Winter Reading Challenge: Read to Earn Badges & Reflect on Your Story

Posted on December 14, 2023 at 4:30 am

By Gwendolyn Haley

As we usher in the new year, SCLD is thrilled to announce our enthusiastic participation in the “Where We Come From” Winter Reading Challenge, sponsored by Beanstack.

You’re invited to sign up for this exciting literary journey, happening January 1–31.

The challenge is to read at least 300 minutes throughout the month and is open to everyone of all ages. To help you with this, Beanstack is the platform you use to track your reading minutes (and those of your family members too, all with one login). You can use our dedicated Beanstack site or the convenient Beanstack mobile app.

Our recommended read for this challenge is the poetic picture book Where We Come From, crafted by Diane Wilson, Sun Yung Shin, Shannon Gibney, and John Coy, with exquisite illustrations by Dion MBD.

In this unique, literary collaboration, four authors lyrically explore where they each come from―literally and metaphorically―as well as what unites all of us as humans. Richly layered illustrations connect past and present, making for an accessible and visually striking look at history, family, and identity. The publisher has designated Where We Come From for readers ages 5–10, but all kids, teens, and adults alike will find a lot to enjoy on each page, from the beautiful illustrations to the thoughtful, poetic language.

While reading this book and others, be sure to log your reading minutes, reflect on your unique story, and collect badges on your virtual bingo card! For every logged minute and completed activity, you’ll earn badges adorned with stunning artwork from Where We Come From.

The competition for this reading challenge is between the participating libraries and schools.

You can help our libraries win prizes sponsored by Lerner Books, including virtual visits from the authors, signed books, or even personalized video shout outs. Winners will be selected based on active participation, logging stats, and community sharing.

This competition includes two grand prizes for schools or libraries of a virtual author visit and signed books. The prizes for six runners up include video shout outs from authors and signed books. And 25 libraries or schools will receive honorable mentions along with signed copies of Where We Come From.  

Let’s leave our mark on the Winter Reading Challenge and celebrate the stories that shape us into who we are.

Happy reading!

Gwendolyn Haley is a librarian and Education and the Enrichment Public Services Manager at Spokane County Library District, helping to plan programs for all ages, from preschool to adulthood. When not at work, she juggles a little bit of everything: kids, home, community service, gardening, reading, cooking, and more. Oh, and she knows how to juggle—literally.

Tags: adults, Beanstack, books, challenge, kids, parents, reading, stories, teachers, teens, tracker, tweens