What better way to start the new year than with a resolution to read more? Every year in Wichita, KS the Wichita Public Library partners up with the local newspaper, the Wichita Eagle, to challenge residents to read 12 books in 12 months. Pretty easy, right? There’s a catch though (because of course there is). Each book you read has to match up with one of the 12 categories they have created, and you have to complete a book in every category by the end of the year. Here are the categories for 2021:
- A book with a one-word title
- An “own voices” book
- A book about animals or pets
- A book about travel
- An illustrated book
- An untold story/history
- A book by an author under 30
- A book about local history
- A challenged book
- A book with an ugly cover
- A book recommended by someone you admire
- A book from the Kansas Notable Books List
Fun, right? Once you read a book that fits into one of the categories, you log it using Beanstack and move on to the next book. If you complete all 12 categories, then at the end of the year you’re eligible for a prize. I have no idea what that prize, I (barely) completed the challenge for 2020 and I’m determined to finish it again, but maybe not so close to the deadline this time. I’ve been on a roll this month so here are the books I have read so far for this challenge:
An illustrated book:
Next Best Junior Chef – Charise Mericle Harper
*If you are a fan of “Chopped Junior” on Food Network, this series is right up your alley. It follows four talented young chefs as they cook their way through challenges, try to stay cool in the spotlight, and learn about friendship. The reader is able to see the behind-the-scenes routines of a cooking show, and of course, there are so many tasty food ideas to try and make at home. Not gonna lie, some of the ideas the kid characters came up with would put me to shame real quick.
A book with an ugly cover:
A Darker Shade of Magic – V. E. Schwab
*I absolutely love other books by this author, and this story was wonderfully engaging, but the cover does nothing desirable for the book. This book was chosen for my monthly book club, but if I was browsing a library shelf, I would definitely not pick it up because it looks too old for my tastes.
A book from the Kansas Notable Books List:
Sun and Moon – Lindsey Yankey
*This was such a lovely book about the moon wanting to trade places with the sun, but then realizing how beautiful things can be that only happen at night. And I love spreading book love for fellow Kansas authors!
An “own voices” book
The Deepest Breath – Meg Grehan
*A beautifully written novel-in-verse story about a young girl coming out to her mom, as well as herself. Plus, you learn a lot about some crazy fish in the ocean!
For more information about the challenge: https://www.wichitalibrary.org/readict#beanstack
Abbi Lee Books 
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