My local library is hosting their 2026 reading challenge, and I’m ready to give it a try!
Below are the categories, and I’ll update this page whenever I finish a new book.
Let the reading begin!
Reading Challenge Categories:
A book by an author you’ve never read before- A book written by someone under 30
A book with magicA graphic novel- A banned book
- A book with a one word title
- A book that has a color in the title
- A book set during a holiday
A book that scares you- A book your mom or dad loves
- A book on CD
- A book a friend recommended
- A book based entirely on it’s cover
- A book with a male protagonist
- A book about a United States First Lady
- A book at the bottom of your TBR list
- A book with a number in the title
- A trilogy
- A book written by an author with your initials
- A book of short stories
- A book about a TV show
- A book about wilderness survival
A book about poetry- A book from an author you love
- A book with an “African American” spine sticker
- A book with a female protagonist
- A biography about someone you’ve never heard of before
- A funny book
A book about non-human characters- A book about a diverse background other than your own
- A fairytale or folk tale
A book by a female author- A book published this year (2026)
- A book over 100 years old
- A mystery
A book with a monster on the cover- A book set in a different country
- A book set in school
- A book that became a movie
- A book based on a true story
- An author’s first book
- A book with over 200 pages
- A book you never got to finish
- A science fiction book
- A book with a “Holocaust” spine sticker
- A book that takes place in your home state
- A book you own but have never read
- A non-fiction book
- A book that has a cover with your favorite color
- A book you can finish quickly
Books I’ve Read So Far:
A book about non-human characters
As an avid World of Warcraft player, I enjoyed learning about the Frostwolves and how Durotan led them through the worst years of their lives. Finished February 2026.
10/10
A book with magic
The book is SO MUCH BETTER than the movie. It’s filled with cozy magic, family drama, unexpected love, and strong women. Finished March 2026.
10/10
A graphic novel
A visual masterpeice with plenty of adventure, lore, and wisecracks to go around. Finished March 2026.
10/10
A book about poetry
A sweet collection of poems and commentary about womanhood. It has classic and modern poems about love, heartbreak, motherhood, shopping, and everything in between. Finished May 2026.
9/10
A book by an author you’ve never read before
This book is incredible. It’s a cozy story full of magical plants, subtle magic, unexpected love, and two sisters trying to find their place in the world. Also, a very nosy apple tree. Finished June 2026
10/10
A book by a female author
I have the good pleasure to know Jill, but I never had a chance to read her poetry until now! Each one is emotional, relatable, and takes you on a journey through her life and beyond. Finished July 2026.
10/10
A book that scared me
I didn’t expect to be scared, but boy was I mistaken! This book is dark, gritty, and need all the trigger warnings as it takes you on a journey through San Francisco in the late 60s. It also has a horrifying twist that I did NOT see coming. I did feel the ending was more vague than I would’ve liked, but everything else had me on the edge of my seat- just like AG said it would! Finished August 2026.
9.5/10
A book with a monster on the cover
I love Junji Ito’s work, and this book not only has a fantastic adaptation of Frankenstein, but also several other horrifying stories from the acclaimed manga artist.
10/10
What are you reading this year?
If you’d like to follow the reading challenge, feel free to copy the list or check out the website!
Also, if you have any suggestions for books in any of the categories, drop them in the comments! I’m always looking for new book recs.
Happy Reading!