Reading Bingo: Challenge Cards for All

Museum display of vintage board games including bingo

Image: Raimond Spekking / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Reading bingo transforms the solitary act of reading into a social, goal-oriented adventure. Each square on the card represents a reading challenge — “read a book by a new author,” “read a biography,” “read outside,” “finish a book in one day.” Players work to complete the card over days, weeks, or months, discovering new books and genres along the way.

Free Printable Reading Bingo Cards

Our free printable cards come in versions for elementary school, middle/high school, and adults. Each card features 24 diverse reading challenges plus a free center space.

What Is Reading Bingo?

Reading bingo uses the familiar bingo card format to motivate readers to explore new books, genres, and reading habits. Instead of marking numbers, players mark squares when they complete the described reading challenge. It works as a personal challenge, classroom program, library initiative, or book club activity.

Reading Bingo for Elementary School Kids

Keep squares achievable and fun: “read a picture book,” “read to a pet,” “read a book about animals,” “read a book with a number in the title,” “read under a blanket fort,” “read a book that made you laugh.” For early readers, include “read out loud to someone” and “someone read to you.”

Reading Bingo for Middle and High School

Challenge older students: “read a classic novel,” “read nonfiction,” “read a book published this year,” “read a book set in another country,” “read a graphic novel,” “read a book recommended by a friend,” “read a book that was made into a movie.” These challenges expand reading horizons beyond assigned school texts.

Adult Book Club Bingo

For book clubs and adult readers: “read a debut novel,” “read a translated work,” “read a book over 500 pages,” “read an audiobook,” “reread a childhood favorite,” “read a book by an author from a different continent,” “read a book of poetry,” “read a Pulitzer winner.” Adult cards should push readers toward genres and formats they might not choose on their own.

Summer Reading Challenge Bingo

Library partnership: Many public libraries run summer reading programs. Reading bingo cards make excellent companions — complete a bingo line to earn a library prize, or complete the full card for a special reward.

Book Bingo Ideas: 30+ Creative Square Suggestions

  • Read a book with a color in the title
  • Read a book set in your state
  • Read a book published before you were born
  • Read a mystery or thriller
  • Read a book by an author who shares your first initial
  • Read a book recommended by a librarian
  • Read a book with a map inside
  • Read a memoir or autobiography
  • Read a book in one sitting
  • Read a book from a genre you usually avoid
  • Read a book with a one-word title
  • Read a book that won an award
  • Read a book set in the future
  • Read a comic book or manga
  • Read a book about food or cooking

Prize Ideas for Reading Bingo Completions

Bookmarks, bookstore gift cards, new books, reading lights, cozy blankets for reading, library tote bags, book-themed merchandise, and extra reading time (for classroom settings). See our prize guide for more ideas.

For more family activities, visit our family bingo hub.

Keep exploring: Also explore alphabet bingo for younger kids and gratitude bingo.

Family Bingo