Across Seattle, fourth and fifth graders are getting excited about books — specifically, eight books that range from a story about a 10-year-old sock detective to a graphic novel about an all-girls, hijab-wearing basketball team. This year’s Global Reading Challenge books have been selected!
The Global Reading Challenge is a 31-year-old reading incentive program that’s a collaboration between The Seattle Public Library and Seattle Public Schools. Fourth and fifth graders of all reading abilities are invited to read the selected books, and team up to compete in trivia competitions, which culminate in a March 31 City Final at the Central Library. The Global Reading Challenge is focused on reading skills, teamwork, discovery and FUN!
This year’s lineup includes eight titles that reflect diverse cultural communities and have strong appeal to kids, including two graphic novels and two books that are available in English and Spanish. Learn about the books in this video, which includes some of the authors, or read below.
Magnolia Wu Folds It All, by Chanel Miller
A self-proclaimed sock detective inside her parents’ New York City laundromat, 10-year-old Magnolia Wu and Iris, a new friend from California, set off across the city to solve the mystery of each missing sock, meeting people and uncovering the unimaginable along the way.
The Guardian Test, by Christina Soontornvat
Plum is a student at Guardian Academy, an elite school where kids learn how to transform into Guardians, magical creatures who are sworn to protect the natural world. But while her classmates begin to transform into amazing creatures, Plum struggles. What will happen if she can’t embrace her inner animal form?
Christopher Columbus and the Taino People, by Kate Messner and Jose Barreiro
Part of the “History Smashers” series, this nonfiction book tells the truth about Christopher Columbus, including that he never actually set foot in what is now the United States, and that when he arrived at islands in the Caribbean and along the coast of South America, Indigenous peoples, including the Taino, had been living there for thousands of years.
We Are Big Time, by Hena Khan
Inspired by a true story, when Aliya moves from Florida to Wisconsin, everything feels different, including that her new all-girls, hijab-wearing basketball team … well, stinks. Join Aliya and her teammates for a headline-making season where they strengthen their skills and their Muslim identities — while discovering that it takes more than talent to be great.
Lunar Boy, by Jessica Wibowo
In this graphic novel, Indu, a boy from the moon, feels like he doesn’t belong. He hasn’t since he and his adoptive mom disembarked from their spaceship–their home–to live on Earth with their new blended family. But after Indu asks the moon to to take him back, he begins to find friendship in unlikely places. Is Indu willing to give up what he’s just found?
Efrén Divided, by Ernesto Cisneros
Seventh-grader Efrén is mostly concerned with the upcoming school election, until his undocumented mother is deported. Efrén must step in to care for his five-year-old siblings, one of whom has a learning disability, while his father works two jobs. (Available in Spanish as well.)
Ellie Engle Saves Herself, by Leah Johnson
Unlike her best friend Abby, Ellie doesn’t stand out — and that’s the way she likes it. But when a freak earthquake hits her small town, Ellie wakes up with the power to bring anything back to life with just her touch. And then a video of her using her powers goes viral. How can Ellie survive middle school now?
The School for Invisible Boys, by Shaun David Hutchinson
When the normally unseen sixth grader Hector discovers he can turn invisible, he learns that he is not the only invisible boy at his school and there are worse things than bullies lurking the halls. (Available in Spanish.)
During the 2024-25 school year, more than 3,500 fourth and fifth graders in 72 SPS elementary schools participated, forming more than 500 teams.
The Global Reading Challenge is supported by The Seattle Public Library Foundation, the Loeb Family Charitable Foundations, the Northwest Literacy Foundation and Pemco Insurance.