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1. First Day of Fall
September 22nd marks the first official day of the fall season! This is marked by the autumnal equinox. After the autumnal equinox, the sun is rising later and nightfall comes sooner, and it stays this way until winter begins.
a. Read a book that contains a 2 in the page number: Kindred (287 pages), Looking for Alaska (221 pages), Majesty (320 pages), Princess: A True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia (288 pages), Thirteen Reasons Why (352 pages)
b. Read a book published in September, October, or November: American Royals (September), Majesty (September), Princess: A True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia (September), Station Eleven (September), Thirteen Reasons Why (October)
c. Read a book in which a significant event takes place at night: Camino Winds,
2. National Read a Book Day
Our favorite holiday!
a. Read a book by a new-to-you author: American Royals by Katharine McGee,
b. Read a book that is the next in a series you've already started: Majesty
c. Read a book that can be read in one day: Camino Winds, Majesty, A River in Darkness: One Man's Escape from North Korea
3. Fall or Autumn?
Do you call this season fall or autumn? According to Merriam-Webster, the word autumn is the older of the two, but many poets used the term "the fall of the leaves", which was eventually shortened to "fall". Whatever you call it, it is upon us! (You can read more about the differences between fall and autumn here.)
a. Read a book whose title starts with a letter in FALL or AUTUMN: American Royals,Jay Asher Looking for Alaska, Majesty, Thirteen Reasons Why
b. Read a book by an author whose first or last name starts with A or F: Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
c. Read a book that shows leaves on the cover: Camino Winds
4. September Birthday: Shel Silverstein
Famous poet Shel Silverstein was born on September 25, 1930. While most know him for his silly poetry in Where the Sidewalk Ends, few people know that he is also a Grammy winner. He wrote Johnny Cash's famous hit song "A Boy Named Sue", and earned a Grammy for this songwriting.
b. Read a book written between 1930 and 1999:
A Light in the Attic

1. Pumpkin Spice Everything
Pumpkin Spice is an American spice blend that is used in baking pumpkin pie. It is generally a blend of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and sometimes allspice. When Starbucks introduced the Pumpkin Spice Latte, the use of pumpkin spice in fall drinks and food rose to popularity.
a. Read a book that has orange on the cover.
b. Read a book whose title starts with a letter in SPICE: Camino Winds, Princess: A True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia, Station Eleven
c. Read a book in which food plays a role in the book:
2. October Birthday: R.L. Stine
R.L. Stine was born on October 8, 1943 in Ohio. He's best known for his Goosebumps series, which have frightened and delighted kids since 1992. He's also written for TV shows and has published humorous books, and his favorite thriller is Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury.
a. Read a children's or YA book.
b. Read a book in which the title starts with a letter in GOOSEBUMPS: Princess: A True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia, Station Eleven
c. Read a book by R.L. Stine or Ray Bradbury.
3. World Mental Health Day
In 1992, the World Federation of Mental Health created World Mental Health Day, celebrated on October 10 each year. The primary objective of this day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilize efforts in support of mental health.
a. Read a book where one of the author's initials is found in MENTAL HEALTH: American Royals by Katharine McGee, Majesty by Katharine McGee, Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
b. Read a book featuring a healthcare worker.
c. Read a book featuring a character who struggles with their mental health.
4. Halloween
Halloween, or All Hallow's Eve, is celebrated the night before the Christian holiday of All Souls Day. Traditions for Halloween vary, but often include a mixture of fall and fantastical activities.
c. Read a book that won or was nominated for the Bram Stoker Award or the Shirley Jackson Award: The Cabin at the End of the World (Bram Stoker award 2019)

1. National Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day
Why is this a holiday? We aren't sure. But we will celebrate with a bar of our favorite chocolate, if only because now we have a great excuse.
a. Read a book that has brown on the cover.
b. Read a book featuring a main character whose name starts with a letter in HERSHEYS: American Royals (Samantha),
c. Read a book featuring an eccentric ("nutty") character: Station Eleven (The Prophet)
2. November for Beginners
In her poem "November for Beginners", Rita Dove describes the gloominess and in-between feeling of the month of November, and looks forward to spring. To read more about Rita Dove, click here.
