Books on this list will be visible throughout our children’s collection– to find one look for the books marked with a green star. Once you have selected a few books, schedule a specific time each day/week that you can dedicate entirely to reading together.
New in 2025 – Game On: Level Up Reading Challenge!
Level up your reading this year with the Game On: Level Up to Reading Challenge! Whether you're a reading rookie or a book boss, adventure awaits! Kids read and earn video game related prizes along the way/ Level up to earn better prizes and finishers are entered into a drawing of their choice for a Switch game, gifts card, and more!
We'll also have special video game parties planned just for participants. Join us on January 12 for a Pokemon party, February 9 for a Minecraft party, and March 10 for a Mario party!
Select a book from our Challenge List and as your first grader completes each book, record it here. Once you’ve completed reading all 50 books, stop by the library to receive a certificate of completion and a free book. Additional prizes will unlock along the way.
To complete this Challenge online, you will need to record the titles you have read on the Missions page. There are 5 missions with titles such as "50 in 1st - Books 1 to 10". Each mission has 10 of the 50 books included, with the books in alphabetical order by title. You do not have to read the books in any particular order, just mark them off in the appropriate mission as you go. When you have finished all 10 books in a particular mission, that mission will become complete which will give you points towards badges and mini-games. When you have finished all 5 missions, you have completed the 50 in 1st Challenge!
Why It’s Important
The purpose of this challenge is to initiate discussion between you and your child, which helps develop their reading comprehension. The more opportunities you provide for your 1st grader to have positive reading experiences, the more likely you are to raise a lifelong reader. While reading, consider alternating who reads every other page. Or, if they’re comfortable, let them read to you. Discuss what happens in the books, ask your child what they like or dislike about a book, make predictions together about what might happen next.
Enjoy Reading with your Child
Here are some helpful literacy tips:
• Choose a special time to read with your child. After school or dinner, or before bed are popular choices, but choose what works best for your family.
• Read slowly, with expression. Try using different voices for different characters.
• Give your child a clue — If your child is stumbling while trying to sound out a word, use your finger to point to the next letter and ask what the letter usually sounds like.
• Dig deeper into the story — Ask your child about the story you’ve just read together. Try questions that require your child to draw conclusions. Say something like, “Why do you think Fly Guy did that?”
• As your child’s reading progresses, take turns reading pages to each other.
• Visit Reading is Fundamental ( rif.org ) for more tips on reading aloud with your child. Or ask your library staff– we’re happy to help!
This Reading Challenge has been adapted for use at GLADL, from a program created by Clinton-Macomb Public Library, and is used with their permission.