The Book Worm Reading Challenge is back for 2026 — and this year, we’re bringing even more fun, creativity, and connection to your reading journey. Whether you’re here for the 52 prompt adventure, the chase for Bingo stamps, or the joy of exploring new stories with other Book Worm readers, this challenge was made to inspire you all year long.
Just like always, you can participate quietly on your own or register to unlock perks, special surprises, and year-round community events. However you join us, we’re excited to read alongside you.
With some inspiration from Austine Decker’s Backlist challenge, former Bookseller Dajah came up with our official – The Book Worm Reading Challenge.
At The Book Worm, we like to do things differently, so this will not be your ordinary reading challenge.
THE CHALLENGE: Use the prompts to get bingo on The Book Worm Bingo Card AND complete all 52 prompts by December 31, 2026. You can only use ONE book for each prompt.
Simple right? For a bonus challenge, complete your prompts with Book Worm purchases and secure special discounts and items along the way. Your Book Worm account (in-store & Bookshop) keeps track of your purchases so it is very simple. Bring your Bingo Card with you while you shop and get your prompts stamped.
The canvas pouch with the bingo card right on the front is coming back! This way, your prompts will always be with you. Included in the pouch are things like a highlighter, tap flags and stickers.
52 prompts = 52 books! Sounds like a lot, but don’t worry The Book Worm team is joining in with you. Yes, BINGO generally means once you get BINGO your card is completed. Not at The Book Worm! We want to help you reach your goal of 52 books. For those registered – every time you get BINGO on your card, stop in to see what we have for you.
What’s New for 2026: We’ve added some exciting upgrades you’re going to love:
New 2026 Reading Challenge Journal – Created specifically for this challenge, the journal is your all-in-one companion for the year. The cover features the Bingo Card with prompts, and inside you’ll find:
- Explanations for each prompt
- Space to plan out book options for every prompt
- Book review pages to reflect on what you read
- Mini challenges to mix things up
- And more ways to track and enjoy your reading journey
New Scratch-Off Reading Prompts – A brand-new interactive twist! Reveal your next read with a scratch of silver—perfect for readers who love surprises. A way to expand your yearly reading beyond the prompts
Updated Annotation Key Bookmark Pads – Tear-off bookmark pads with refreshed icons and notes to help you track key ideas, quotes, and reactions as you read. The bookmarks now have:
- A space to add a book cover photo
- A section to note additional prompts the book matches, in case you need to switch things around
These updates make tracking, annotating, and planning your reading even easier and more fun.
Now it’s time to join in on the fun!
How to join:
Now you don’t have to officially sign up to join in on the fun, however, those registered and actively participating will have benefits and exclusive perks throughout the year. Let’s be honest – everyone loves a challenge, but sometimes we need some fun incentives along the way! Those who actively participated in our 2025 challenge and came to our year-end meetup received their 2026 items for free! That’s just one sample of a perk for being a registered participant.
I registered now what:
Everything is always fun at The Book Worm and this challenge is no different. There will be a few ways to keep track of the books and prompts you have completed:
- Print out or pick up your 2026 Bingo Card
- Reading Tracker spreadsheet (reading log and prompt tracker all in one place)
- Prompt Explanation Sheet
- Join us on StoryGraph. StoryGraph is a great Amazon-free alternative to Goodreads
- We know many still use Goodreads so we have placed the challenge there as well
- You can also purchase one of our Book Worm pocket-size reading journals to help keep track of your books
- NEW this year is our Book Worm Reading Challenge Gift Box. It’s not a requirement, but a fun way to keep track of your reading and includes a journal, some annotation supplies, challenge scratch-offs and more. They are available in-store and you may also purchase HERE to have one or more shipped.