c. Read a book by an author who won or was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, National Book Critics Award, NAACP Image Award, or a National Book Award:
Kindred by Octavia E. Butler (NAACP nominee 2005)
3. But it's spring?
It's only autumn in the northern hemisphere. While we descend into the cold winter days, our southern friends are welcoming the sunshine and springtime. "In spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt." - Margaret Atwood
b. Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the phrase SMELL LIKE DIRT: A River in Darkness: One Man's Escape from North Korea by Masaji Ishikawa,
- Goodread's 2020 Big Books of Spring: The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires
- Modern Mrs. Darcy's Springtime Reading List: Anne of Green Gables, A Room with a View
- InspireMe's Books to Read in the Spring: Absent in the Spring, A Room with a View
- Quartz's Perfect Books for the Season: Circe, The Idiot, Less
4. November Birthday: C.S. Lewis and Madeleine L'Engle
Two novelists most well known for their ability to transport children to new worlds were born on the same day - November 29! Lewis, born in 1898, is best known for his Narnia series and Christian writings. L'Engle, born in 1918, is best known for her Time Quintet series, which many believe have Christian underpinnings.
c. Read a book written by either C.S. Lewis or Madeleine L'Engle: The Magician's Nephew

1. First Day of Fall
π Read a book in which a significant event takes place at night:
The Loop
2. National Read a Book Day
π Read a book by a new-to-you author:
Upright Women Wanted
3. Fall or Autumn?
Do you call this season fall or autumn? According to Merriam-Webster, the word autumn is the older of the two, but many poets used the term "the fall of the leaves", which was eventually shortened to "fall". Whatever you call it, it is upon us! (You can read more about the differences between fall and autumn here.)
b. Read a book by an author whose first or last name starts with A or F:
c. Read a book that shows leaves on the cover:
4. September Birthday: Shel Silverstein
Famous poet Shel Silverstein was born on September 25, 1930. While most know him for his silly poetry in Where the Sidewalk Ends, few people know that he is also a Grammy winner. He wrote Johnny Cash's famous hit song "A Boy Named Sue", and earned a Grammy for this songwriting.
a. Read a humorous book
c. Read a book by an author named Sue or with a character named Sue (reasonable variations like Susan, Susanne, or Suzette are allowed.)
OCTOBER
1. Pumpkin Spice Everything
π Read a book that has orange on the cover: The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires
2. October Birthday: R.L. Stine
R.L. Stine was born on October 8, 1943 in Ohio. He's best known for his Goosebumps series, which have frightened and delighted kids since 1992. He's also written for TV shows and has published humorous books, and his favorite thriller is Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury.
a. Read a children's or YA book.
c. Read a book by R.L. Stine or Ray Bradbury.
3. World Mental Health Day
π Read a book featuring a character who struggles with their mental health:
The Night Visitors
4. Halloween
π Read a horror book: A Head Full of Ghosts
NOVEMBER
1. National Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day
Why is this a holiday? We aren't sure. But we will celebrate with a bar of our favorite chocolate, if only because now we have a great excuse.
a. Read a book that has brown on the cover.
c. Read a book featuring an eccentric ("nutty") character:
2. November for Beginners
In her poem "November for Beginners", Rita Dove describes the gloominess and in-between feeling of the month of November, and looks forward to spring. To read more about Rita Dove, click here.
a. Read a book whose title features at least one word that is mentioned in the poem (word must be 4 letters or longer).
b. Read a collection of poetry or a book written in verse.
3. But it's spring?
π» Read a book with a green or yellow cover:
Every Last Secret
4. November Birthday: C.S. Lewis and Madeleine L'Engle
Two novelists most well known for their ability to transport children to new worlds were born on the same day - November 29! Lewis, born in 1898, is best known for his Narnia series and Christian writings. L'Engle, born in 1918, is best known for her Time Quintet series, which many believe have Christian underpinnings.
a. Read a fantasy novel.
b. Read a book with religious themes:

1. First Day of Fall
September 22nd marks the first official day of the fall season! This is marked by the autumnal equinox. After the autumnal equinox, the sun is rising later and nightfall comes sooner, and it stays this way until winter begins.
a. Read a book that contains a 2 in the page number:
c. Read a book in which a significant event takes place at night: The Loop
2. National Read a Book Day
Our favorite holiday!
a. Read a book by a new-to-you author:
c. Read a book that can be read in one day: Upright Women Wanted
3. Fall or Autumn?
Do you call this season fall or autumn? According to Merriam-Webster, the word autumn is the older of the two, but many poets used the term "the fall of the leaves", which was eventually shortened to "fall". Whatever you call it, it is upon us! (You can read more about the differences between fall and autumn here.)
b. Read a book by an author whose first or last name starts with A or F:
c. Read a book that shows leaves on the cover:
4. September Birthday: Shel Silverstein
Famous poet Shel Silverstein was born on September 25, 1930. While most know him for his silly poetry in Where the Sidewalk Ends, few people know that he is also a Grammy winner. He wrote Johnny Cash's famous hit song "A Boy Named Sue", and earned a Grammy for this songwriting.
a. Read a humorous book
c. Read a book by an author named Sue or with a character named Sue (reasonable variations like Susan, Susanne, or Suzette are allowed.)
