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2022 Reading Challenge READING CHALLENGE
Omaha Public Library (OPL) invites readers to take on a challenge! In 2022, the annual Reading Challenge will be back with 12 themes for participants to tackle once per month, or at whatever pace they’d like throughout the year. As in years past, participants are encouraged to read one book for each of the 12 themes presented to help push them out of their reading comfort zone. Lists of suggestions for each month’s theme will be available at omahalibrary.org, as well as blog posts with even more ideas. Title suggestions will be geared toward adults, but readers of all ages may participate. For suggestions for younger readers, visit a local library branch or request a Custom Reading List. Beginning in January 2022, participants may visit their local branch to pick up their very own Reading Challenge notebook (while supplies last), which contains the details of the challenge and a place to track reading throughout the year. Once completed, participants can either fill out a paper form or submit their entries online for a chance to win a gift card to a local bookstore. Everyone who turns in a paper form or submits the online form will also receive a pin for completing.
Volume 28 • Issue 4 • Winter 2021-2022
Challenge participants can share what they’re reading on social media by tagging @omahalibrary on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Find more information at omahalibrary.org/reading-challenge.
2022
2021 Top Shelf For the past four years, OPL staff have compiled their favorite titles published in the previous year. The 2021 Top Shelf brings even more great books for OPL patrons to explore! Each year, these lists include selections for children, teens and adults across a variety of subjects. Take a look at a few of the 2021 Top Shelf titles. Questland by Carrie Vaughn If you like fantasy with a quest plotline, give this “Westworld” meets “Jurassic Park” adventure a try. Recommended by Chelsea Forker, clerk at Milton R. Abrahams Branch
January: Read a comic book/g raphic novel written/ illustrated by a woman February: Read a book abo ut sports March: Read a book from OP L’s 2021 Top Shelf April: Read a book about neu rodiversity May: Read a book by an Asi an American or Pacific Islander author June: Read a book about or featuring water July: Read a book about tra vel August: Read a book by a Mid western author September: Read a microhist ory October: Read a book menti oned on The Book Drop November: Read a book pub lished or set in the decade you were born December: Read a collection of short stories or essays
We Move Together by Kelly Fritsch, Anne McGuire and Eduardo Trejos This is a beautiful picture book showing the different ways that people navigate through the places and spaces around them. This book helps kids and adults alike begin conversations about disability, accessibility, social justice and community building.
Recommended by Jenna Garcia, executive secretary at OPL
Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean Fans of the movie “The Princess Diaries” or “What a Girl Wants” will love this story of a Japanese American teenager, Izumi Tanaka, who discovers her father is the crown prince of Japan.
Izzy travels to Japan and tries to become the daughter her father would want; but a handsome bodyguard, a traditional world of riches and royalty, and vindictive cousins seemingly thwart her dreams of a new life. Will Izumi embrace her new royal life or walk away from it? Recommended by Rebecca Bland, youth services librarian at Saddlebrook Branch
My Year Abroad by Chang-rae Lee With his incredible writing, Lee brings this new classic coming-of-age story to life. He illustrates what it is like to live in a new culture and come to terms with betrayals and lies.
Recommended by Rose Fennessy-Murphy, library specialist at Milton R. Abrahams Branch
Top Shelf titles for 2021 and 2017-2020 may be viewed at topshelf.omahalibrary.org.