Complete one READ square by setting a challenge. 

A traditional summer reading challenge takes the form of reading a set number of books, or a set number of pages, or even a set number of minutes. Recently, reading challenges have expanded in scope and offer many ways to broaden your reading horizons. You can choose any reading challenge that fits your needs, and here are a few suggestions.

Just the Data

• Use our 62 Days of Summer tracking sheets to keep track of basic numbers. Write down titles as you read them, or color in time units. Choose the best method for you. 
• Try Scholastic Summer Read-a-Palooza Tracker to track your reading streaks and unlock book donations.
• If you’re focusing on numbers this summer, you might find that committing to a Goodreads challenge helps you keep track of your efforts and you can maintain it over time.

Gentle Guidance

One of the most basic reading challenges is Gene Luen Yang’s Read Without Walls Challenge. Only three books long, you read one book about a character who’s unlike you, one book about a topic you know nothing about, and one book in a format you don’t usually read.

Looking for Extras

• Barnes and Noble has a Summer Reading journal for grades 1-6. Print and fill out the journal, and then it becomes a coupon for a free book.
• Nicola's Books in Ann Arbor has a Summer Reading Club for grades K-8 in which participants can read to earn a series of $6 coupons.
• Join SYNC, a free audiobook summer program for teens and gain access to select free audiobooks through July.

Laser Focus

Are you keen on a theme? Love westerns, or want to only read mysteries this summer? Penguin Random House has compiled a series of 20-book challenges all centered on different themes. There are even themes designed for readers who want to expand their horizons, including one made up of debut novels and one with many different genres.

Extreme Summer Reading

• The POPSUGAR Reading Challenge is a yearly list of prompts designed to get you out of your reading comfort zone. This challenge offers a handy checklist to keep track of what you have read.
• The Book Riot Read Harder Challenge is a yearly list of 24 reading ideas to challenge yourself to read new formats and in new ways. This challenge comes with a fillable pdf.

Other Literacy Challenges

Literacy isn’t just about reading words on a page. Use these other ideas to build up all of your literacy skills.

• Writing: Follow Jason Reynold’s Write. Right. Rite. series of videos and writing prompts.
• Talking: Create a jar of conversation starters to use during meals, drives, or anytime. Write down questions that are meaningful or interesting to you or your family, and draw one at a time to spark some discussion.
• Singing: Try the Instagram 30-Day Song Challenge. Sing along with each song as you choose it.
• Playing: Explore our 62 Days path and find ways to play. Try Construct an Obstacle Course, Build Something, or Play a Game.

Still Unsure of Your Summer Reading Path?

Our librarians are ready and waiting to offer you suggestions. Contact us online anytime, or during our open hours over the phone (734-397-0999) to solicit expert help. 

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Head back to the 62 Days of Summer home page for more ways to participate in the summer program.