40 book challenge
What is the challenge?
Students will be required to read 40 books of their choice this school within different genres and formats. While assessments are important for instruction, my hope is to inspire and create lifelong readers in my classroom! Some students are not sure what they like to read and this challenge gives them the opportunity to try new things!
Is this for a grade?
This is probably the first question that comes to mind when you read about this challenge, and the first question your student will ask. The short answer is no, but each student is expected to read throughout the year. We will have different activities and conferences throughout the year to track their progress. Reading is not optional, and evidence of their diligence to reading will be obvious in their journal entries about what they are reading, and in their other assignments.
@bookmarked.in.ms.mos
Common Questions
What if I read long books?
Any book over 300 pages will count as 2 books. Any book over 500 pages will count as 3 books.
I only read Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Will those count?
They will count towards your total, but you are also expected to read books from other genres as well.
How many pages are the minimum to count?
In order to count towards your book total, the book should be a minimum of 100 pages.
Why?
One of the most powerful tools for students to have is a love of reading. I want school to be a place where they love reading, and not just something they muddle through to get some credit. I believe that by exploring genres and recommendations from me and classmates, ALL students of all demographics CAN fall in love with reading.
Mystery Books
Room One
by Andrew Clements
Clements is one of my favorite authors of all time!
The Strangers
by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Book 1 in a series
The Secret Keepers
by Trenton Lee Stewart
I also recommend other TLS novels.
REalistic Fiction
Fish in a Tree
by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library
by Chris Grabenstein
Hatchet
by Gary Paulsen
Historical Fiction
Blood on the River
by Elisa Carbone
Johnny Tremain
by Esther Forbes
Number the Stars
by Lois Lowry
Fantasy
Nightmares!
by Jason Segel
Not scary, and book 1 of an excellent series!
Wings of Fire
by Tui T. Sutherland
Book 1 of an excellent series with 15 books!
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
by J.K. Rowling
Biography or Autobiography
The Story of My Life
by Hellen Keller
Chinese Cinderella
by Adeline Yen Mah
Boy
by Roald Dahl
Science Fiction
City of Ember
by Jeanne DuPrau
A Wrinkle in Time
by Madeline L'Engle
The Mysterious Benedict Society
by Trenton Lee Stewart
My absolute favorite!!!
Poetry Anthologies
Inside Out and Back Again
by Thanhha Lai
The Crossover
by Kwame Alexander
Love That Dog
by Sharon Creech
traditional literature
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
by C.S. Lewis
Anne of Green Gables
by L.M. Montegomery
The Secret Garden
by Frances Hodges Burnett
graphic novels
The Hobbit graphic novel
originally by J.R.R Tolkein
The Stonekeeper
by Kazu Kibuishi
Smile
by Raina Telegmeier
Helpful Links
Here are a few links to help your student choose what book to read next.
All books pictured on this website are available in my classroom library.