year.
- A book you have read before.
- A book where the story takes place a long time ago.
Book Recommendations for Each Category
Here are some book ideas for each category, in case you or your child need some ideas.
- The first book in a series.
The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser
The Saturdays by Elizabeth Enright
Tumtum and Nutmeg by Emily Bearn
The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewert
The Green Ember by S. D. Smith
Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink
Tilly and Bookwanderers by Anna James
2. A book that is over 50 years old.
A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond (published 1958)
Winnie the Pooh by A. A. Milne (published in 1926)
Milly-Molly-Mandy Stories by Joyce Lancaster Brisley (published in 1928)
3. A book that is over 100 years old.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott (published in 1868)
Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery (published in 1908)
Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter (published in 1913)
4. A book about an animal.
The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary
Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate
Catwings: A Catwings Tale by Ursula K. Le Guin
5. A book that has been translated.
Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
Children of Noisy Village by Astrid Lindgren
Adventures with Waffles by Maria Parr
6. A book written in verse.
Blue Birds by Caroline Starr Rose
Inside out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai
Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse
7. A book that takes place at Christmas.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Letters From Father Christmas by J. R. R. Tolkein
8. A book that someone else picks for you.
Any book that a parent, grandparent, uncle, aunt, friend, or even librarian picks for the child to read.
9. A book about a famous person.
Mother Teresa of Culcutta by Francine Bay
Cleopatra VII: Daughter of the Nile by Kristiana Gregory
Victoria: May Blossom of Britannia by Anna Kirwin
10. A book you wanted to read last year.
Any book your child wanted to read last year, but never got around to it.
11. A book you have read before.
12. A book where the story takes place a long time ago.
Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfield
The Lacemaker and the Princess by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Gone-Away Lake by Elizabeth Enright
Beyond the Dark Blue Sky by Maria von Hatten
As for the other reading challenge, as promised, below is a little more info about that. If you are just interested in the kids reading challenge that go ahead and download the list, and start with that.
The Titles I've Chosen For the Other Challenge So Far
In case you are interested, here are the titles I have chosen for the 2020 Reading Challenge so far. Note: they may be subject to change.
1. A book published the decade you were born
Eragon by Christopher Paolini was published in not only the decade I was born, but in the same year.
2. A debut novel
Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen is my choice for a debut novel, because by definition, a debut novel is the first novel an author publishes. Sense and Sensibility published in 1811 and was Jane Austen’s first book to be published.
3. A book recommended by a source you trust
The Alice Network by Kate Quinn is one that I have seen recommended by various good sources and seems to be very popular.
4. A book by a local author
5. A book outside your (genre) comfort zone
This category will likely be filled by a non-fiction book of some sort, as I typically tend towards fiction.
6. A book in translation
Inkheart by Cornelia Funke which originally written in German in 2003 and then translated by Anthea Bell shortly after.
7. A book nominated for an award in 2020
8. A re-read
The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley is an amazing book that I wouldn’t mind re-reading again.
9. A classic you didn’t read in school
This category will probably be filled with either a Jules Verne or Charles Dickens book.
10. Three books by the same author
The Lord of the Rings Series by J. R. R. Tolkien will account for three books y the same author.
As you can see, I have been able to fill most of the categories. There are still a few to finalize and fill, but the year is still long.
Are you going to join the reading challenge, too? I would love to hear what books you plan on reading. Let me know in the comment section below.
Happy Reading & Writing!
One Comment
ShootingStarsMag
I love that you made a reading challenge that kids can participate in. I didn’t realize Inkheart was written in German first – interesting!! I love verse novels. I’ve read Inside Out and Back Again and really loved it.
-Lauren