Read Around the USA: A 50-State Reading Challenge

Why You’ll Love a 50-State Reading Challenge

There’s something magical about learning through stories. Picture books and chapter books offer such a gentle, memorable way to introduce your kids to:

Think of each book as an invitation to explore.

If your kids get excited about a topic, dive on down that rabbit hole! Bake a warm peach cobbler for Georgia, research sea turtles in Florida, or set off a baking-soda volcano for Hawaii. But if you’re keeping things minimal right now? That’s completely fine, too. This 50-state reading challenge is just as effective and meaningful on the days you only have the bandwidth to read the story and color the state.

Ways to Use The 50-State Reading Challenge

There is no one “right” pace for this reading challenge. You can make it fit whatever season your family is in:

One State a Week: A gentle, steady rhythm that spans the school year. Read the story, color the state, and call it done.

Summer Reading Blitz: Pick a state a day for a fun, themed summer adventure.

Road-Trip Style: Hand the map to your kids and let them pick whichever state catches their eye next! (Feeling extra ambitious? Add some life skills and math to the mix by having them plan a virtual road trip—budgeting for gas, picking hotels, and calculating drive times!)

Follow the Rabbit Trails: Did Georgia make them crave peaches? Did Hawaii spark an obsession with volcanoes? Take a detour whenever curiosity strikes.

Maybe you already have a list. If so, use it! These are just suggestions. And, as always, please be sure to review all books and ensure they are appropriate for your family.

Picture Book Option: Perfect for preschoolers, early elementary, or families who want a quick read-aloud.

Middle Grade Book Option: Perfect for upper elementary readers (ages 8-12), middle schoolers, or families looking for deeper chapter books to read together over a couple of weeks.

Mix and match based on what your family needs today!