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For the Love of Stories: A February Reading Challenge for Kids

by Iva-Marie Palmer

Illustration credit: SF Stock/Shuttertock

February may be the shortest month, but it makes up for its lack of days with a plethora of celebrations, from Black History Month and Valentine’s Day to Presidents Day. This month’s reading challenge is no less eventful, spurring young readers to pick up books that touch on all the above topics while mixing it up with some fun and surprising suggestions.

Here are 10 reading goals for kids of all ages to complete this month:

  • For Black History Month, read a Coretta Scott King Award-winning book. (Named for Martin Luther King Jr.’s wife, this award is given to the most distinguished children’s and teen’s books about the African American experience. You can find a list of all the winners since 1970 here.)
  • Find a book that rhymes and read it aloud. Using a silly voice is encouraged.
  • Reread a favorite picture book and write or draw a valentine to one of its characters.
  • Celebrate Presidents Day (the third Monday of February each year) by reading a book about a U.S. president. (Find book ideas here).
  • Close your eyes and run your hands along a shelf in the library. Choose any book at random and read it.
  • Read the first book in a series you’ve never tried.
  • Ask a Librarian: What’s a book you fell in love with as a kid (or a kids’ book you’ve read lately) that you think I should read?
  • Read a book about an athlete. (If you’re really into winter sports, tack on a book about one of your favorites!)
  • Read a book under the covers. Any time of day will do, but we recommend using a flashlight!

 

Download a printable version of this reading challenge below.

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February Reading Challenge for Kids
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