Try This Fun January Reading Challenge
Kick off the new year right with these exciting book goals for your growing reader!
Maybe one of your goals for 2025 is getting your little one to read more. But there’s no need to make a New Year's resolution for that to happen! This kid-friendly challenge makes reading feel like an exciting game for your growing reader, and will help them start the year strong with books they love.
Share these 10 January-themed reading goals with your child to complete throughout the month. You'll find all 10 goals below, along with our top book recommendations for each one.
Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to do a reading challenge. Your child can check off the book goals in any order they’d like. Don’t sweat if it takes them longer than January to complete them all — this reading challenge is designed to be fun. Plus, it can be used any time of the year! When your child has fun reading, they’ll naturally turn into an avid reader.
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1. Did you know Z day — meant to celebrate people or places whose names begin with the letter “z” — is January 1st? Read a book whose title starts with a “z”.
2. As we look to the new year, reflect on the past! Read a story that takes place at least 20 years ago.
3. Brr, it’s chilly! Read a book about an animal that lives in a cold climate.
4. Ask a parent or teacher what their favorite book was growing up, then read it yourself!
Parents, these classic children's books might jog your memory.
5. Read the first book of a brand-new series.
6. Read a graphic novel adaptation of a classic book or popular series.
7. January 18 is National Thesaurus Day! Flip through a thesaurus until you find a word you’ve never seen before.
8. January 20 is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Read a book about him!
9. Read a new book about a superhero, and then write down a list of qualities about that hero (like bravery, friendliness, or humor!) that stand out to you the most.
10. Read a new book out loud to a grownup, friend, pet, or stuffed animal. Use your very best character voices!
