The Great Reading Challenge (Den stora läsutmaningen)

The Great Reading Challenge is a nationwide initiative in Sweden designed to strengthen children’s reading habits by making reading both engaging and achievable. Built on the idea that reading is a skill that grows with practice, the challenge encourages students to read regularly over time—just like building physical endurance.

The initiative is aimed primarily at fourth-grade students and runs annually during the autumn term. Each student reads at their own level, based on their interests and abilities, with a shared goal: to develop reading stamina, expand vocabulary, and foster a lasting motivation to read.

Rather than focusing on performance or speed, The Great Reading Challenge measures total time spent reading. This approach creates an inclusive environment where every minute counts, and every reader can contribute—regardless of their starting point.

Each year, tens of thousands of students across Sweden participate. Together, they read over a million hours during the challenge period, demonstrating the collective power of small, daily reading habits. On average, participants read around 20 minutes per day—showing that consistent effort can lead to significant results.

The challenge culminates in a celebration of reading, where top-performing classes are recognized and rewarded. Beyond the competition, the initiative supports a broader culture of reading by engaging teachers, schools, and libraries across the country.

The Great Reading Challenge is a joint initiative by Adlibris, Bonnier Carlsen, Natur & Kultur, Rabén & Sjögren and the Bonnier Family Foundation, developed with support and insights from an Advisory Board consisting of Anne-Marie Körling, Martin Widmark, Marie Trapp, Marlen Eskander and Mats Myrberg. The aim is to make reading a natural part of everyday life, strengthen children’s language development, and introduce them to new reading experiences through engaging activities and meetings with authors.

Partners include Astrid Lindgren’s World, SF Studios, LasseMaja’s Detective House, and Quality Hotel Ekoxen.

At its core, The Great Reading Challenge is about more than reading more—it is about helping children discover the joy of reading, build confidence in their abilities, and strengthen the foundation for lifelong learning and participation in society.