May 2026 Mini-Challenge
*This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no expense to you.*
Could there be any more books to read?
Nope, we’re not on a break. The May 2026 Mini-Challenge is officially here, and it’s time to “pivot” your reading habits! This month’s mini was inspired by a classic, long-running, coffee-shop-loving TV series. While there may not be any holiday armadillos or smelly cats, it’s a moo point because we do have three new prompts for you. And when it comes to reading challenges, you know, The 52 Book Club will always be there for you!
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 May Mini-Challenge work?
This May Mini-Challenge was inspired by a long-running (and favourite of many) television series. Similar to many of our other minis, this challenge is made up of three different prompts. Match one book to each prompt and start reading.
The catch?
After each book, we want you to PIVOT. Each book for this challenge should be published in a different decade. For example: Your first book could be published in the 90s, your next in the 2010s, and your third in the 1940s.
Three books. Published in three different decades.
You can choose any three decades. (A decade is a time span of ten years. Our current decade is the 2020’s, running from 2020-2029.) Books you choose can fall anywhere within a decade. For example, you might choose a book published in 2019 as your first decade and a book published in 2020 as your second decade, even though those are only one year apart.
This is not related to the setting of the book. Books can be set during any time period.
You can find the challenge on Storygraph here.
You can see more details about our May Mini-Challenge on YouTube here:
Downloads & Printables:
Don’t forget to share your May Mini-Challenge on your socials and tag @the52bookclub or use #the52bookclub2026 — we love seeing what you’re reading!
May Mini-Challenge Stickers:
May 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!
Prompt Walkthrough:
Prompt 1: A coffee shop scene
For this prompt, choose any book that includes a coffee shop scene. This may be a single scene within the book, or a setting that occurs frequently throughout.
Goodreads List: A coffee shop scene
Prompt 2: Character has a roommate
For your second book, don’t forget to choose a book published in a different decade than prompts 1 and 3.
Choose any book in which the character has a roommate. A roommate is someone who shares a living space with our main character. This may also be referred to as a “flatmate” or “housemate.” They’re not usually family, nor are they romantically involved (although that may develop or change over time). The character with a roommate may be the main character or a secondary character. They may have multiple roommates or just one.
As a creative interpretation, a main character may refer to their pet as a “roommate.”
Goodreads List: Character has a roommate
Prompt 3: “I’ll be there for you.”
For prompt three, don’t forget to use a book published in a different decade from prompts one and two.
The phrase “I’ll be there for you” should somehow relate to your prompt three choice. This may be part of the title, subtitle, plot, book description, character relationships, dialogue, etc.
A common choice for this prompt may feature characters who are always there for each other—strong friendships, romantic relationships, siblings, found family, etc. This could be a character who is extremely loyal, a book featuring wedding vows, Sam and Frodo, etc. As a twist, you might choose a thriller featuring a stalker or someone who is always “there” for someone in a negative way.
Goodreads List: I’ll be there for you
Mini-challenge tips:
1) Do I have to complete this challenge in May?
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 64 prompts for the year so far. Your challenge, your rules!