How to Create the Ultimate YA Reading Challenge for Winter Break

by Teri Coan

A stack of hardcover books with one open book resting on top, pages gently curved.

Winter break is here, the snacks are ready, you get a break from your schoolwork, and your TBR pile is calling. This is the perfect time of year to snuggle up under a blanket, armed with snacks, hot chocolate topped with marshmallows, and, most importantly, a great book. If your TBR list is anything like ours, it’s taken on a life of its own and seems to grow without you realizing it!

Now is the time to make your reading sessions even more fun! Yes, it’s time to create your very own YA Reading Challenge. Whether you’re a teen, a teacher, or a parent hoping to inspire some screen-free moments, this challenge is all about rediscovering the joy of reading one story at a time.

Why a Winter YA Reading Challenge Is the Perfect Break Activity

Before you let your winter break blur into one long Netflix marathon or endless scrolling sessions, you may want to think about swapping screens for stories. That’s where we think the real magic happens. It’s not about forcing yourself to read; it’s about gamifying it. How many adventures, worlds, or swoon-worthy moments can you experience before you’re back to studying?

We all know that reading helps boost creativity, empathy, and even mental wellness (even your brain needs a break), and it’s one of the few activities that lets you travel without leaving your bed. Plus, there’s something so satisfying about setting a reading goal and actually reaching it.

A purple torn paper revealing the words “challenge yourself” on a white background.

Step-by-Step—How to Create the Ultimate YA Reading Challenge

Step 1: Build Your Winter TBR

The first rule of creating your reading challenge is adding variety. Mix it up with fantasy, romance, mystery, or even a graphic novel or two. The best TBR lists feel like a fabulous breakfast buffet—a little bit of everything so you can pick your next favorite based on your mood. Looking for a rush of adrenaline? Go for something like Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo. Need a comfort read? Choose a sweet YA romance!

You could even theme your list (we love a great theme):

Books that feel like cocoa
Stories set in winter
Titles with snow in the name
Books with blue covers

If you’re not sure where to start and if your TBR list needs some help, our Once Upon a Book Club Young Adult Book Box is the perfect addition. We also have plenty of ready-to-ship options, and our famous surprise gifts bring the books to life. It's our way of adding a bit of bookish magic to the scene!

Three ornate reading journals in pastel colors stacked, with gold embossed designs.

Step 2: Set Realistic Reading Goals

Now that you’ve stacked your TBR taller than your Stanley mug, it’s time to set some goals. You may be tempted to go in with a bang, but keep it realistic. You really don’t need to finish a book every day (unless you’re a total reading wizard and we’re seriously impressed if you are). Rather, start with a smaller goal like reading for 20 minutes a day or finishing two books over the break. You can even create milestones like “read 100 pages” or “finish three chapters.”

Remember, it’s all about progress, not pressure. To keep track, use one of OUABC’s beautiful reading journals like the Seafoam Stories, Periwinkle Prose, or Classic Coral journals—or download the OUABC Reading Journal Digital Download. These journals make it easy to jot down your favorite quotes, track your thoughts, or even doodle your reactions to plot twists.

Step 3: Choose a Challenge Format

This is where the fun begins! There are so many ways to structure your challenge, so pick the one that suits your personality. The “Reading Bingo” format is a classic—fill each square with prompts like “read a book set in winter,” “read a debut author,” or “read a book recommended by a friend.”

You can even try a “Genre Ladder,” where you climb your way up through different genres—start with fantasy, then romance, then mystery. There’s also a viral “Previous Book Challenge” where each new book connects to something from the last, like the author’s first name, a shared setting, or even a matching cover color. And if you’re more of a social butterfly, try Storygraph’s reading challenges or Buddy Reads!

Step 4: Make It Social and Rewarding

Every great challenge needs rewards! Set small incentives for yourself to keep your motivation high. We all love rewards, and it can be anything from a slab of your favorite chocolate, a Starbucks latte, or spoiling yourself with a bubble bath and face mask! If you’re the competitive type, challenge a friend and create your own prize system.

For bigger goals, you could even treat yourself to a new OUABC box or a fun reading accessory. Don’t forget to make it social and share your progress on Instagram or TikTok using #OUABCReadingChallenge and tag @OnceUponABookClubBox. It’s not just about finishing books; it’s about celebrating your journey as a reader. BookTok is fabulous and has definitely been responsible for reigniting reading habits and community engagement–who knows, you may just become an influencer!

A girl in a white fluffy top throws confetti against a pink background, face obscured.

Step 5: Track and Celebrate Your Success

There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing your progress stack up both literally and metaphorically. Visual trackers are the best and a fabulous way to mark off each book, or why not add fun stickers to your reading journal for every goal you hit?

For digital readers, there are many apps that let you create your own challenge and track your progress with stats, graphs, and even mood charts (yes, your reading moods are a thing). And when you’ve finished your challenge, you definitely have to celebrate! Don’t forget to send us pics. Whether it’s with a reading party, a new bookshelf addition, or simply a quiet night with your BFFs, you’ve got something to celebrate, after all, every book you finish is another adventure completed.

Covers of three YA books: To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, Heartstopper, and The Inheritance Games.

YA Winter Reading List

If you’re looking for some inspiration to kick off your challenge, here’s a YA reading list that’ll make your winter break unforgettable:

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo: A gripping fantasy full of heists and heart.
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han: A sweet romance that feels like hot chocolate for the soul.
One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus: Perfect for mystery lovers who crave twists and turns.
Heartstopper by Alice Oseman: A heartwarming graphic novel about friendship, identity, and love.
The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes: A puzzle-filled thriller that keeps you guessing.

We would love to hear about your favorites!

Screen-Free Winter Break Ideas for Teen Readers

Sometimes it’s not just about what you read, but where and how you read it. There is so much you can do to add an extra bit of magic, from reading inside a blanket fort with fairy lights, journaling your favorite quotes while sipping cocoa, to swapping books with a friend for a mini book exchange.

Don’t forget to join the OUABC community online to share your challenge wins, reading spaces, and creative setups. It’s a great way to stay connected with fellow book lovers all winter long.

Turning Pages into Winter Magic

A YA reading challenge isn’t about competition; it’s about reconnecting with the incredible stories held between the pages. It’s about letting our curiosity and imagination soar while making reading a consistent part of our lives again.

It’s a gentle reminder that the best adventures don’t always require plane tickets or Wi-Fi; sometimes, all you need is a book and a cozy corner. So, this winter break, give your imagination the spotlight it deserves. Start your YA Reading Challenge today with Once Upon a Book Club’s Young Adult Book Box, where each box is a story-filled adventure that turns winter days into moments of magic.

For even more inspiration on how teens are rediscovering reading through social platforms, check out BookTok, Teen Readers, and the Rise of TikTok Literacies.