Book Bingo

Book Bingo – Fun for All Ages and Perfect for Fundraising

Book Bingo is a low-cost, flexible activity that’s perfect for schools, libraries, and community groups. Whether it’s Book Week, a school holiday program, or an online reading challenge, Book Bingo works for kids of all ages, even if they can’t yet read.

It’s easy to adapt for fundraising too. Schools and clubs can collect sponsorship pledges for each bingo line completed or each square achieved, turning a fun literacy activity into a profitable reading fundraiser.

📚 How to Play Book Bingo

The rules are simple:

1. Players cross off a square when they complete the reading challenge on it.

2. A Bingo is achieved when five squares in a row, column, or diagonal are crossed off.

3. Proof of achievement can include:

   • A photo with the book or action.

   • Logging the title and author.

   • A short review or summary for older students.

Important rule:
Each book can only be used for one square. For example, Becoming by Michelle Obama could count as an autobiography or a book by a female author or a book by a person of colour - but not all three.

📝 Free Printable Book Bingo Cards

Three themed bingo cards are available below to download and use:

1. Book Bingo for Kids

Ideal for Kindy and Prep, with fun prompts like finding certain characters, spotting colours, counting items, or identifying animals.

2. Action Book Bingo

Suitable for all ages, with creative challenges like reading in different places, wearing costumes, or using silly reading props.

3. Book Bingo for Teens

Perfect for Year 5 and up, with more advanced prompts focused on themes, genres, and deeper reading comprehension.

🔍 Book Scavenger Hunt – A Fun Alternative

For an even more flexible option, try the Book Scavenger Hunt. Instead of forming a straight line, players aim to complete as many squares as possible.

• Only five books are needed to start.

• No need to get stuck on a tricky square.

• Encourages more reading and exploration of different genres.

This variation is ideal for mixed-ability groups or reluctant readers who may find standard Bingo too structured.

💡 Why Book Bingo Works as a Fundraiser

• Inclusive and affordable Works for all ages and reading levels.

• Online or in-person Can be run anywhere, anytime.

• Encourages literacy Promotes reading in a fun way.

• Easy to monetise Through entry fees, sponsorship pledges, or donations.

📖 More Reading Fundraiser Ideas

For more inspiration, see our guide on How to Run a Read-a-thon, another creative way to combine literacy with fundraising success.

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