There are several ways to participate in the Disability Reading Challenge — choose whatever level of involvement feels right for you.
Storygraph
Browse the prompts, track your reading, and explore hundreds of community-submitted book suggestions for each category.
Discord
Connect with fellow readers, recommend books, discuss each month’s prompt, and take part in gentle, low-pressure conversations about disability in literature.
Monthly (Virtual) Book Club
At the end of each month, we meet on Zoom to discuss the featured book together. These meetings are relaxed, welcoming, and optional. You also do not have to have read the entire book to join and participate in the discussion.
Stay Up to Date
Stay up to date on prompts, book club updates, recommendations, and new resources via founder Geetanshi Sharma’s newsletter on Substack, and on Instagram.
FAQs
Do I have to read a book for every prompt?
No — there is zero pressure to complete every prompt. The challenge is designed to be flexible and accessible. Read as many or as few prompts as you’d like, in whatever order works for you.
Can I join in the middle of the year?
Yes! You can join anytime. There’s no such thing as being “behind.” Many participants jump in with whichever prompt or book speaks to them at the moment.
Do audiobooks count?
Absolutely. Audiobooks, ebooks, graphic books, print books — all formats count. Read (or listen) in whatever format is most accessible and enjoyable for you.
Do I have to attend the monthly book club?
No. Book club meetings are totally optional and low-pressure. Some participants attend regularly, others drop in occasionally, and many never attend at all. You are welcome in any capacity.
Is this challenge only for disabled readers?
No. The challenge centers disabled authors, characters, and experiences — but readers of all identities are welcome. However, the space prioritizes accessibility, anti-ableism, and respect for disabled community values.
How do I join the Discord community?
Click the link on this page to join the server. The Discord is a welcoming space to share book recommendations, discuss the prompts, and connect with other readers. Participation is optional and can be as active or quiet as you want.
What happens in the Discord?
There are channels for book recommendations, monthly prompts, general conversation, and book club info. You can chat, ask questions, post what you’re reading, or simply observe.
What if I’m new to disability representation or disability justice?
You’re in the right place. This challenge is designed for readers at all levels — whether you’re just beginning to explore disability literature or looking to deepen your existing understanding.
Do I need to read the selected monthly book club pick?
No. You can participate in the challenge without ever reading the monthly book club pick. It’s just one of several ways to engage.
Can I suggest book recommendations?
Yes! You can share recommendations in the Discord community or on StoryGraph by adding books to each prompt. Community contributions are encouraged and appreciated.
Are the prompts the same every year?
Each year includes a new set of prompts with a focus on intersectional disability representation. Some may overlap thematically, but each challenge is unique.
Is the challenge free to join?
Yes — the challenge is completely free. Anyone can participate from anywhere in the world. That said, if you have the means, you can pay for a Substack Newsletter subscription to support the creator of the challenge!
Where can I get updates?
You can get updates in several ways:
- Join the Discord community
- Subscribe to the email newsletter
- Follow on Instagram (optional)
- Check the StoryGraph challenge page
All updates are also shared on the Book Club and Prompts pages.
What if I have accessibility needs or encounter barriers?
Please reach out. Accessibility is a core value of this challenge, and your feedback helps make the community more inclusive. You can use the contact form on this site or DM on Instagram.
The Disability Reading Challenge 