Reading challenge bingo encourages kids and adults to explore new genres, with each square a book to find and read. This page gives you a ready-to-use Reading Challenge word list, a sample card, and a free generator that prints as many unique cards as you need.
Reading Challenge bingo word list
These 24 words fill a standard 5x5 card with a free center space. Use them as they are, or load them into the generator and add your own.
- Mystery
- Biography
- Poetry
- Graphic novel
- Book set in another country
- Nonfiction
- Book with a blue cover
- Award winner
- Book from the library
- Fantasy
- Historical fiction
- Book under 100 pages
- Reread a favorite
- Book a friend recommends
- Science book
- Book with an animal
- Audiobook
- Book by a new author
- Series book
- Book outdoors
- Classic
- Funny book
- Book about a hobby
- Book with a map
Make Reading Challenge bingo cards now. The list above opens in the generator, where you can edit it, choose a grid size and print.
Open in the generatorHow to make Reading Challenge bingo cards
- Open the generator with the Reading Challenge word list already loaded using the button above.
- Change, add or remove words. Adding extra words gives each card more variety.
- Pick a grid size: 3x3 for young kids, 4x4 for quick games, or 5x5 for the classic card.
- Choose how many cards you need and how many to print per page.
- Select 'Print cards + calling list' so you also get a checklist for the caller.
Tips for playing Reading Challenge bingo
- Run the challenge for a month or a whole summer.
- Have readers write the title in each square.
- Offer a bookstore gift card for a blackout.
Ways to play
Two lines
Players need two complete lines instead of one, which stretches a round without making it a full blackout.
Four corners
Players win by marking the four corner squares, which makes a quick opening round.
Monthly challenge
Give players a month to complete a line, and celebrate at the end.
Reverse bingo
Everyone starts in the game, and players drop out when one of their squares is called. The last player standing wins.
For more pattern ideas, see our guide to bingo patterns.
Printing and setup
Print one card per person. Challenge-style games work best on a single card per page with large squares, so players have room to write names, dates or notes.
Need more help? Read how to print bingo cards at home and how many cards you need.
Frequently asked questions
How many words do I need for Reading Challenge bingo cards?
A 5x5 card with a free space needs 24 words, a 4x4 card needs 16, and a 3x3 card with a free space needs 8. The Reading Challenge list on this page has 24 words, so it fills a 5x5 card. Add more words if you want the cards to look more different from each other.
Are these Reading Challenge bingo cards free?
Yes. The generator and the word list are free to use for home, classroom, church, club and office games. You don't need to sign up or download anything.
What age is Reading Challenge bingo good for?
It works for any age. Adjust the prompts so they suit your group.