AHA Reads
In our busy lives, it can be difficult to find time to read for fun—or to read at all! Yet one of the most enjoyable parts of our work as historians is reading scholarship about the past and discussing that work with others.
The AHA presents the second annual Summer Reading Challenge. To complete the challenge, participants complete a row on the bingo card (three reading tasks) in the months of June, July, and August. These tasks encourage you to read widely—outside your field, your areas of expertise, and your personal experiences. For these tasks, we define “a history” as nonfiction of any length—a book, an article, a chapter. And you can fulfill these tasks however you’d like. You define for yourself the parameters of a classic, a day job different from your own, or your identity group.
And we’re hoping you’ll talk about how you’re fulfilling the challenge. We encourage participants to post about what they’re reading for this challenge on the AHA Member Forum or on social media using the hashtag #AHAReads.
Want a paper copy? Tear off the back cover of the May issue of Perspectives on History or download a PDF here.
Want to play along with your children or your students? This year, we’ve also made a kids’ version! (Download a PDF here.)
For those who met the reading goals (completing a row on the bingo card), congratulations! We have a small token of appreciation you can download as a PDF.
Bookstore Partners
This year, the AHA is partnering with DC-area independent bookstores. Participants can pick up bingo cards at these locations.
645 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Unit 100
Washington, DC 20003
11911 Freedom Drive
Reston, VA, 20190
AHA Reads Media Toolkit
The AHA has developed a media toolkit for members of the press and organizations interested in sharing the challenge with their constituencies. You are welcome to adapt our template for articles and email marketing. We also encourage you to share the AHA Reads Twitter card and bingo cards for adults and children.
Follow along with #AHAReads on social media.