O.W.Ls and N.E.W.Ts Challenge Tasks

[Anne ✨]

Update: Professor Flitwick is offering EXTRA CREDITS in Charms during the month of October. More details in comment #39

Quick Links to the report cards for all Hogwarts students writing their O.W.Ls and N.E.W.Ts: Jazzy | Mion | Kristina | Anne | Wes | Chloe | Femke | Essie | Chloe (NEWTs) |

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We know there are lots of Harry Potter fans in the group, so we've added this FUN challenge, that was created by YouTuber/GR Member 'Book Roast'. There is an O.W.L challenge (12 books), and then N.E.W.T challenge (15 books+). Do either/both. We've created this thread so you can track your progress below! We'll run the challenge August 10th through December 31st.

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O.W.L Challenge (Ordinary Wizarding Levels) – 12 books
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ANCIENT RUNES: Book with mysterious symbol on cover
ARITHMANCY: Book with a number on the cover
ASTRONOMY: A Sci-fi novel
CARE OF MAGICAL CREATURES: Book with magical creatures on cover or in the story.
CHARMS: A fantasy book
DEFENSE AGAINS THE DARK ARTS: Book about secret society/club
DIVINATION: A book featuring a prophecy(ies)
HERBOLOGY: Book with a nature related word in the title
HISTORY OF MAGIC:A historical fiction
MUGGLE STUDIES: Read a non-fiction book
POTIONS: Read a book about/with alchemy
TRANSFIGURATION: Book with shapeshifting/transfiguration, or with a cat on the cover

Twitter: @Magical Readathn
Hashtag: #OWLsReadathon2018

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N.E.W.T Challenge (Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Test) – 15 books+
**************************************
- A = acceptable ; E = exceeded expectations ; O = outstanding
- Choose up to 5 subjects you are interested in, and start with those.
- To pass the test for a given subject, you need to read each book sequentially to "unlock" the next level etc. (ie. within each chosen subject, first get an 'Acceptable', then move on to 'Exceeded Expections', and then finally 'Outstanding'.
- Read a different book for each task, even if a book meets criteria for more than one.

ANCIENT RUNES:
1. Read a book set in the past (A)
2. Read one of the most ancient books on your shelves (E)
3. Read a book translated from another language (O)
ARITHMANCY:
1. Read a book at least 300 pages (A)
2. Read a book that ends on an even numbered page (E)
3. Read a book that's not a first in the series (O)
ASTRONOMY:
1. Read a book with stars on the cover (A)
2. Read a book that has a word ‘sky’ in the title (E)
3. Read a story that’s set on a different planet/world (O)
CARE OF MAGICAL CREATURES:
1. Read a book with an animal on the cover (A)
2. Read a book under 160 pages (E)
3. Read a book that includes dragons in any way (O)
CHARMS:
1. Read a book with magic in it (A)
2. Read a book with a cover that charmed you (chose based on the cover) (E)
3. Read a book that you think will leave a mark (O)
DEFENSE AGAINS THE DARK ARTS:
1. Read a book that is the last book in a series (A)
2. Read a book with a foiled cover (shiny, reflection) (E)
3. Book with a word ‘dark’ in the title or series name (O)
DIVINATION:
1. Read a book set in the future (A)
2. Read a book under 200 pages (E)
3. Read a mythology book (O)
HERBOLOGY:
1. Read a book with a green cover (A)
2. Read a book with illustrations (E)
3. Read a book with one of these words (light, air, sun, water) in the title (O)
HISTORY OF MAGIC:
1. Read a book that you think would fit right in at Hogwarts library (A)
2. Read a book published at least 5 years ago (E)
3. Read a book at least 400 pages long (O)
MUGGLE STUDIES:
1. Read a book from one of your favorite authors (A)
2. Read a biography (E)
3. Read a retelling (O)
POTIONS:
1. Read a book that has name of a color in the title (A)
2. Read a book with a male lead character (E)
3. Read a book over 350 pages long (O)
TRANSFIGURATION:
1. Read a book with a grey cover (A)
2. Read a book from an author you haven’t read anything before (E)
3. Read a book that’s set in a kingdom/has royals (O)

Twitter: @MagicalReadthn
Hashtag: #NEWTsReadathon2018

[Zoe]

Love this!

