Join the adventure by completing any (or all) of the following reading challenges: listen to an audiobook, read outside, re-read an all-time favorite, watch a book-to-screen adaptation, enjoy an author event (in person or online), borrow a book from a Little Free Library or from a friend, take a trip with your next read, find a National Book Award-awarded title in the woods, read a new-to-you genre, ask for a reading recommendation, Book the next reading club, and/or host or attend your own reading party.
You can stay in the loop and stay on track with your reading adventures by subscribing to National Book Foundation Newsletter.
How long does this last? From now till 26 August 2026.
how do i track my reading? fill the form No matter how many “reading adventures” you decide to complete and send it in by the challenge deadline.
Is there a prize? Yes! If you complete any of the challenges, you will be entered to win prizes like e-readers, book subscriptions, ice cream, and more. If you complete all the challenges, you will be entered to win the grand prize trip, which includes airfare, hotels, and two tickets to the 77th National Book Awards ceremony in New York City on Wednesday, November 18, 2026. Plus, everyone who submits their form by August 26th will receive a Bookshop.org discount code and a free Libro.fm audiobook.
52 Book Club’s Beach Reads Challenge
What’s the deal? Do you want to simplify your summer studies? 52 Book Club’s Beach Read Challenge Is done on an actual board game. The board includes 24 prompts that will help you read 24 books over the summer. But the prompts come with an extra fun twist! Before you start playing, you’ll need to fill out a genre card with six different genres. These can be any styles you wish, but note that all 24 challenges must be completed using only these styles, so choose strategically. Otherwise, it may be too much of a challenge (but, maybe that’s what you want, and that’s okay!).
Once you’ve chosen your six styles, you’ll roll six-sided dice to move around the game board and land on different symbols. The goal is to eventually complete every clue on the board, so when you complete one, you’ll skip that spot moving forward. When you reach the prompt, you will match the number on the die with the number on your style card. This will be the genre you will need to read to complete this prompt. For example, if you hit six and reach the “Features of an Island Country” prompt, you have to read a book that has the characteristics of an island country. You will then see your style card. Whatever the sixth genre is, it is the genre you will read to complete the prompt. So, for example, if you have 6 Historical Fantasy on your card, you need to read a historical fantasy novel based on an island country.
Check out the website for a full list of rules, or check out The 52 Book Club’s YouTube channel a video tutorial.
How long does this last? The challenge was designed to be completed in June, July, and August, but you can feel free to challenge yourself any time of the year.
how do i track my reading? You can download and print This is really awesome log book To keep track of all your summer studies. This includes space for ratings and reviews. Alternatively, you can buy 52 Book Club Beach Reads Challenge Journal on Amazon.
Is there a prize? No, there are no official rewards for this particular challenge, but feel free to buy yourself a pizza when you complete it! And the best reward: You read a lot of good books.
Summerween Read-a-thon
What’s the deal? Horror fans, the Summerween Read-a-thon is back this summer to help you read scary books all summer long. Booktuber GabbyReads hosts this fun read-a-thon Encouraging readers to read horror and thriller books every summer.
This year, the Summerween book prompts are: read a book in the dark or at night, read a thriller or horror book, read an author you’ve never read before, read a book with pink on the cover, and read a book with less than 250 pages.
If you’re posting your summertime challenge on Instagram, there are also Instagram-specific prompts: post your TBR, post books with pink spines, post a reel of your reading routine, post a photo of your current read, post a photo of any book that has a summer feel to it, post a photo of a book in nature, and post a photo of your last read (or a stack of all the books you’ve read).
How long does this last? This one is quick! It runs from 3-9 July.
how do i track my reading? See full list of indications at summerveen instagramAnd feel free to post your readings and tag Summerween!
Is there a prize? No prizes, but there’s always a fun sale every year! you can buy summer bonfire business. This includes shirts, totes, coffee mugs and hoodies. This year’s Summerween Readathon merch features pretty, blue and pink summer-carnival-style designs. You can also get stickers from Etsy here.
Seattle Public Library Summer Book Bingo
What’s the deal? One of the best places to check out summer reading challenges for adults? Your local public library. For example, every summer, the Seattle Public Library hosts a summer book bingo challenge. Adult Book Bingo Cards include 24 prompts (and one blank space!) to encourage you to read across multiple genres, explore diverse voices, and learn more about a wide range of life experiences. And adults don’t have to have all the fun! There’s also a version for kids, so the whole family can play together.
Are you looking for a reading challenge at a public library near you? Many libraries have summer reading challenges for both kids and adults, so check with your local library to see if they’re running a similar challenge! If they haven’t arrived yet, you can always request one for next year. Don’t forget that your local library will probably have lots of events throughout the summer to improve your summer reading life, so be sure to take a look at their calendar.
How long does this last? From May to September 8, 2026.
how do i track my reading? Get free bingo cards from your local library, or Print a PDF here. You can drop off your completed card at the Seattle Public Library or any branch in the King County Library system. If you don’t live near a Seattle Public Library location, you can mail or email your card!
Is there a prize? Yes! Complete a horizontal, vertical or diagonal line on your bingo card to enter the drawing for a special Book Bingo prize. If you complete all 25 sections, you will be entered into a drawing for one of three grand prizes per library system.
What reading challenges are you looking forward to completing this summer? If you’re looking for a book challenge that can last all year long, make sure to check out Book Riot’s Read Harder Challenge. It’s not too late to join in the fun!
This content contains affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
