Please follow the genre guidelines below when selecting books for the Reading
Challenge. If you are not sure into which category a book fits, or if you need
recommendations, please ask a librarian!
BIOGRAPHY OR AUTOBIOGRAPHY
A true account of someone’s life, or part of that life. An autobiography is a person’s own
account of his or her life. If you choose a collective biography, containing information on
many people, you must read the entire book.
FANTASY
A fictional story that uses magic or other supernatural elements as a main plot element,
theme, or setting. Many works within this genre take place in imaginary worlds where
magic and magical creatures are common.
FOLKLORE OR FAIRY TALE
A story based on legend, myth, or oral tradition.
GRAPHIC NOVEL
Book-length fiction or non-fiction that uses panels of comic-style art to tell the story.
NOTE: a story with pictures is not always a graphic novel. Picture books or chapter
books with pictures are not acceptable for this format in the Reading Challenge.
HISTORICAL FICTION
A realistic fictional story set in the past and depicting a specific time period or historical
event. NOTE: time travel into the past is not Historical Fiction.
HISTORY (NON-FICTION)
A factual account of past events.
MYSTERY
A fictional story in which a character tries to solve a crime or puzzling event.
POETRY COLLECTION OR NOVEL IN VERSE
A collection of poems, or a novel-length story told in verse. If you choose a collection of
poems, you must read the entire collection.
REALISTIC FICTION
A fictional story where everything that occurs in the story could have actually happened
in real life. NOTE: stories set in the past are Historical Fiction.
SCIENCE (NON-FICTION)
A book with factual information about the physical or natural world.
SCIENCE FICTION
A fictional story dealing with concepts such as futuristic science and technology, space
travel, time travel, parallel universes and extraterrestrial life. Note: fiction about science
does not necessarily qualify, for example: Magic School Bus books do not qualify.
READING
CHALLENGE
SPORTS (FICTION OR NON-FICTION)
A sports-themed book
“The Reading Challenge” is sponsored by the Friends of Cary Memorial Library
.org
1874 Massachusetts Ave ∙ Lexington, MA ∙ 02420 ∙ 781-862-6288
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Fantasy
Folklore or
Fairy Tale
Graphic Novel
Historical Fiction
History
(non-fiction)
Mystery
Poetry
Collection or
Novel in Verse
Realistic Fiction
Science
(non-fiction)
Science Fiction
Sports (fiction or
non-fiction)
STAFF USE
APPROVED BY
Signature: __________________________________________ Grade: ______ Parent’s Initials: ______
I have completed the Reading Challenge by reading 10 books from 10 different categories.
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Author
Biography or
Autobiography
Title
Choose 10 of the categories listed below and read one book for each (please see the back of this sheet for
definitions of each category). You’ll complete the challenge when you’ve read a total of 10 books. Each book
may be used for only one category. Books must be “just right” books for you (appropriate for your reading
level). When you’ve finished all 10 books, you’ll win a prize and your name will be added to the Reading
Challenge Wall of Fame! Need help? We are happy to help you choose appropriate books.
DISCUSSED