This year’s reading challenge sees a new set of twelve challenges to take on and enjoy.
For every two challenges completed in the set order (book covers shown are suggestions only), it will unlock a new ‘reading belt’ status. Keep reading until you reach the title of Grand Master Reader (the highly revered Black Belt) . You have until 5th March 2025 to complete as many challenges as you can.
Share your reading experience reading belt colour by changing your icon on Office 365 to the corresponding colour each time you’ve completed two challenges. For example, yellow ‘Reading Recruit’ having completed challenges 1 and 2.
Reading Belt Colours:
Reading Recruit
Advanced Reader
Elite Reader
Super Elite Reader
Master Reader
Grand Master Reader
We hope you enjoy this year’s reading challenge. Good luck!
1. Graphic novel or comic
Our collection continues to grow – take your pick from action and adventure to self-care to manga.
2. Read a book with a one-word title
Simple.
3. The Stars are the Limit
Travel to another country or world without leaving your armchair, bean bag or bed.
4. Truth is often stranger than fiction
Non-fiction books can be a portal to learning more about yourself and your place in the wider world, and the lives of others.
5. A book based on a true story
You’ll be surprised by these illuminating tales.
6. Read a book written in the year you were born.
7. Change Makers
If you’re interested in being a better ally, there are many great books to read about race and social justice, and how discrimination can affect our lives.
8. Spoooooky
Get into the Halloween spirit around this time of year if reading on average a book each month with a chilling mystery or eerie thriller.
9. Enjoy a classic or a book published over 50 years ago
Move onto your tenth challenge with timeless wisdom and beauty from a classic work of literature.
10. Top of the Charts
Discover why award-winning books earned their acclaim. Choose from the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, the Foyles Book of the Year, the Blue Peter Book Award and of course, the Carnegie Awards amongst others.
11. Retellings
A new version of an older story. Sometimes, a fairy tale or myth may be reimagined with a modernized setting or retold from a minor character’s perspective.
12. Box, Set, Match
Complete a series. If you love to binge-watch TV shows then why not binge-read through a book series – and even dare we say it – complete the ones you haven’t finished.
