The Different Shades of Black Reading Bingo Challenge is back for 2026, and I am excited to share this updated version with you. This annual reading challenge is designed for readers who want to be intentional about reading Black-authored books without turning reading into a chore. This challenge was created to celebrate Black stories across genres, experiences, and voices, while still keeping things fun and low pressure.

If you enjoy reading with a little structure but do not want a rigid list, this bingo-style challenge is a great fit. You can move at your own pace, choose books that genuinely interest you, and still stretch your reading in new directions.

What Is the Different Shades of Black Reading Bingo Challenge?

This challenge works especially well for adult readers who enjoy book bingo, flexible reading prompts, and discovering new-to-them Black authors.

This challenge is a bingo board made up of prompts that highlight the range and depth of Black storytelling. The squares are designed to encourage variety, not perfection. Some prompts may feel easy based on what you already read, while others might gently push you toward something new.

You do not need to complete the entire board to participate. One row, one column, a diagonal, or even just a few squares all count. The goal is intention, not pressure.

What’s New for 2026

The 2026 board has been refreshed with clearer prompts and a better balance of genres, themes, and formats. I focused on making sure the squares could work with both fiction and nonfiction where possible, and that readers could interpret them in a way that makes sense for their own reading life.

This update also reflects the way many of us actually read now. Audiobooks, graphic novels, short story collections, and rereads are all welcome. If it helps you read more Black-authored books with joy, it belongs here.

How to Use the Bingo Board

Start by saving or printing the bingo board so it is easy to reference throughout the year. When you finish a book that fits a prompt, mark off the square. A single book can only be used for one square, which helps keep the challenge varied.

If a prompt feels unclear, trust your interpretation. This is your challenge, and flexibility is built in.

Some readers like to plan their books ahead of time, while others prefer to fill in squares as they go. Both approaches work.

Reading Is Not a Competition

This challenge is not about reading the most books or finishing before anyone else. It is about celebrating Black stories and being mindful of what you are choosing to read.

If you fall behind, take a break, or decide to stop altogether, that is okay. You can always come back to the board later, even after 2026 ends.

Download the 2026 Bingo Board

You can download the 2026 Different Shades of Black Reading Bingo board directly from my shop. It is designed to be printer-friendly and works just as well digitally if you prefer to track your reading on your tablet or phone.

If you like having everything in one place, I also recommend pairing the bingo board with my reading tracker spreadsheet or book review journal, which makes it easier to keep notes on what you read for each square.

Join Me for the Challenge

I will be sharing my progress, recommendations, and occasional check-ins throughout the year. If you are doing the challenge too, I would love to see what you are reading and which squares you are filling.

Whether you complete one square or the whole board, I hope the 2026 Different Shades of Black Reading Bingo Challenge adds a little joy and intention to your reading year.

Share Your Progress

If you are sharing your progress online, feel free to tag me or use hashtags like #DifferentShadesOfBlackReading so we can cheer each other on.

Happy reading!