Victorian Premier's Reading Challenge 2026
Lakeside College
‘Stories to Discover. Stories to Tell.’
We are thrilled to announce that all Primary students have been enrolled in the Victorian Premier’s Reading Challenge this year! The Challenge runs from Monday 16th March through to Friday 28th of August 2026 and is a wonderful opportunity for our students to dive into the world of books, stories, and imagination.
What is the Premier’s Reading Challenge?
Now in its 21st year, the Challenge has inspired an extraordinary love of reading across Victoria. Since it began in 2005, more than 4.7 million students have collectively read over 66 million books and this year, your child will add to that remarkable story!
The Challenge:
• Encourages the joy of reading
• Welcomes all children from birth to Year 10 to participate
• Can be tailored to individual needs — every reader is celebrated!
Reading Targets by Year Level
During the Challenge, students read a set number of books matched to their level. While targets can always be adjusted for individual needs, the general guide is:
Year Level | Total Books to Read | From Challenge Book List |
| Prep – Year 2 | 30 books | 20 or more |
| Year 3 – Year 9 | 15 books | 10 or more |
Reading at School
Our teachers will be uploading books read aloud and explored in class directly to each student’s Challenge profile, ensuring every story shared at school counts towards the total. This is a wonderful way for your child’s reading journey to be recognised both in and out of the classroom.
Reading at Home — What You Need to Do
A letter will be coming home on Monday, March 16th with your child’s individual login details and step-by-step instructions on how to upload books read at home to their Challenge profile. Every book your child reads at home, picture books, novels and non-fiction can be logged and celebrated!
Tips for families:
• Log books as you go — even picture books for younger readers count!
• Bedtime stories, shared reads, and re-reads of old favourites all contribute
• Students can read books from the Challenge book list or beyond, so please follow your child’s interests!
Explore the Challenge Book List
Looking for a great book to kick off the Challenge? Browse the curated book list at: vprc.eduweb.vic.gov.au/searchbooklist. The list is searchable by age, genre, and interest — perfect for finding the next great adventure.
We can’t wait to see the stories our community discovers and tells this year. Let’s read together!
If you have any questions please reach out to your child’s classroom teacher.
Happy reading!