100 Books Before Graduation - FAQs

100 Books Before Graduation

What is this program? Why should I sign up?
100 Books Before Graduation is a reading challenge for students in grades 6-12. You are challenged to read 100 books of your choice and to write 4 (short but thoughtful) book reviews, one for every 25 books you read. Reading for fun will bring so much joy and depth to your life, and we want to encourage you to do more of it!

Who can participate in 100 Books Before Graduation?
Students entering grades 6-12 can begin their 100 Books journey. At the time you sign up, you will have until August 1 of your senior year of high school to finish the challenge. If you are signing up for one of these programs during the summer (after the school year has ended), you may participate if you are a fifth grader entering sixth grade.

How do I sign up for the challenge?
Either come to the library and sign up, or go here to register.

What are the prizes?
There will be milestone prizes for every 25 books read (at 25, 50, and 75) and a grand prize once you have completed the program and read all 100 books!

  • 25 Books = $10 fast food gift certificate (choose from Taco Bell, McDonald’s, Subway, Tano’s, CK Sweets, Honey Bear) and invitation to the end-of-summer party
  • 50 Books = Free book of your choice, free custom 3D print up to $20 value, and invitation to the end-of-summer party
  • 75 Books = Free custom 3D print up to $50 value, a candy care package, and invitation to the end-of-summer party
  • 100 Books = $100 gift card to Barnes & Noble, invitation to the end-of-summer party, entry into the end-of-summer raffle, optional shout-out in our newsletter/on our website/etc.

Which books or which types of books do I need to read?
Reading choice is 100% up to you! You are encouraged to read a wide range of books in as many different formats and genres as possible, but there are no requirements for specific titles or genres. Read books that interest you, but also stretch outside your comfort zones. Challenge yourself in your reading, but remember to have fun. Books read for summer reading programs count! We only ask that you read no more than 25 shorter books/picture books. The other 75 must be at least 100 pages OR 25,000 words. If it’s close to either of those, ask us if it can count toward one of your long titles.

How do I log my books?
You can pick up paper logs (4 total, 25 books each) at the library when you register, or fill out an online form here for every 25 books.

Do books I read before I signed up but after I started sixth grade count?
The challenge starts from the moment you sign up. Books that you read before you registered for the challenge do not count.

Do audiobooks count? What about graphic novels or nonfiction?
Yes, absolutely! Listening to an audiobook or listening to someone read a book to you counts as having read that book. Graphic novels and manga count too, as well as nonfiction books. You can read books in whatever way and format that works best for you. If that’s web novels or Wattpad, for example, that counts too!

I started a book but didn’t like it and don’t want to finish it. Can I still add it to my list?
Yes, if you have read at least half of the book and have written a review explaining why you didn’t like it. You can make that your every-25 book review or write an extra one if needed. There are so many great books out there and we don’t want to force you to read one you don’t enjoy!

What if I’m homeschooled and my grade level is a bit different?
No worries! If you’re homeschooled, you can join the program once you’ve turned 12. We’re happy to welcome all teens to participate.

Can I add the books I need to read for school?
Yes, mandatory reading counts as well as reading for fun.

Can I use the same book more than once on my log if I re-read it?
No, for this program we would like for you to read 100 separate titles, so you have the chance to read as many books as possible.

What’s this end-of-summer party?
Only finishers will be entered into the end-of-summer raffle, but all milestone readers are invited to party! Participants will meet at the Swanton Sports Center for bowling, free pizza, and the year’s grand prize drawing. Dates TBH every year, but plan on sometime in August before school starts!

100 books seem like a lot. How will I have time to read that many?
It’s a marathon, not a sprint! We don’t expect you to complete this program in a week, a month, or even a year. We encourage you to join at the earliest opportunity possible, which would give you seven years to complete the challenge if you start in sixth grade. Even if you start later though, you can do it! Remember that you can include audiobooks, graphic novels, manga, web novels, and that you can have up to 25 shorter books/picture books. Enjoy the process, find books you love to read, and have fun! Everyone reads at their own pace, so enjoy the process and take your time!

Is there some kind of reader support group at the library where we can talk about the books?
Yes! Join us every other month during the school year and twice during the summer for a 100 Books Before Graduation Check-in Party! Meet others who are participating in the challenge, get ideas from fellow readers, check in with a librarian on where you stand in the challenge, and watch a movie with popcorn and make crafts! Check our calendar to find out when each party will happen.

I read my 100 books and I still have time before the program ends to read another 100 books. Can I enter this program again?
Wow, way to go! You may certainly continue reading and logging your books, but you will only receive the 25/50/75 prizes again; the grand finish prize is only awarded once. You can attend the end-of-summer party more than once if you finish again, though!