February 2026 Mini-Challenge
*This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no expense to you.*
This or that? This month’s mini-challenge was inspired by three different book titles, giving readers a bookish “this or that” to choose from! Which word will decide your next book choice?
I’m new here! What are mini-challenges?
Mini-challenges are smaller, month-long reading challenges, typically comprised of three prompts and built around a specific theme. Mini-challenges are released sporadically throughout the year, and not every month has one. Match one book to each of the prompts and have fun reading!
To ensure you don’t miss any future 52 Book Club mini-challenges, don’t forget to sign up for e-mails!
How does this February Mini-Challenge work?
This February Mini-Challenge is a bookish “this or that” challenge, inspired by three different book titles. For each prompt, choose one of the two words to use as inspiration for your next book choice.
For example, prompt one is “Scarlet” or “Letter.” Choose either the word “Scarlet” or the word “Letter” as inspiration for your book choice. The word can relate to the title, characters, plot, theme, cover design, author, a specific scene or element in the story, etc. Get as creative as you like with it (and if you need some ideas to get the creativity flowing, we’ve got some suggestions below to get you started.)
This month, you’ll match one book to each prompt for a total of three mini-challenge reads. However, as an optional add-on, some members may choose to be extra ambitious and pair books with all six words on this challenge.
You can find the challenge on Storygraph here.
You can see more details about our February Mini-Challenge on YouTube here:
The February Mini-Challenge:
Downloads & Printables:
Don’t forget to share your February Mini-Challenge on your socials and tag @the52bookclub or use #the52bookclub2026 — we love to see what you’re reading!
February Mini-Challenge Stickers:
February Mini-Challenge stickers are available now at PlanItWithStickers.com as a one-time purchase. This optional add-on includes two sticker sheets featuring this month’s mini and is perfect for those who enjoy journaling or using physical trackers to record their mini-challenge reads. You can find all the details at www.planitwithstickers.com!
For members looking for the 2026 Sticker Subscription (mini-challenge sticker purchase renews automatically every month), you can find that here.
Prompt Walkthrough:
1. SCARLET or LETTER: For this prompt, choose between the words “scarlet” or “letter” as the inspiration for your next book choice. Pick one, then match a book to that word.
SCARLET: For this choice, you might choose a book with the word “Scarlet” in the title or subtitle. Scarlet may relate to a character’s name or the author’s name. You might choose a book with a scarlet-coloured cover, or a scarlet object on the cover. The colour or word might also somehow tie in to a specific scene, theme, or plot point.
LETTER: For this option, you might choose a book with the word “letter” in the cover or subtitle. The book may feature a letter on the cover design or incorporate letters or letter writing as part of the story. It may or may not be an epistolary. The word may relate to the character or author’s last name (for example: “Letterman”) or have a postal worker as a character within the book. A character may write a letter in a pivotal scene within the book, or a letter may be featured as part of a clue in a mystery.
The word “letter” could also refer to a symbol of the alphabet. As a secondary approach, you might choose a book that strongly features a specific letter of the alphabet or a book that features the alphabet in a creative or unique way. (For example: The ABC Murders by Agatha Christie, Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn, or A is for Alibi by Sue Grafton.)
For either of these options, you may also choose to read the book that originally inspired this “this or that” prompt, The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne.
2. CRIME or PUNISHMENT: Inspired by the classic Russian novel, Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky, readers can choose either the word “crime” or the word “punishment” for this prompt.
CRIME: For this option, choose any book related to the word “crime.” This lends itself towards genres like mysteries, true crime, or thrillers, but can feature a crime in any genre. The crime may play a key part in the story, or it may be a crime that appears as a secondary plot point or in a specific scene within the book.
PUNISHMENT: Choose any book that somehow relates to the word “punishment.” This may be part of the title, theme, plot, etc. It could feature a character who is in jail or who is battling legal proceedings for a crime. It could relate to a single scene within the book (for example, a character who receives a fine for speeding, or a child who gets a time-out) or relate to a larger portion of the book (for example, a dark romance).
3. FOURTH or WING: Our final prompt was inspired by the popular and much more modern book, Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros. For this prompt, choose any book somehow connected to the word “fourth” or the word “wing.”
FOURTH: For this option, choose any book related to the word “fourth.” This may be the fourth book in a series, the fourth book published by a specific author, or the fourth book released by a specific publisher this year. It may feature the number four in the title, or the number may play a key role in the plot or theme. It may relate to a character (example: Ivan IV or Edward IV) or a time period (set in the 4th century). It may be the fourth edition of a book, or a book that you start on the fourth day of the month. Get creative and have fun with it!
WING: Choose any book related to the word “wing.” This could be any book featuring a bird, flying insect, or creature (mythological or otherwise). It could also be a book featuring aviation, a character who is a pilot, etc. A wing could appear on the cover of the book, in the title, relate to a character, plot, author’s name (example: Wing, Wingate, Wingfield), etc.
The word “wing” has several other definitions or meanings within the English language, and any of these could serve as inspiration for your interpretation of this prompt. “Wing” could relate to a character who acts as a “wingman” in a specific scene, or to a book that is set in a specific “wing of a building” (for example, a maternity ward as a wing of a hospital). It could reference a scene in which a character decides to “wing it” or a book about theatre and a character who is “waiting in the wings.”
Mini-challenge tips:
1) Do I have to complete this challenge in February?
No, feel free to complete this mini-challenge whenever you like. Some members prefer to focus on finishing the main 2026 challenge first, and then go back to complete all the minis afterward. Others enjoy the added challenge of completing mini-challenges in the month they’re released. Do whatever works for you!
2) Is this a part of the main 52 books in 52 weeks challenge?
Yes and no. Mini-challenges are related to our 52 books in 52 weeks challenge, but are also completely optional. Some members may decide to complete the full challenge and all the minis. Other members may choose to skip mini-challenges or to complete some of the minis but not all of them. Some challenge participants might only be joining in for the minis. It’s up to you how (or if) you’d like to participate.
3) Can I use the same books as my 52 book challenge?
It all depends on your personal reading goals! You can choose to read these books in addition to your regular 52 Book Club reads, or you can double up and combine them with prompts still left on your 2026 list. This challenge makes 55 prompts for the year so far. Your challenge, your rules!