2026 Reading Challenge
Presented by MNA Equity Committee
About the Challenge
We’re excited to announce a year-long reading challenge designed to make reading more expansive, inclusive, and enjoyable.
Each month focuses on a theme that highlights authors and stories from under-represented communities across a wide range of genres. You’ll choose your own books, read at your own pace, and decide how deeply you want to participate.
The goal isn’t to read perfectly or correctly. The goal is to discover great stories, expand your reading habits, and maybe find a few new favorite authors along the way.
How It Works
Each month has a theme, not an assigned book
You choose any book that fits the spirit of the theme
Read one book a month—or fewer, or more
All formats count: print, ebook, audiobook, graphic novels, poetry
There is no required order and no penalty for skipping a month. Read what fits your life. If it fits the theme, it counts.
Reading Together
You’re invited to join the monthly Equity Committee meetings on the 3rd Thursday to share what you’re reading. There’s no expectation to analyze, educate, or explain—just to share and reflect. We also encourage you to participate with others!
Monthly Themes
Jan - “New-to-Me” Voices: Read a book by an author from an under-represented group you’ve never read before.
Feb - Black Futures & Black Histories: Black authors imagining the past, present, or future. For example a sci-fi novel by a Black author or historical novel centered on overlooked Black history.
March - Women Who Broke the Rules: Women authors from outside the “expected” genres. Think sport/athlete, horror, sci-fi, crime, political.
April - Poetry, Out Loud: Poetry by authors from under-represented communities. One poem, one collection, or a verse-novel - read what works for you.
May - Clocking In: Stories of Work, Wages, & Worth: Stories about work, class, money, and survival - written by those who’ve lived it. Centers on working class voices and realities.
June - Queer Joy & Queer Worlds: LGBTQ+ authors writing joy, romance, adventure, or world-building
July - Disability, Reclaimed: Disabled authors telling stories not centered on inspiration or pity
August - Immigrant stories beyond trauma: Authors writing about migration or cross-cultural life without centering on suffering. Includes joy, humor, family, ambition and everyday life
September - Global Voice: Stories beyond our borders: Authors from outside the US/UK writing on any topic or genre
October - Worlds of Myth: Fantasy rooted in folklore; a novel based on African, Asian, Indigenous, Pacific Island or Caribbean mythology
November - Indigenous Storytelling, Living Traditions: Indigenous authors writing contemporary, or Indigenous authors writing about how the relationship to the land shaped story and value.
December - Choose your own adventure