S.T.E.A.M. Race to Space

Reading Challenge

Sept. 25 – Oct. 16, 2026

Grades TK–12

Registration opens Sept. 4, 2026

Splashdown Celebration Nov. 14, 2026

How the Challenge Works

Three steps and key dates to know.

You'll use Beanstack, an online reading platform, to register, log reading, and track your challenge progress.

Astronaut sitting with a laptop.

Sign Up

Register for the challenge on Beanstack. Search "readsteam."

Registration opens:

Sept. 4, 2026

Astronaut reading a book in space.

Read

Read S.T.E.A.M. books and log your minutes on Beanstack.

Challenge dates:

Sept. 25 – Oct. 16, 2026

Astronaut having fun on a skateboard.

Win!

Complete goals to earn rewards and tickets for bonus drawings.

Submit tickets by:

Oct. 17, 2026

How to Register

Registration opens September 4

New to the challenge or need a refresher?

Watch this quick walkthrough to see how to register and navigate the challenge.

Watch on YouTube in: Español  •  한국어

Need more help? Visit Beanstack Help & FAQs on the Resources page.

Choose Your Reading Adventure

Find your age category to get started.

Starting September 4, register from your reading category page. Prizes are based on age; readers can choose books at any reading level.

Astronaut standing on a planet, holding a flag.

Picture Books

Ages: 4–6

Illustrated stories for reading aloud together and sharing

Goals • Books • Prizes

Picture Books
Cartoon planets Mercury, Venus, and Earth smiling with speech bubbles with their planet names.

Early Reader

Ages: 7–9

Shorter stories for emerging independent readers

Goals • Books • Prizes

Early Reader
Astronaut in space, looking at rocket ship, planets, constellations, and a landing pod with a parachute.

Middle Grade

Ages: 10–13

Longer chapter books for confident readers to explore

Goals • Books • Prizes

Middle Grade
Fantasy landscape with colorful mountain, dome, satellite, and geodesic domes.

Young Adult

Ages: 14–18

Deeper reads for teens and advanced middle grade

Goals • Books • Prizes

Young Adult

A Special Message for Our Readers

U.S. Senator Alex Padilla shares a special message with students and families participating in the 5th Annual S.T.E.A.M. Race to Space Reading Challenge.

Ver en español (YouTube)

Stay Connected to the Challenge

Choose the email updates that fit you.

Backpack, representing students.

Families

How to join, key dates, and prize winner announcements

Get Family Updates
Apple, representing teachers.

Teachers

Classroom bonus opportunities, key dates, and resources

Get Teacher Updates
Book, representing librarians.

Librarians

Early booklists, key dates, and ready-to-use promo materials

Get Librarian Updates

Sponsors & Community Partners

Every student deserves the chance to explore, learn, and imagine a future full of possibilities.

What Families and Educators Are Saying

A few notes from past seasons of the Reading Challenge

“This program inspired my son to keep exploring his passion for science. It made a real impact — thank you!”

Carolina G.

“The recommended booklists gave us so many great ideas. We look forward to the next Reading Challenge.”

Michelle H.

“The Reading Challenge helps students see how S.T.E.A.M. connects to the real world. Author Zoom sessions with students also attracted me.”

Dr. Alma Noche

Walnut STEAM Academy

“We’re now participating in the NASA Future Engineers Lunabotics contest. The Reading Challenge inspired me to look for new opportunities.”

Ms. Carol Hansen

de Portola Elementary

Join the Race to Space

Stay connected for registration news, key dates, and challenge updates.