Don’t worry if your tween’s reading habit slipped last year; 2026 is your do-over year. It’s the start of a new year, ready for new stories and a new way to rediscover the magic of reading. The secret is to start off with small, consistent steps that make reading feel exciting instead of like homework. 

A Once Upon a Book Club Tween Book Subscription will kick off your child’s reading year with lots of joy, exciting activities and surprises, and stories they’ll actually want to read. This year, let’s trade pressure for progress disguised as fun and create habits that last long after the latest fad!

Why 2026 Is the Perfect Year to Reset Reading Habits

A new year always inspires us to improve. It’s like a fresh start, and when it comes to reading, it’s the perfect opportunity to press the reset button. It seems like families everywhere are craving screen-free time, and kids are looking for activities that keep them engaged and are a whole lot of fun. 

Reading offers the best of both worlds; it boosts creativity, focus, and empathy while giving tweens a way to explore new worlds without ever leaving the couch. This year, let’s make reading your family’s shared adventure. And speaking of adventures, there is no better way to kick off 2026 than with a Once Upon a Book Club Tween Subscription Box. It’s the book box of book boxes that turns every story into an interactive experience full of fun and excitement.

SMART Goals + Reading Journal for Kids

Step 1: Set Goals That Feel Fun, Not Forced

The trick is not to make reading goals too serious; they need to be fun. The more fun they are, the better they work. It’s time to grab those all-important snacks and sit down for a collaboration moment with your tween.

The aim is to create goals that get them excited. Simple goals like reading for 15 minutes before bed or finishing one book each month are doable, and throw in a few rewards, and you’ve got a winning combination.

Using the SMART method (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) helps keep goals realistic and motivating. Instead of deciding for them, have those discussions and let them set the pace. You can start off by asking your child what kinds of books excite them—adventure, mystery, fantasy—and let them lead the way. You can even extend their bedtime by 15 minutes as long as they’re curled up with a book!

 

Step 2: Build the Habit With a Reading Routine

Habits stick when they naturally fit into your daily routine, and even more so when you add a touch of something special. There is no need to start off with a massive new routine; it's far easier for anyone to stick to a new habit when you tie it to something they are already doing.

The easiest way to add that reading habit is to set aside a dedicated reading time. It can be right after homework or just before bedtime. If it’s after homework, create a reading nook where your tween can relax and take some time out. Just before bed? Add some small touches that make it special, like a soft blanket, a reading lamp, or a cup of hot chocolate, and you’ve got your tween hooked. 

You can even turn it into a family tradition by creating a “phone basket” to keep distractions away during reading time. If you’re looking for some inspiration, make sure to check out our Tween Ready-to-Ship Book Boxes, and you’re bound to find stories ready to take your child on an adventure they can’t wait to continue.

Step 3: Use a Printable Reading Tracker or Journal

Visual progress is one of the best motivators for kids. You can use printable reading trackers, bingo cards, or even a sticker chart to turn reading into a game. Each time they complete a chapter or finish a book, they can color in a square or add a sticker to mark their achievement. 

Your child can create their own or try our Sticker Collector Poster and Sticker Collector Water Bottle. All of these are fun ways to keep track of progress and encourage consistency. 

 

 

A great way to track these goals is with our Tween Reading Passport, where they can log each finished book, record favorite moments, and celebrate milestones all year long.

Step 4: Make Reading Social With a Buddy System

Reading doesn’t have to be a solo activity! That’s why we have book clubs after all. Your tween can easily connect with a friend, sibling, or even you, and start a buddy read. Half the fun comes with the planning. We’re thinking bookish snacks and sodas while they choose a book together, set small goals, and have fun discussing the twists and turns along the way. 

We definitely think you need to host a “book club dinner” to celebrate finishing a story. Talking about books helps kids build comprehension and confidence. These small social elements make reading feel more like a shared adventure. And all great adventures are worth sharing!

Step 5: Reward the Effort, Not Just the End

We often get caught up only celebrating the big milestones, but rewarding their effort along the way will keep them motivated. It's important to focus on celebrating the effort it takes to stay consistent. 

Mini rewards don’t need to be materialistic. You can create your very own reward jar with options like breakfast in bed, a free pass on one chore, or choosing a family game. We’re sure your kids will come up with some winners!

Remember, kids are more likely to read when they’re surrounded by encouragement and celebration rather than pressure and expectation.¹

30-Day Reading Challenge for Tweens

Those small goals that are completely achievable are perfect for a 30-day reading challenge, and it’s a great way to start the year.

We love crafting, and letting your tween create their own 30-day reading challenge poster will get them involved from day one. Grab a large poster board, divide it into 30 blocks, and let your child write a small goal in each block. It can be things like “read outside,” “read a poem,” or “read to a pet.” 

Each week brings a sense of accomplishment, and by the end of the month, reading will feel like second nature. 

How Many Pages Should a Tween Read a Day?

The best reading goals are flexible, and most tweens do well with 10–20 pages a day or 15–30 minutes. But when you start, it’s not about much or how fast they read, it’s about helping build their confidence and, most importantly, instilling a love for books. Encourage them to read what they love, even if it’s short stories or graphic novels. Every page counts. 

 

From Pages to Progress: Let the Adventure Begin

Big reading goals start with small, happy steps. This year, help your child discover the magic of books, one page at a time. 

Subscribe to a Tween Book Subscription Box today and set them on the path to their best reading year ever. For more inspiration, check out Year-Round Reading Challenges to Keep Kids Engaged and Fun Ideas On How to Keep Kids Reading Any Time of the Year.