I love a good attainable challenge especially when it comes to reading. Last year I wanted to read a Christmas themed book each month of the year to keep that magical season alive all year long. In 2025, I created a Reading Bingo card for you and I’m excited to share a new reading challenge with you for 2026.
I was listening to Anne Bogel’s podcast, What Should I Read Next? when a listener shared a reading challenge she was planning for the new year. She plans on reading 26 books- one for each letter of the alphabet. And, I thought it would be a perfect challenge for kids, families, and classrooms.
2026 Reading Challenge
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How the Challenge Works
In 2026, read 26 books (one for each letter of the alphabet) and track your progress. Here are a couple ways you could approach it.
- Read a book a day for a total of 26 days.
- Read a book a week for a total of 26 weeks which would take you half way through the year.
- Make it a year long challenge and read 2-3 books a month.
Which Books Do I Pick to Read
There is flexibility here too.
- Read a book published from 2024-2026 that begins with each letter of the alphabet. I have a list for you below.
- Read a book from any year that begins with each letter of the alphabet. Sign up for the free Reading Challenge Newsletter and I’ll be sending out ideas throughout the year.
- Read a book by a different author whose last name begins with each letter of the alphabet. Again, make sure you are the special Reading Challenge Newsletter list to get those ideas too.
How Do I Track Our Progress
I have a special tracking form you can use to help you keep on track and to celebrate your hard work. That sheet is available below too.
Are There Prizes?
Every fun challenge has a reward. When you finish the challenge, you can enter the Growing Book by Book giveaway of a fun prize book package.
You can also have mini award prizes for your kids. Here are some ideas.
- Read 5 books and have a special snack or lunch such as alphabet crackers or cookies, alphabet soup, or a food for each letter that you’ve read (a for apples, b for burgers, and c for cookies).
- Read 10 books and head to the bookstore for a new book pick based on your next letter to read.
26 Reads from A to Z
Alphabedtime! by Susanna Leonard Hill
Buzz! Boom! Bang! by Benjamin Gottwald
Cranky, Crabby Crow by Corey R. Tabor
Downpour! by Yuko Ohnari
Echo by Adam Rex
Fireworks by Matthew Burgess
Goldfinches by Mary Oliver
Hogbert by Briony May Smith
Imogen: The Life and Work of Imogen Cunningham by Elizabeth Partridge
Junia, The Book Mule of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson
Kittybunkport by Scott Rothman or Kende! Kende! Kende! by Kristen Cappy
Loops by Jashar Awan
Mistaco! by Eliza Kinkz
Nightsong by Sally Soweol Han
Oh, Carrots! by Mariajo Ilustrajo
Papilio by Andy Chou Musser, Ben Clanton, and Corey R. Tabor
Quill The Forest Keeper by Marije Tolman
Rising by Sadura Ludwig
Stalactite & Stalagmite by Drew Beckmeyer
Toes, Teeth, and Tentacles: A Curious Counting Book by Steve Jenkins & Robin Page
Umami by Jacob Grant
Volcano by Claire Saxby
While We Wait by Bee Johnson
Xolo by Donna Barba Higuera
You’re So Amazing by James Catchpole
Zero! The Number That Almost Wasn’t by Sarah Albee
Printable 2026 Reading Challenge A-Z Resources
Grab a tracking sheet and printable book list. They are thank you gifts for joining the free 2026 Reading Challenge A-Z newsletter. Click the purple button below.
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Andrea says
this is a great resource. thank you for sharing. I will use this idea for the last 26 days of school count down when we review a letter A day.
Jodie Rodriguez says
I love that idea! I’ll try and share some getting ready for summer titles that could fit the bill and will email them out closer to the end of the school year.