Let’s make 2026 amazing! If your New Year’s resolutions include reading more, be sure to sign up for the Amazing Book Challenge at Naperville Public Library. This reading program encourages adult and teen readers to branch out and discover new titles, genres and authors they might not pick up otherwise.

Each month, you’ll read a book that fits one of our 12 unique categories. Log your progress along the way to earn fun rewards. Complete all 12 categories, and you’ll score a Naperville Public Library umbrella and an entry into our end-of-year prize drawing.

Check out the category descriptions below, and visit www.naperville-lib.org/ABC for lists of book recommendations for each category.

Novel Newbies

Everyone starts somewhere. Even your favorite author was a debut writer at one time. Celebrate fresh voices and first-time storytellers making their mark by choosing a debut novel.

Go for the Gold

Ready, set, read! Whether you’re into fierce rivalries, photo finishes or underdog victories, this category brings the thrill of competition to the page. Pick your favorite because it’s game time!

Celebrity Book Club

This category features must-read recommendations from your favorite celebrities’ book clubs, including Reese Witherspoon, Jenna Bush Hager and Oprah Winfrey.

Undercover Authors

An author by any other name … would write a very different book! For this category, we’ll uncover the pen names authors use in place of their own.

Out of Order

Who says stories have to start at the beginning? This category is all about books with nonlinear narratives, broken timelines, fractured plots and stories that zig when you expect them to zag.

Unlikely Pairs

Sometimes the best friendships come from the most unexpected places. This category celebrates oddball duos, mismatched mates and surprising bonds that prove connection can bloom in the unlikeliest of places.

Farm to Page

Country reads, take me home! From heartwarming tales set under wide-open skies to rural dramas, this category will make you want to read ‘til the cows come home.

Hit the Road

Create the perfect playlist, fuel up on your favorite snacks and choose a road trip read that is sure to go the literary distance. Whether you’re in it for the miles or the memories, this category will drive you to keep turning the pages.

Thick as Thieves

Get ready for stories that steal the spotlight, and maybe a few priceless artifacts along the way. From daring museum heists to a perfectly planned getaway, stories in this category will keep you guessing … and their characters might just steal your heart.

Between Two Worlds

From journeys of displacement to the search for belonging, this category encourages readers to choose a story about an immigrant or refugee. Follow along as they navigate life between countries, cultures and identities.

On the Menu

Order up! From sizzling plots to savory characters, choose a baking- or cooking-themed story that serves up a feast of food, feelings and a little bit of kitchen chaos.

Snowed In

Baby, it’s cold outside! Grab your favorite mug and cozy blanket as you curl up with a snowy story that brings the chill and the charm of the winter season right to your fingertips.

Ashlee Conour is the marketing specialist at Naperville Public Library

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/08/naperville-library-books-amazing-challenge/