EARLY READER • Ages 7–9
Early Reader Reading Challenge
Take off on your next reading mission. Explore S.T.E.A.M. stories, meet curious characters, and discover new favorites as you read.
Registration opens: Sept. 4, 2026
Challenge runs: Sept. 25 – Oct. 16, 2026
Join the email list for registration reminders and challenge news.
Explore this page
Your Mission
Start with the Base Goal, then keep reading to reach Bonus Goals and earn more virtual tickets.
Registration opens September 4. During the challenge, readers use Beanstack, an online platform, to track reading and submit virtual tickets.
Base Goal
Read or be read to for 150 minutes
Earn 5 virtual tickets and a reward package.
Bonus Goals
Read or be read to 30 more minutes
Earn 3 virtual tickets each time.
Virtual Tickets
Choose bonus drawings to enter
Use your virtual tickets for bonus drawings.
Rewards & Bonus Drawings
Every reading mission deserves to be celebrated.
Readers who complete their Base Goal earn digital badges, virtual tickets, a certificate of completion, and a reward package.
Keep going beyond the Base Goal to earn extra virtual tickets for bonus drawings.
Sneak peek below: bonus drawing items, reward package goodies, and certificate example. More items are coming soon. Reward package contents may vary.
Submit virtual tickets by October 17
To enter bonus drawings, submit your virtual tickets in Beanstack by October 17, 2026.
Winners will be notified by email by November 1, 2026.
Author Messages • Ages 7–9
Meet Your Reading Guardians
Your Reading Guardians have special messages to share. Press play and learn about the stories they brought to life.
Watch a Message from Your Reading Guardians
Melissa's Message • 1 min. 13 sec.
Hear a quick message about slime, stories, and the power of staying curious.
Chiara's Message • 2 min. 33 sec.
Hear how a dream of visiting the Moon inspired a story about big feelings, friendship,
Featured Books by Your Reading Guardians
Co-author of Sloomoo: Making Friends
A graphic novel about Daisy, an 11-year-old with a love of slime and STEM, in a story about friendship, creativity, and connection
2026 Early Reader • Ages 7–9
Pick Your Next Book
The S.T.E.A.M. Book Recommendations for this age group are coming soon. Check back as the challenge gets closer.
Looking for book ideas now?
Visit the S.T.E.A.M. Book Recommendations section on the Resources page to find suggested books by reading level, including past challenge recommendations.
Readers may choose books from any level, but prizes are awarded by age category.
Questions?
Visit the FAQs on the Resources page.
Email steamracetospace@gmail.com.
2025 Bonus Drawing Winners
Congratulations to the 2025 Bonus Drawing winners! These readers won bonus drawing items and an invitation to the Splashdown Celebration.
See what readers earned and which schools were represented.
Aarin P
Running Springs Elementary
30 Second Dance Party button
Aditya N
Eastshore Elementary
Sky Zone guest pass
Adlin L
Villa Park Elementary
San Diego Zoo or Safari Park tickets
Aiden N
Running Springs Elementary
Andrea Brown book bundle
Amelia G
Santiago STEAM Magnet Elementary
30 Second Dance Party button
Amelia K
Patton Elementary
Hope & Inspiration book bundle #2
Annamirilla J
Nohl Canyon Elementary
Chromebook
Bruce B
Circle View Elementary
30 Second Dance Party button
Byron (Tobias) D
Sequoia Elementary
Zoom call with Laura Resau
Daniel L
Homeschool
Sky Zone guest pass
Derek L
Santiago STEAM Magnet Elementary
Mini Mod™ Launch Set
Jasmine A
Anaheim Hills Monterssori
30 Second Dance Party button
Jaxon J
Santiago STEAM Magnet Elementary
Illustrated book bundle
Jennifer C
St. Johns Episcopal
Irvine Lanes giftcard
Joshua McC
Santiago Elementary School (TK-5)
Sky Zone guest pass
Leyla T
Patton Elementary
Zoom call with Laura Resau
Maile K
John H. Eader Elementary
Hope & Inspiration book bundle #1
Marcelo H
Panorama Elementary
Pretend City tickets
Matthew C
Fletcher Elementary
Sky Zone guest pass
Matthias C
Fletcher Elementary
30 Second Dance Party button
Max R
Jordan Academy of Language and Computer Science
30 Second Dance Party button
Nathan Y
Brywood Elementary
Bytes & Bots gift certificate
Noam G
Rossmoor Elementary
$20 Amazon giftcard
Nora S
Walnut Elementary
Charlesbridge ASTRONOMY book bundle
Nyle D
Arroyo Elementary
Bazic Products backpack
Siena R
Newport Coast Elementary
Charlesbridge ART book bundle
Talan L
Cadence Park
Club for the Future bundle
William C
Oxford Preparatory Academy - Saddleback Valley
Sky Zone guest pass
