20 Book Challenge

A book from a bestselling author:

Best-selling books all have something that appeals to a large number of people. When authors become best-selling, it is because they have sold a significant number of books. 

A book with mystery or suspense:

Mysteries have many questions, unclear villain, unclear motive and secrets.  In the suspense genre there is usually an unpredictable mystery that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.  Both are incredibly exciting to read!   

A book about an animal:

A book where an animal is important to the story in some way.  The animal might be the main character or the pet of the main character.  

A historical fiction book:

Historical fiction is set in a real place during a time in history.  The details and the action in the story can be a mix of actual events and ones of the authors imagination.   Characters can be fiction or based on actual people.  Often it is both! 

A Newbery Award book:  

The Newbery Medal is an award given every year to a book that has been selected as the best children’s book written in the United States that year.  For this challenge, you can read any of the Newbery Honor books as well.   

A book that became a movie:

This is a book that was so exciting, popular or meaningful that someone decided to turn it into a movie.  Sometimes the movie is exactly like the book, and sometimes it’s a little different — but the main characters, story, and big ideas usually come from the book.  

A graphic novel: 

​Graphic novels are books that tell the story primarily through pictures.  These can be a fun and silly story or something a little more serious.   

FREE CHOICE:

​Students often save their “free choice” book for just the right book.  Choose something that you will love! 

A realistic fiction book:

Realistic fiction tells stories that could happen in real life, with characters who react in believable ways. These stories often take place in familiar settings and feature ordinary people, and the plots focus on social or personal issues that people might face. 

A classic:

​A classic book is a story that has been around for a long time—usually at least 20, 30, or even 100 years! People still read it today because it's really well-written, has a great story, or teaches something important about life, history, or people. Even though some of the words or ideas might feel old-fashioned, classic books are special because they’ve stood the test of time.

A Beehive Book Award (past or present):

Founded in 1980, the Beehive Book Awards are the only children's choice state award for literature in the state of Utah.  See the list here.   

A book with a one word title:

This is a book where the title is just one word- no spaces, no extra words, just a single, powerful word that represents the whole story!   

A book published in 2024/2025:

There are so many great books that have been released in the past year!   Find one that was published during that time.  

A book with a red spine:

​The spine of a book is the part that is showing when a book is on the shelf.  Publishers put a lot of thought into the design and color of the book, including the spine. Find a book that has mostly red on the spine.   

A poetry book or verse novel:

​A poetry book is made up of poems instead of regular chapters. Some poetry books have short, separate poems, and others tell a whole story using poems — these are called verse novels.

Instead of writing in full paragraphs, the author uses short lines, rhythm, and powerful words to share feelings, thoughts, or a story. These books can be quick to read, but they often make you think deeply. These books are great if you like short chapters, creative language, or books that show a lot of emotion!

A fantasy book:

​Fantasy is a type of story that is set in a magical world typically involving myths and magical creatures.  Fantasy stories are usually about magical people or beings that exist in fantastic or strange worlds. 

A book set in a different country: 

​This means the story takes place in a country that’s not where you live. You get to travel to a new place by reading and learning about different cultures, languages, foods, and traditions—all through the characters and their adventures! Reading a book like this is like taking a mini-trip around the world without leaving your home. 

A biography or memoir:

A biography is a true story about someone’s life, written by someone else. It tells about the important things that happened to that person and what made them special.

A memoir is also a true story, but it’s written by the person themselves, sharing their own memories and experiences.  Both kinds of books let you learn about real people—maybe someone famous, or someone who did something amazing or interesting.

A funny book:

​This might be a silly book, a sentimental book or just something that makes you feel good, happy and want to laugh.   

A book recommended by a friend or teacher:

Sometimes we have a hard time choosing a good book to read.  Getting a recommendation from someone is a great way to move past that hurdle.