If “read more books” is on your goals list for the year, give Naperville Public Library’s Amazing Book Challenge a try!
Each year, the Amazing Book Challenge encourages adult and teen readers to broaden their interests by discovering new subjects, series or authors — something they may not have read on their own.
As a participant in the program, readers will choose a book from each of the 12 categories selected for 2024. Once they’ve logged their completed book, they’ll receive a button or magnet for that category. Those who complete the challenge by Dec. 31 will receive a Naperville Public Library picnic blanket and an entry into the end-of-year drawing.
For a list of book recommendations for each theme and to register, go to www.naperville-lib.org/ABC. Meanwhile, check out the categories below.
First in a Series
When one book just isn’t enough, sometimes you need a whole series! We know getting into a new book series takes commitment, which is why we’ve rounded up some of our favorites for you. Get into your next serious literary relationship with this category that will keep you binge-reading long past lights out.
Retelling or Adaptation
Magic mirror on the wall, is a classic tale really better after all? Whether it’s a childhood fairytale or a beloved Jane Austen novel, classic stories not only beg to be reread but also retold and sometimes reinvented. In this category, authors add a refreshing twist to the tales we know and love.
Set in Chicagoland
Grab an Italian beef and sit down for stories set in the best city around! From the streets of Wicker Park to the center of suburbia, Chicagoland has inspired generations of authors to write about the Second City and those who call it home. Pick up a book set in Chicagoland to explore all the Windy City and its surrounding towns have to offer.
Translated Title
Embark on a linguistical tour of the world by choosing a title that was originally written in another language. With millions of books published worldwide, beloved translations like One Hundred Years of Solitude and The Little Prince open doors to literary treasures that might otherwise be missed. We invite you to explore a different corner of the globe through these translated titles.
International Mystery
Murder. Espionage. Intrigue. Secrets. Redemption. These attributes make mystery books impossible to put down. Add in exotic destinations around the globe, and they’re even more irresistible. Join the ranks of Hercule Poirot and Sherlock Holmes to solve an international mystery with these page-turning plots.
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Our Planet
Our planet is pretty amazing! Dive into our incredible “blue planet” and celebrate the connection between plants, animals and people with one of these nonfiction titles.
Historical Fiction Set in the 19th Century
Step into one of the most vibrant and varied periods in history: the 19th century. These historical fiction titles capture the essence of a tumultuous time when many were experiencing an industrial shift, major westward expansion, civil war and more.
Book by BIPOC author
BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) authors explore diverse settings and cultures, tackle complex social issues and invite you to experience the world through their eyes. Discover the richness and depth of BIPOC literature, which often offers fresh perspectives on familiar themes.
Spans Multiple Generations
Whether you seek the wisdom of the ages, the nostalgia of years past, or the excitement of tomorrow, our selection of books invites you to step into the heart of a multigenerational family. Get ready to be moved, inspired and reminded of the enduring legacy that family, in all its complexity, provides across the generations.
Villain as the Main Character
We love to hate them! Question your own sense of right and wrong as you dive into the twisted psyche of a main character like no other in these gripping tales where the line between hero and villain is blurred.
Narrative Nonfiction
Jump into the captivating world of narrative nonfiction and discover the power of storytelling. Through vivid descriptions and engaging plot lines, narrative nonfiction tells a real-life story about real people and events but is written like a work of fiction.
Time Travel
Escape the confines of your own time and venture into the unknown! Witness the grandeur of ancient civilizations, engage in the intrigue of historical events, or alter the course of history itself by opening one of these time-twisting tales. Select one of these titles and prepare to be swept away on a time-traveling adventure you’ll never forget.
Ashlee Conour is the marketing specialist at Naperville Public Library.