What is 500 Books by 5th?

The 500 Books by 5th Grade Challenge encourages children to begin and continue to read independently throughout elementary school. By encouraging reading for fun, we are helping to develop strong reading skills that last and also fostering a lifelong desire to continue to learn.

The program also encourages children to read often, and read widely, exploring genres and types of books beyond what is assigned in school.

To participate, create an account using the link above and start logging your child’s reading. Reading can be logged from any device with a web browser or by using the Beanstack Tracker app available for Android and iOS. See our FAQ below for more information.

Is it possible to read 500 books throughout elementary school?

• 2 books a week for 6 years = 624 books
• Less than two books a week gets you 500 books before you’re done with 5th grade!
• If you read 3 books a week, you will be at 500 books by 3rd grade!

You can:

• Read a comic book, graphic novel, mystery, fantasy, novel in verse, factual book, or any other genre you can think up!
• Read the same book over and over (and over and over)
• Read in any language
• Log stories read during school classes, book clubs, and other activities

Frequently Asked Questions for Parents:

Should the account be registered under my name or my child’s name?
Accounts should be created in the child’s name.

Can my child record a book read before we registered?
No. The program begins on the day you register, and you only count books you read after registration.

My child read a very short comic book. Does that really count?
Yes! All books count, no matter the length.

My child likes to read the same book over and over again. How do I count that?
On Mobile:
– Open your Log
– Select the title from your Completed list
– Select Log Reading
– Select Quick Complete

From a Browser:
– Select Reading Log
– Select All Reading Logged
– Select Completed Titles, then select the title
– Select Edit (pencil icon) and change the read count

My child’s teacher read them a book in class. Can they count that book?
Yes. Any book that is read aloud to your child counts, regardless of the reader.

Do the books need to be library books?
No. Any book counts.

My child likes to listen to books on the computer / iPad / eReader/ etc. Can they record that book?
Yes. As long as your child listens to the entire book, it counts.

This program would not be possible without the generous support of the Friends of the Orion Township Library. Please help us keep this program and others alive for our community. Join or donate to the Friends today.