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!   

First book in a series:

Many authors write stories that continue across multiple books. The first book in a series introduces readers to the characters, setting, and conflicts that will often continue throughout future books.

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 with a color in the title:

Authors carefully choose titles to capture readers' attention and hint at important themes, characters, settings, or events in the story. Sometimes a color in the title has a deeper meaning.

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 book set outside of the United States:

​Reading books set in other countries helps us learn about different cultures, traditions, languages, and ways of life. These stories can broaden our understanding of the world.

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 set around a holiday:

 Holidays often bring people together and can create memorable settings for stories. They may influence a character's actions, traditions, celebrations, or challenges.   

A book published in 2025/2026:

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 blue 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 blue on the spine.   

A book with a sport in it:

​Sports stories often focus on teamwork, determination, competition, and personal growth. Whether the sport is central to the plot or simply part of the story, it can help shape the characters and their experiences.

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 the future: 

​Future-set books often explore new technologies, societies, and challenges. These stories encourage readers to imagine what the world might be like years from now.

A book of short stories:

A short story collection contains multiple stories rather than one long narrative. Each story may feature different characters, settings, and themes while offering readers a variety of experiences.

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, parent 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.