OCTOBER
1. Pumpkin Spice Everything
Pumpkin Spice is an American spice blend that is used in baking pumpkin pie. It is generally a blend of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and sometimes allspice. When Starbucks introduced the Pumpkin Spice Latte, the use of pumpkin spice in fall drinks and food rose to popularity.
a. Read a book that has orange on the cover.
c. Read a book in which food plays a role in the book:
2. October Birthday: R.L. Stine
R.L. Stine was born on October 8, 1943 in Ohio. He's best known for his Goosebumps series, which have frightened and delighted kids since 1992. He's also written for TV shows and has published humorous books, and his favorite thriller is Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury.
a. Read a children's or YA book.
c. Read a book by R.L. Stine or Ray Bradbury.
3. World Mental Health Day
In 1992, the World Federation of Mental Health created World Mental Health Day, celebrated on October 10 each year. The primary objective of this day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilize efforts in support of mental health.
b. Read a book featuring a healthcare worker.
c. Read a book featuring a character who struggles with their mental health.
4. Halloween
Halloween, or All Hallow's Eve, is celebrated the night before the Christian holiday of All Souls Day. Traditions for Halloween vary, but often include a mixture of fall and fantastical activities.
a. Read a horror book: A Head Full of Ghosts
b. Read a book in which the main character has a disguise.
NOVEMBER
1. National Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day
Why is this a holiday? We aren't sure. But we will celebrate with a bar of our favorite chocolate, if only because now we have a great excuse.
a. Read a book that has brown on the cover.
c. Read a book featuring an eccentric ("nutty") character:
2. November for Beginners
In her poem "November for Beginners", Rita Dove describes the gloominess and in-between feeling of the month of November, and looks forward to spring. To read more about Rita Dove, click here.
a. Read a book whose title features at least one word that is mentioned in the poem (word must be 4 letters or longer).
b. Read a collection of poetry or a book written in verse.
3. But it's spring?
It's only autumn in the northern hemisphere. While we descend into the cold winter days, our southern friends are welcoming the sunshine and springtime. "In spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt." - Margaret Atwood
a. Read a book with a green or yellow cover.
c. Read a book found on one of these lists:
- Goodread's 2020 Big Books of Spring: The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires
- Modern Mrs. Darcy's Springtime Reading List: Anne of Green Gables, A Room with a View
- InspireMe's Books to Read in the Spring: Absent in the Spring, A Room with a View
- Quartz's Perfect Books for the Season: Circe, The Idiot, Less
4. November Birthday: C.S. Lewis and Madeleine L'Engle
Two novelists most well known for their ability to transport children to new worlds were born on the same day - November 29! Lewis, born in 1898, is best known for his Narnia series and Christian writings. L'Engle, born in 1918, is best known for her Time Quintet series, which many believe have Christian underpinnings.
a. Read a fantasy novel.
b. Read a book with religious themes:
Books mentioned in this topic
The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires (other topics)Every Last Secret (other topics)
The Night Visitors (other topics)
The Loop (other topics)
The Loop (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Jay Asher (other topics)Emily St. John Mandel (other topics)
Octavia E. Butler (other topics)
Masaji Ishikawa (other topics)
Emily St. John Mandel (other topics)
More...
1. First Day of Fall
π Read a book published in September, October, or November: Majesty (September), Princess: A True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia (September)
2. National Read a Book Day
π Read a book that is the next in a series you've already started: Majesty
3. Fall or Autumn?
π Read a book whose title starts with a letter in FALL or AUTUMN: American Royals
4. September Birthday: Shel Silverstein
π Read a book written between 1930 and 1999:
A Light in the Attic
OCTOBER
1. Pumpkin Spice Everything
π Read a book whose title starts with a letter in SPICE: Camino Winds
2. October Birthday: R.L. Stine
π Read a book in which the title starts with a letter in GOOSEBUMPS: Oona Out of Order
3. World Mental Health Day
π Read a book where one of the author's initials is found in MENTAL HEALTH: Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
4. Halloween
π Read a book that won or was nominated for the Bram Stoker Award or the Shirley Jackson Award: The Cabin at the End of the World
NOVEMBER
1. National Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day
π» Read a book featuring a main character whose name starts with a letter in HERSHEYS: Thirteen Reasons Why (Hannah)
2. November for Beginners
π»Read a book by an author who won or was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, National Book Critics Award, NAACP Image Award, or a National Book Award:
Kindred by Octavia E. Butler (NAACP nominee 2005)
3. But it's spring?
π»Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the phrase SMELL LIKE DIRT: A River in Darkness: One Man's Escape from North Korea by Masaji Ishikawa
4. November Birthday: C.S. Lewis and Madeleine L'Engle
π» Read a book written by either C.S. Lewis or Madeleine L'Engle: The Magician's Nephew