DIY Summer Reading Challenge

How to use it: Every time you finish a book, ❎ or ✅ the next square on the game board. Simple!

Use the short 5-space or the long 10-space board.

What if you finish early? No prob. Start over with a fresh board and see if you can reach the finish line before the end of summer

How to use it: Choose the small, medium, or large grid, and handwrite challenges in each square. (I’ve included a prefilled grid for those of you who want that!)

When you complete a challenge, ❎ that square. Try to get BINGO or blackout before the end of summer.

Can’t think of challenge ideas? Never fear! I’ve got two lists with over 60 ideas. 🙌 I’ve included a mix of read-a-book challenges as well as “bookish experiences” to cross off your summer bucket list.

How to use it: Keep track of the reading stats that matter to you! Here are a few examples of what you can track on this page.

• Number of books you finish. This works great if you’re reading a slew of picture books to your toddlers.
• Number of minutes read. Every day, jot down the number of minutes you read in a circle. Keep at it every day.
• Number of days you read. Did you read today? If the answer is yes, then color the circle or mark it with a sticker or ✅. Keep at it every day.

It’s fun to watch those numbers accumulate! (I have a numbers-loving kid in my house who goes gaga for this.)

When you reach a certain milestone, break out some celebratory rewards!

TBR: A page to keep track of the books you want to read at some point.

Reading Log: A page to list all the books you finish this summer.

Book Review Journal: Write book reviews brimming with your personal feelings and opinions.

Reading Rewards: No, these aren’t bribes. They’re mini-celebrations of all the great books your family has read! I’ve got a page filled with no- and low-cost reward ideas. (Summer reading shouldn’t lead to bankruptcy.)