Ever wanted to start a reading journal but didn’t know where to begin? I have 10 ideas to add to your journal to start tracking your reads in the new year. Hi! I’m Shelby from @shelbyonpapaer on Instagram and I’m sharing some inspiration for your next reading journal!

Supplies:

• Archer & Olive B5 Dot Grid Notebook (use code: SHELBYONPAPER10 to save!)
• Ruler
• Pencil & Eraser
• Black Pen
• Archer & Olive Calliograph Pens 
• Decorative stickers, washi, etc.

Getting Started:

Starting a new journal can be exciting yet intimidating and with so many blank pages, it can be challenging on where to begin. I would suggest starting with an overall theme throughout the front pages and start creating your spreads! That way it will help keep you motivated throughout the year and help you reach your reading goals. These 10 spreads are a perfect guide to get your reading journal started so you can track all your reads in the new year.

1. Master List

The Master List or Index pages are a perfect way to start off your reading journal. It is a great overview to see every book and all the details of each read. I like to track what number book I read, title, author, star rating, when I start and finished the book, genre, format, and page number.

2. New Releases

The New Releases spread is great so that you can keep track of new books that are coming out in the new year. I like to fill this out with all the books I know for sure are coming out and then fill it out periodically throughout the year as new books are being announced.

3. Series Tracker

The Series Tracker spread is helpful to keep track of all the series you are in the middle of. I try to tackle some series throughout the year and this is a great visual to see where I’m at. I also like to keep some space open in case I start a new series I would like to track.

4. Reading Goal

The Reading Goal Tracker is one of my favorites. I like to pick a reading goal number and strive to read that many books in the year. Once I’m done reading a book, I fill in the square with the appropriate star rating color. This is so fun to see filled up at the end of the year with all of the different colors.

I love this spread so much, here is a free reading goal tracker template so you can easily add it in to your journal with your own star rating colors and goals.

5. Yearly Reads (Mini Photos)

The Yearly Reads pages are such a fun way to display all of your reads for the year and I love how it looks. It is really easy to print out the book covers and add the star rating to create this stunning gallery.

6. A-Z Challenge

It is really fun to incorporate a few reading challenges in your journal to either get you out of a reading slump, switch up different genres, or read books/authors out of your comfort zone. The A-Z Challenge is simply reading a book that starts with each letter of the alphabet and trying to complete the list throughout the year.

7. Reading Bingo

The next challenge is Reading Bingo which is a classic spread to add to a reading journal. I like to add different prompts and try to get Bingo! Some examples could be: 500+ pages, small town romance, multiple povs, finish in one day, and many more!

8. Read the Rainbow Challenge

The last challenge is the Read the Rainbow Challenge which is simply reading a book where the cover is a different color of the rainbow! I like to print out each book when I’m done and at the end, there is a beautiful display of all the colors of the rainbow that is so fun.

9. TBR Bookshelf

This is the 25 books in 2025 bookshelf and they are the books I really want to get to throughout the year. This could also be used as your top books or “hall of fame” bookshelf of your favorite books from the year. I like to copy the book with the different colors and fonts as it adds such a fun look to the page.

10. Book of the Year Bracket

Finally, the Book of the Year Bracket! Here I like to keep track of my favorite books from each month and then they go head-to-head until a winner is crowned! Sometimes it can be hard to pick favorites but it’s fun to see what book will take the top spot!

Make sure to check out this video for a full flip-through of my reading journal! 

Hopefully you have found some inspiration with these spreads and can jumpstart your own reading journal for the new year! If you re-create any of these ideas or use the reading goal tracker printable, make sure to tag us on Instagram at @archerandolive and @shelbyonpaper. 

Happy journaling!

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