Thursday, June 11, 2026

Our summer books challenge is back🏆

eNewspaper | Crosswords | Horoscopes

Books

Reporter Clare Mulroy shares bookish news and recommendations.

Thu Jun 11 2026

Clare Mulroy | Books Reporter

Happy Thursday, booklovers!

I’m sure you don’t need an excuse to read more, but if you’d like to make your summer reading a bit more competitive, I have an idea for you. Back by popular demand, USA TODAY’s Summer Book Challenge is live through Aug. 31. You could win $100 just by reading.

Here’s how it works: Download our bingo card and read books that fit in the categories. Submit your bingo card by filling out the online entry form . Be sure to read all instructions and fill the form out only once.

Summer 26 Book Challenge Headline Card Top

USA TODAY's Summer Book Challenge is now live.

Clare Mulroy and Alan Nguyen

Here’s an example of how I could fill it out:

•	Narrative nonfiction: "London Falling" by Patrick Radden Keefe
•	Set in a small town: "Into the Blue" by Emma Brodie
•	Free space
•	LGBTQ+ author: "John of John" by Douglas Stuart
•	Classic: "Animal Farm" by George Orwell

No cheating: Make sure you’re reading these books during the contest period (June 6-Aug. 31) and no doubling up. For example, “John of John” could have fit for either “set in a small town” or “LGBTQ+ author,” but I can only use it for one space. All correctly submitted entries will be entered in a giveaway. One lucky reader will be randomly selected for a $100 gift card to Bookshop.org.

How are you planning to get bingo? Let me know at cmulroy@usatoday.com or reach out on Instagram. Thanks for checking out USA TODAY Books this week!