[Jazzy]

and 5 years for a 'magical old timey book'? That's not old at all, is that a typo? I think it should have been 50 years :)

[Ann]

So awesome!!! I can’t wait to start this!

[Anne ✨]

Jazzy wrote: "and 5 years for a 'magical old timey book'? That's not old at all, is that a typo? I think it should have been 50 years :)"

Ha, yes, Hogwarts books could be 50 years old for sure!! Note that it's different books for each criteria. So, you'd read a book that fits in the Hogwarts library, and then you'd read another book that's at least 5 years old, and then you'd read yet another book that's 400 pages long. So 3 books to read for each subject, and you read them sequentially, 1, 2,3 (or A, E, O) :)

[Jazzy]

Hogwarts would be over 1000 years old. It was filmed in Alnwick castle which was built in 1096 (922 years).

Professor Binns, who teaches History of Magic, states in The Chamber of Secrets, chapter 9 (this has happened in 1992)

‘You all know, of course, that Hogwarts was founded over a thousand years ago – the precise date is uncertain – by the four greatest witches and wizards of the age. The four school houses are named after them: Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw and Salazar Slytherin. They built this castle together, far from prying Muggle eyes, for it was an age when magic was feared by common people, and witches and wizards suffered much persecution.’

In the Goblet of Fire, chapter 12, the sorting hat's song starts like this.

‘A thousand years or more ago,
When I was newly sewn,
There lived four wizards of renown,
Whose names are still well known:'

I think 5 years is just a brand spanking new book! o_0

[Jazzy]

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~*~*~*~* O.W.L Challenge (Ordinary Wizarding Levels)–12/12 books *~*~*~*~*~
*********************************************************************
✅ANCIENT RUNES:
Book with mysterious symbol on cover
The Tales of Beedle the Bard - J.K. Rowling
Rating: ★★★★★

✅ARITHMACY:
Book with a number on the cover
Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon, Band 02 - Naoko Takeuchi

✅ASTRONOMY:
A Sci-fi novel
The Time Machine - H.G. Wells
Rating: ★★★★★

✅CARE OF MAGICAL CREATURES:
Book with magical creatures on cover or in the story.
Australian Legendary Tales - K. Langloh Parker
Rating: ★★★★★

✅CHARMS:
A fantasy book
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll
Rating: ★★★★★

✅DEFENSE AGAINS THE DARK ARTS:
Book about secret society/club
The Chocolate War - Robert Cormier
Rating: ★★★★★

✅DIVINATION:
A book featuring a prophecy(ies)
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams
Rating: ★★★★★

✅HERBOLOGY:
Book with a nature related word in the title
The Winter's Tale - William Shakespeare
Rating: ★★★★★

✅HISTORY OF MAGIC:
A historical fiction
They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? - Horace McCoy
Rating: ★★★★★

✅MUGGLE STUDIES:
Read a non-fiction book
Kafka Was the Rage: A Greenwich Village Memoir - Anatole Broyard
Rating: ★★★★★

✅POTIONS:
Read a book about/with alchemy
The Alchemyst - Michael Scott
Rating: ★★★★

✅TRANSFIGURATION:
Book with shapeshifting/transfiguration, or with a cat on the cover
The Guest Cat - Takashi Hiraide
Rating: ★★★★★



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~*~*~*~*~*N.E.W.T Challenge (Nastily Exhausting – 32/36*~*~*~*~
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ANCIENT RUNES:
✅1. Read a book set in the past (A)
The Time Machine- H.G. Wells
Rating★★★★★
2. Read one of the most ancient books on your shelves (E)
✅I LOVE - A. Avdeyenko
Rating★★★★★
✅3. Read a book translated from another language (O)
Zazie in the Metro

