Inspired by the success of our 2023 Reading Challenge — and similar programs run by public libraries — GSHE created a monthly 2025 Reading Challenge just for New Hampshire’s homeschool community.
Each month’s theme is designed to be broad, flexible, and fun, helping young readers explore new authors, subjects, and genres. Families may choose any book that fits the theme and feels right for their child’s age and reading level.
There are no required book reports, projects, or submissions to GSHE. You are welcome to use our monthly challenges however they best support your child’s learning. If you keep a record of participation, it may be included in your homeschool portfolio.
For more encouragement about reading as a family, check out our earlier articles:
- Read Alouds: Benefits, Research, and Favorite Books – Part 1
- Read Alouds: Tips and Favorite Books – Part 2
Homeschooling on a budget? GSHE’s Resource Directory includes several options for free books, audiobooks, and digital reading resources. These are available with a free registered account.
Participation in the 2025 Reading Challenge
GSHE is not collecting reading logs, tracking participation, or offering a year-end prize for 2025. Families may extend the Reading Challenge in their own creative ways — for example, offering a small monthly reward or a new book for completing all twelve themes.
For children who are not yet reading independently, audiobooks and family read-alouds count! Any reading ability is welcome to participate.
December Challenge: Revisit Your Favorite Monthly Theme
For our grand finale, you choose the theme!
Look back over the 2025 Reading Challenge and revisit the month that brought the most joy to your home. Perhaps it was a comedy that made everyone laugh, an award-winning book that surprised you, or a classic story that opened the door to great conversations. Choose the theme you’d love to explore again — any month counts!
We hope you enjoyed this year’s Reading Challenge as much as we did. These monthly themes repeat each year and remain intentionally broad so families can continue discovering new authors and genres. We look forward to reading with you again in 2026!
2025 Monthly Reading Challenge Recap
- January – a classic book
- February – a book that is a play or adapted to a play or movie, then watch the show
- March – fairy tales
- April – poetry
- May – an award-winning book
- June – a comedy
- July – the first book in a series
- August – a story set in a different time period
- September – a collection of short stories
- October – a mystery
- November – learn something new
- December – revisit your favorite monthly challenge
