How to Keep a Reading Log That You Will Actually Use

A reading log is a simple list of what you read and when. It can help children build a daily habit, help adults remember the books they loved, and give classrooms an easy way to see progress. The trick is to keep it short enough that you will actually use it.

Set one clear goal

Choose a goal that fits your life. It might be twenty minutes a day, one book a week or twelve books a year. Write it on the first page so you can see it every time you open the log. A small goal you hit is better than a big one you quit.

Log each book in under a minute

For each book, record the date finished, the title, the author and the number of pages. Add a star rating. That is all you need, and it takes less than a minute. If you have to write a paragraph every time, the log will not last.

Write a short review for favorites

For books you loved, write a few lines: what happened, your favorite part and who you would give it to. Children can draw a favorite scene. These notes are useful later, when someone asks for a recommendation.

Track minutes for younger readers

A 30-day minutes chart turns daily reading into a game. Write the minutes in each day’s box and count the total at the end of the month. Celebrate when the total reaches the goal.

Try a reading challenge

Bingo cards with prompts, such as a mystery, a funny book or a book with a blue cover, push readers to try something new. They also help children who say they have nothing to read. A 100 book challenge page, where you color a circle for every book, makes progress easy to see.

Make it a habit

• Keep the log where you read, such as on the bedside table.
• Fill it in right after you finish, while you remember it.
• Read aloud together and log those books too.
• Reward the goal with something small, such as a trip to the library.

Use it in a classroom or book club

Teachers can send a monthly log home and ask for a signature. Book clubs can use the review pages to compare notes. Print a copy for each reader.

Printable reading logs

Our Reading Log and Book Tracker has twelve monthly logs, book review pages, a 100 book challenge, reading bingo and bookmarks. Try the free reading log sample first.

You can also browse every free sample on the Free Printables page, or see all digital downloads.