Year-Round Reading Challenges to Keep Kids Engaged

Who remembers taking part in Pizza Hut’s Book It program? It was a time when reading books = pizza. Yes, well-read definitely meant well-fed. There was something to be said for that Personal Pan Pizza. Nothing like a bit of nostalgia to get our brain cells thinking about challenges that will keep your tweens engaged the whole year around!

But here’s the thing—it’s not just about the rewards (though we all know pizza is a top-tier motivator). Encouraging a reading habit from a young age has endless benefits. Research has shown that reading improves focus, expands vocabulary, boosts imagination, and even enhances empathy. It's like a secret superpower that your tween can tap into by simply getting lost in a book.

Plus, building a reading routine early sets the stage for lifelong learning. Whether your child grows up to be a doctor, an astronaut, or the next TikTok star, having the ability to understand, analyze, and explore through reading will always be a key to success. And let’s face it, in a world full of distractions, getting kids excited about books can feel like a mammoth task. But with the right incentives—and a little fun—you might just be able to turn screen time into story time.

Now, let’s talk about some year-round reading challenges that’ll keep your tweens turning those pages (and maybe earning a few rewards along the way!).

Source: https://www.buzzfeed.com/pizzahut/remember-the-pizza-hut-book-it-program

Pizza Slice Challenge

Remember when I said reading used to equal pizza? Well, let’s bring that concept back—with a twist. For this challenge, you and your tween can have fun creating your very own paper pizza with eight slices. 

Each slice represents a set number of pages to read, and as they finish, they get to color in a slice. Once the entire pizza is colored in, guess what? It’s time for the real deal—a reward of an actual pizza! 

Whether it’s a make-at-home pizza or one from their favorite local pizzeria, this challenge will have them devouring books (and pizza) in no time.

Reward: Pizza, pizza, pizza!

Book Bingo Bonanza

Who doesn't love a good game of bingo? Create a custom bingo card where each square has a different reading-related challenge. These can be things like "Read a book with a blue cover," "Finish a mystery book," or "Read for 30 minutes in one go." 

As your tween completes each challenge, they can mark off the corresponding square. Once they get five in a row—BINGO! The reward? A fun prize like a trip to the bookstore, a bookish accessory, or even a cozy night in with their favorite movie adaptation of a book.

Reward: A special prize of their choice—like a trip to a bookstore or a new set of bookmarks!

The Weird and Wacky Reading Challenge

Time to take reading outside the box—literally! For this challenge, encourage your tween to read in the weirdest (but safe!) places they can think of. Perhaps it’s under the dining table while sitting in a blanket fort, in the backyard hammock, or even in a (clean) bathtub filled with pillows! 

The goal is to get creative with where they read, turning it into an adventure in itself. You can even make a checklist of unusual spots for them to try. Once they've read in a certain number of these wacky locations, they earn a fun reward! 

Reward: A reading nook makeover—new pillows, a comfy blanket, or a cool reading lamp to make their space extra special!

Speed Reader Showdown

Is your tween ready to test their reading speed? In this challenge, set a timer and see how many pages or chapters they can read in a set amount of time—10 minutes, 20 minutes, or even an hour! 

You can create different "levels" of achievement, like Bronze, Silver, and Gold, based on how many pages they complete within the time limit. The key is to keep it fun and not too competitive—reading fast but still enjoying the story.

Reward: A cool "Speed Reader" badge or a trip to the ice cream shop for a celebratory treat!

Character Costume Day

For this challenge, your tween picks a character from their current book and dresses up like them for a day (or even just a few hours). They can put together a simple costume using clothes they already have or get creative with accessories and props. Bonus points if they stay in character while they read! This is a great way to make reading more interactive and bring stories to life. You could even make this a family activity and have everyone join in!

Reward: A photo shoot of them in their costume or a mini "character party" with snacks inspired by the book.

Tween Book Subscription Boxes

We would be remiss if we didn’t add our exciting Tween book boxes to the mix! What’s more exciting than a story? A story with surprises! 

For this challenge, introduce your tween to the magic of Once Upon a Book Club’s Tween Book Boxes. They will receive a newly released book paired with specially curated gifts that are only meant to be opened when they reach certain pages—keeping the excitement alive with every turn. 

It’s like turning their reading into a treasure hunt, where the reward is hidden within the book itself. Plus, they’ll get fun extras like bookmarks themed to each book and even a Book Passport to track all their reading adventures throughout the year.

Reward: The reward is built in! Unwrapping the surprises in each box is part of the fun!

Conclusion: Keeping Tweens Engaged Through Reading Challenges

With a little creativity and some fun incentives, you can turn reading into an exciting year-round adventure for your tween. Whether it’s earning a pizza, completing a bingo card, or dressing up like their favorite character, these challenges are designed to make reading more than just a habit—it’s an experience. 

The goal is not just about the rewards (though they definitely help!) but about building a love for reading that will stick with them for years to come. So, get started with one of these challenges, and watch as your tween dives headfirst into the magical world of books!

If you enjoyed this blog, you will definitely want to check out our blog on ideas to improve your child’s reading skills!