ARITHMANCY:
✅1. Read a book at least 300 pages (A)
The Alchemyst - Michael Scott
Rating: ★★★★
✅2. Read a book that ends on an even numbered page (E)
The Chocolate War - Robert Cormier (234pp)
Rating: ★★★★★
✅3. Read a book that's not a first in the series (O)
Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon, Band 02 - Naoko Takeuchi
Rating: ★★★★★

ASTRONOMY:
✅1. Read a book with stars on the cover (A)
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams
Rating: ★★★★★
✅2. Read a book that has a word ‘sky’ in the title (E)
An Astonishment of Sky: Poetry by Elizabeth Hart - Elizabeth Hart (poet)
Rating: ★★★★
✅3. Read a story that’s set on a different planet/world (O)
The Restaurant at the End of the Universe - Douglas Adams
Rating: ★★★★★

CARE OF MAGICAL CREATURES:
✅1. Read a book with an animal on the cover (A)
The Guest Cat - Takashi Hiraide
Rating: ★★★★★
✅2. Read a book under 160 pages (E)
The Tales of Beedle the Bard - J.K. Rowling
Rating: ★★★★★
3. Read a book that includes dragons in any way (O)
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stane - J.K. Rowling

CHARMS:
✅1. Read a book with magic in it (A)
Australian Legendary Tales - K. Langloh Parker
Rating: ★★★★★
✅2. Read a book with a cover that charmed you (chose based on the cover) (E)
The Knife Slipped - Erle Stanley Gardner (Needed a book with a knife on the cover for a different challenge)
Rating: ★★★★★
✅3. Read a book that you think will leave a mark (O)
Life, the Universe and Everything - Douglas Adams
Rating: ★★★★★

DEFENCE AGAINS THE DARK ARTS:
✅1. Read a book that is the last book in a series (A)
Mostly Harmless - Douglas Adams
Rating: ★★★★★
2. Read a book with a foiled cover (shiny, reflection) (E)
Poems of John Keats - John Keats
3. Book with the word ‘dark’ in the title or series name (O)

DIVINATION:
✅1. Read a book set in the future (A)
The Veldt - Ray Bradbury Rating: ★★★★★
✅2. Read a book under 200 pages (E)
Selected Poems - Boris Pasternak Rating: ★★★★★
3. Read a mythology book (O)

HERBOLOGY:
✅1. Read a book with a green cover (A)
Collected Poems: 1934 -1952 - Dylan Thomas
Rating: ★★★★★
✅2. Read a book with illustrations (E)
Carbonel: The King of the Cats - Barbara Sleigh
Rating: ★★★★★
3. Read a book with one of these words (light, air, sun, water) in the title (O)
✅Voluptuous Delights of Peanut Butter and Jam - Lauren Liebenberg Rating: ★★★★

HISTORY OF MAGIC:
✅1. Read a book that you think would fit right in at Hogwarts library (A)
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them - J.K. Rowling
Rating: ★★★★★
✅2. Read a book published at least 5 years ago (E)
Kafka Was the Rage: A Greenwich Village Memoir - Anatole Broyard
Rating: ★★★★★
✅3. Read a book at least 400 pages long (O)
Animal Farm / 1984 - George Orwell Rating: ★★★★★

MUGGLE STUDIES:
✅1. Read a book from one of your favourite authors (A)
The Winter's Tale - William Shakespeare
Rating: ★★★★★
✅2. Read a biography (E)
To Sir, With Love - E.R. Braithwaite
Rating: ★★★★★
✅3. Read a retelling (O)
West Side Story - Irving ShulmanRating: ★★★★★

