Choose search type

200 Books Before Middle School

200 Books Before logo featuring the title hollowed out of an illustration of a book on a purple tinted background image of a bookshelf.

About the Challenge

Books Before… is a set of programs designed to grow with the reader. Our 200 Books Before Middle School program is intended for elementary-aged children in grades K-5.

Why 200 Books?

  • The program was inspired by the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten challenge.
  • Reading on a regular basis during the elementary school years helps children to develop and maintain a variety of valuable skills:
    • Language awareness
    • Imagination and creativity
    • Empathy and social skills
  • Participating in this program while children are young helps instill a lifelong love of reading and sets them on the path to academic success.

How it Works

  • Use the online registration form or visit the Youth Services desk to enroll.
  • Write down the title of each book you complete on your reading log.
  • Rate each book on a scale of 1 to 5 stars.
  • For every 25 books read …
    • Bring your reading log to the Youth Services desk.
    • Earn a prize!
    • Get your name in our bimonthly program guide.

Prize Information

  • 25, 75, 125 and 175 books: Choose from an assortment of “way to go!” prizes.
  • 50, 100 and 150 books: Pick a free book from our prize basket. 
  • 200 Books: Receive a Certificate of Achievement and a free book. 

Questions?

Have questions? Give us a call or use the contact form on our website to reach the Youth Services team. We’re happy to help!

A staff member sits at the Mishawaka Youth Services desk and looks at a patron while smiling. The patron faces the staff member and speaks.