The Teachers’ Reading Challenge is an initiative that encourages education and library professionals to expand their knowledge of children’s books and develop their understanding of Reading for Pleasure pedagogy over the summer. This year’s challenge runs from 17 June – 31 October 2026.

The Teachers’ Reading Challenge grew out of research that demonstrates that teachers’ knowledge of children’s literature is essential for developing a rich reading curriculum and encouraging a reading habit in young people.

Participants sign up to the Challenge on the dedicated website where they can:

• Set their own reading target.
• Log the books they read to complete a range of themed badges.
• Post reviews.
• Get book recommendations from reading experts, authors and fellow members of the Teachers’ Reading Challenge community.
• Find ideas and examples of practice to help foster a love reading.

Cost: Free

About The Reading Agency: The Reading Agency is a charity that runs UK-wide programmes  that promote the benefits of reading for children and adults. Its vision is for a world where everyone is reading their way to a better life.

About the Open University: The Open University provides world-leading, flexible, part-time study, supported distance and open learning for undergraduate and postgraduate courses.