POTIONS:
✅1. Read a book that has name of a colour in the title (A)
Bluebottle - Belinda Castles
Rating: ★★★★
✅2. Read a book with a male lead character (E)
How Green Was My Valley - Richard Llewellyn Rating: ★★★★★
3. Read a book over 350 pages long (O)
✅Eleni - Nicholas Gage Rating: ★★★★★

TRANSFIGURATION:
✅1. Read a book with a grey cover (A)
In Praise of Older Women- Stephen Vizinczey Rating: ★★★★★
✅2. Read a book from an author you haven’t read before (E)
A Death in the Family - Karl Ove Knausgård Rating: ★★★★★
✅3. Read a book that’s set in a kingdom/has royals (O)
King Lear - William Shakespeare Rating: ★★★★★

[Tiina]

My challenge list. Will update as it goes.

O.W.L Challenge (Ordinary Wizarding Levels) – 12 books
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ANCIENT RUNES: Book with mysterious symbol on cover Magavad hiiglased
ARITHMACY: Book with a number on the cover 33 punast suppi
ASTRONOMY: A Sci-fi novel Vilistaja metsas
CARE OF MAGICAL CREATURES: Book with magical creatures on cover or in the story. Kübaratäis taevast (Discworld, #32)
CHARMS: A fantasy book Talvesepp
DEFENSE AGAINS THE DARK ARTS: Book about secret society/club Eeva aadamaülikond
DIVINATION: A book featuring a prophecy(ies) Ubik
HERBOLOGY: Book with a nature related word in the title Pokkeripartii haiga
HISTORY OF MAGIC:A historical fiction A Jew Must Die
MUGGLE STUDIES: Read a non-fiction book Ülevaade võõrkeeleõppe meetoditest
POTIONS: Read a book about/with alchemy Alkeemik
TRANSFIGURATION: Book with shapeshifting/transfiguration, or with a cat on the cover The Travelling Cat Chronicles



***************************************
N.E.W.T Challenge (Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Test) – 15 books+
**************************************
- A = acceptable ; E = exceeded expectations ; O = outstanding
- Choose up to 5 subjects you are interested in, and start with those.
- To pass the test for a given subject, you need to read each book sequentially to "unlock" the next level etc. (ie. within each chosen subject, first get an 'Acceptable', then move on to 'Exceeded Expections', and then finally 'Outstanding'.
- Read a different book for each task, even if a book meets criteria for more than one.

ANCIENT RUNES:
1. Read a book set in the past (A) Aleph
2. Read one of the most ancient books on your shelves (E) «Hukkunud Alpinisti» hotell
3. Read a book translated from another language (O) Boriss Davidovitši hauakamber
ARITHMANCY:
1. Read a book at least 300 pages (A) Daughter of the Pirate King
2. Read a book that ends on an even numbered page (E) Minevike müüja
3. Read a book that's not a first in the series (O) Ajust ja arust. Unest, teadvusest, tehisintellektist ja muustki
ASTRONOMY:
1. Read a book with stars on the cover (A) Le Petit Prince
2. Read a book that has a word ‘sky’ in the title (E) Lend salajasse taevasse
3. Read a story that’s set on a different planet/world (O) Vareste kuus
CARE OF MAGICAL CREATURES:
1. Read a book with an animal on the cover (A) Ma kannan keskööd.Kettamaailma lugu
2. Read a book under 160 pages (E) Let's Find Pokemon!
3. Read a book that includes dragons in any way (O) Väike lohe Kookospähkel ja Must Rüütel
CHARMS:
1. Read a book with magic in it (A) Karjase kroon
2. Read a book with a cover that charmed you (chose based on the cover) (E) Siid
3. Read a book that you think will leave a mark (O) Maailm on väsinud vihkamast
DEFENSE AGAINS THE DARK ARTS:
1. Read a book that is the last book in a series (A) Daughter of the Siren Queen
2. Read a book with a foiled cover (shiny, reflection) (E) Neil siuglevail teil
3. Book with a word ‘dark’ in the title or series name (O) A Scanner Darkly
DIVINATION:
1. Read a book set in the future (A) Surelikud masinad
2. Read a book under 200 pages (E) Adulthood Is a Myth
3. Read a mythology book (O)
HERBOLOGY:
1. Read a book with a green cover (A) Väravajoonel
2. Read a book with illustrations (E)Valmid
3. Read a book with one of these words (light, air, sun, water) in the title (O)
HISTORY OF MAGIC:
1. Read a book that you think would fit right in at Hogwarts library (A) Mida öeldi roosile sellist
2. Read a book published at least 5 years ago (E) Alati fragment
3. Read a book at least 400 pages long (O) Kuningate heitlus, esimene raamat
MUGGLE STUDIES:
1. Read a book from one of your favorite authors (A) Three Daughters of Eve
2. Read a biography (E) 84, Charing Cross Road
3. Read a retelling (O) Ella Enchanted (Finished 1st Jan, 2018)
POTIONS:
1. Read a book that has name of a color in the title (A) Kollane vihm
2. Read a book with a male lead character (E) The Talented Mr. Ripley
3. Read a book over 350 pages long (O) Öövahtkond
TRANSFIGURATION:
1. Read a book with a grey cover (A) Legend
2. Read a book from an author you haven’t read anything before (E) Sumchi
3. Read a book that’s set in a kingdom/has royals (O) Lohe Gertrud




