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Do you remember the fun of completing a summer reading challenge?
I would race to the library in my hometown every summer as soon as the program launched. I participated for as long as they would let me, but eventually I aged out. There are not enough cool challenges for adults.
That's why Nix, one of the main characters in All Booked Up, hosts one at Tannenbaum Tales that is inclusive of adults. Well, that magic is coming off the page and into real life. The Tree-Mendous Summer Reading Challenge is for EVERYONE. If you want to participate, then go for it. Do it in whatever way works best for you. If you want prizes, then there is a way to get them down below. I expect people will have questions, so check the frequently asked questions I've put below. If you don't see the answer you need there, then feel free to contact me. In general, if it works for you, I'll probably agree.
The BINGO board is here. I have a couple of versions of it, depending on how you want to use it. If you post on social media, can I request that you tag me? I'm at @ej_stoll on Instagram/Threads and @AuthorEJStoll on Facebook.
You can get the card (sized for Instagram) by saving the image on this page, going to my Instagram where I have a copy for you on my grid and in my stories, or in a pdf here.
When you are done, submit your completed card for some swag to commemorate your fun. I'll send physical swag to the US and Canada, but other locations will be limited to virtual swag (sorry!). The form to submit your reading accomplishments is here.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do audiobooks count as reading? What if someone reads to me? Text-to-voice?
Yes, yes, and yes. I am not gatekeeping any form of reading. Please read in whatever way works best for you. Audiobooks totally count and are a great way to read your favorite stories. Reading to someone, being read to, and anything else is completely fine with me.
Do the books I read have to be romance?
Of course not! While there are some romance-specific squares on the card, there are many ways to achieve BINGO without picking up a single romance.
What counts as "a book"?
That's up to you. I'm not going to give you a minimum number of pages that counts. This is a fun activity that is meant to encourage people to read. If you prefer shorter books, then go for it. I love novellas and encourage you to read them. Ultimately, I'm going to give you full discretion on this.
What counts as representation for those squares?
The intention is that it would apply to a main character in the book. That said, I'll leave it to you. I am not going to decide what is and isn't representation.
For disability representation, this includes the entire range of disabilities, including (but not limited to): physical, sensory, emotional, mental, intellectual, and invisible disabilities. There is no complete list of what this could include. Instead, I encourage you to read widely.
For trans rep, this includes all identities under the trans umbrella, including nonbinary individuals.
For the bisexual main character, anything under the Bi+ umbrella counts, including pansexual and omnisexual.
What counts as a beach read?
Honestly? No idea. If you'd read it on the beach, it counts.
What about the Free Space?
It's exactly like it sounds: free. You can claim it without reading a single page. WooHoo!
How many books do I have to read?
A BINGO requires that you have five connected spaces: horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. That means that to get a BINGO you need to read five books. If you choose one of the paths that crosses the FREE space, then it goes down to four.
For some people, that is a lot. For others, that's nothing. If for you, that's too much, I'll let you count one book twice. That means, you could read three books and still get BINGO.
What if a book could be used in multiple spots?
Then you get to pick where you count it!
How do I claim my prizes?
Fill out this form. Please note that I am one person with a full-time job, plus writing and running this. I will send them out in batches. Watch my Instagram for updates on when I'm sending out the rewards.
You didn't answer my questions!
I'm sorry! Send me a message on the contact me page and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.