Greetings, literary explorers! Welcome to the Eclectic Educator’s 2025 Reading Challenge, where we set off on a year-long journey designed to open minds, spark curiosity, and celebrate the vibrant tapestry of stories and voices that make up our world. Whether you’re an avid reader or just dipping your toes into the literary waters, this challenge is about discovering books you might not pick up otherwise—and, hopefully, finding a few that change how you see the world.

This year, I’ve curated a list of 26 prompts for the bold and adventurous reader (one every two weeks) and a streamlined 12-prompt version for those who prefer a slower pace (one per month). These aren’t just random topics pulled from a hat; they’re carefully crafted to encourage you to hear from voices you may not have encountered before, to explore unfamiliar perspectives, and to challenge your thinking about the world around you.

A Challenge with Purpose

The goal of this challenge isn’t just to fill up your bookshelf or meet a reading quota. It’s to stretch your imagination, broaden your understanding, and perhaps even ignite a slight transformation in how you view yourself, others, and our complex world.

Here’s a sneak peek at some of the prompts awaiting you:

• A Book Set in a School: Because let’s face it—every great story starts in a classroom.
• A Book Written by an Author from a Culture You’ve Never Explored: Expand your horizons and discover a voice that’s brand new to you.
• A Novel with a Futuristic Setting: Perfect for letting your imagination run wild as you think about what’s to come.
• A Book About a Historical Event That Interests You: Dive deep into a moment that shaped the world—and see it through the eyes of someone with a unique perspective.
• A Memoir by Someone Who Overcame Systemic Barriers: Be inspired by resilience and strength in adversity.
• A Book That Challenges Your Perspective: Choose something that might make you uncomfortable—and let it. Growth often starts there.

A Theme of Transformation

The overarching theme for 2025 is transformation. Whether it’s the transformation of a character, an idea, or even your understanding, each prompt is designed to change you by the time you turn the final page.

Free Printables for Your Reading Adventure

To make your reading journey even more engaging, I’m giving away a set of free printables exclusively for my newsletter subscribers. The set includes:

• A Reading Challenge Tracker to keep you motivated as you check off each prompt.
• Beautifully designed Journal Pages for capturing your reflections, favorite quotes, and memorable moments from each book.

These printables are perfect for organizing your reading challenge and adding a personal touch to your literary journey. Not a subscriber yet? Don’t miss out! Sign up for my newsletter today for instant access to these free resources and stay in the loop with tips, recommendations, and more.

26 Prompts (For the Adventurous Reader)

If you’re ready for the full challenge, here’s the list of 26 prompts to guide your reading:

1. A book set in a school
2. A book about a breakthrough technology
3. A classic you’ve never read, written by an author of color
4. A book by an educator who advocates for equity
5. A memoir by someone who overcame systemic barriers
6. A graphic novel by a BIPOC or LGBTQ+ creator
7. A book that challenges your perspective
8. A novel with a futuristic setting
9. A book focused on equity in education
10. A book written in the year you were born
11. A poetry collection by an Indigenous poet
12. A book about a historical event
13. A book with “magic” in the title
14. A book about an educational innovator
15. A book blending science and philosophy
16. A bestseller from the past year
17. A book with a non-human protagonist
18. A book about a virtual world or online community
19. A book that inspired a movie or TV series created
20. A book about overcoming obstacles
21. A book set in a place you’d love to visit
22. A book with a color in the title
23. A book about a teacher or mentor
24. A book written about AI
25. A book from a genre you rarely read
26. A book that features an unlikely hero

12 Prompts (For the Leisurely Reader)

Prefer a simpler path? Here’s the 12-prompt version—one book a month:

1. January: A book set in a school
2. February: A book about a breakthrough technology
3. March: A classic you’ve never read, written by an author of color
4. April: A book by an educator who advocates for equity
5. May: A memoir by someone who overcame systemic barriers
6. June: A graphic novel by a BIPOC or LGBTQ+ creator
7. July: A book that challenges your perspective
8. August: A novel with a futuristic setting
9. September: A book focused on equity in education
10. October: A book written in the year you were born
11. November: A poetry collection by an Indigenous poet
12. December: A book about a historical event

Ready to Begin?

The 2025 Reading Challenge invites you to explore, learn, and grow. Share your journey on social media with the hashtag #EclecticReading2025, and let’s make this the year we all embrace new ideas and stories.

Happy reading, Starfighters! 🚀

The Eclectic Educator is a free resource for everyone passionate about education and creativity. If you enjoy the content and want to support the newsletter, consider becoming a paid subscriber. Your support helps keep the insights and inspiration coming!