Extra credit

Spell: Alohamora The Mysterious Affair at Styles
- read a book that's first in a series
Spell: Accio Inimeseks kõlbmatu
- read a book that's top of your TBR
Spell: Incendio Flame the Fire Horse and Other Horse Stories
- read a book with the words 'fire' or 'flame' in the title/series name, or flame picture on the cover
Spell: Rictusempra Helge nostalgia
- read a book that 'tickles you the right way' (exciting trope/theme/genre)
Spell: Lumos Lõige
- read a book with a white or light cover

[Wes]

ok will give this a go

[Anne ✨]

Yay, so happy to see sign-ups! Way to go Ann, Jazzy, Mion, and Wes
- this challenge will be fun!

[Kristina]

I will start with the O.W.L Challenge and go from there.

My Challenge List:

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O.W.L Challenge (Ordinary Wizarding Levels) – 12 books
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ANCIENT RUNES: Book with mysterious symbol on cover A Discovery of Witches
ARITHMANCY: Book with a number on the cover
ASTRONOMY: A Sci-fi novel
CARE OF MAGICAL CREATURES: Book with magical creatures on cover or in the story.
CHARMS: A fantasy book Howl's Moving Castle
DEFENSE AGAINST THE DARK ARTS: Book about secret society/clubJenny and the Cat Club: A Collection of Favorite Stories about Jenny Linsky
DIVINATION: A book featuring a prophecy(ies)The Miniaturist
HERBOLOGY: Book with a nature related word in the title
HISTORY OF MAGIC:A historical fiction Sidney Chambers and the Shadow of Death by James Runice
MUGGLE STUDIES: Read a non-fiction book Strays: A Lost Cat, a Homeless Man, and Their Journey Across America
POTIONS: Read a book about/with alchemy
TRANSFIGURATION: Book with shapeshifting/transfiguration, or with a cat on the cover The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Twitter: @Magical Readathn
Hashtag: #OWLsReadathon2018

Twitter: @MagicalReadthn
Hashtag: #NEWTsReadathon2018

[Anne ✨]

COMPLETED MY 5 courses - DONE!

I'm jumping in at N.E.W.T first :) - starting with 5 courses (15 books). I haven't been reading them sequentially 1, 2, 3..., I keep moving books around to different tasks based on where they fit the best as I read more books :) Hopefully I won't get expelled from Hogwarts for my cheating ways. 😳

✅ ANCIENT RUNES:
✔️1. Read a book set in the past (A)
The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics Rating: ★★★★★
✔️ 2. Read one of the most ancient books on your shelves (E)
Deliverance Rating: ★★★★
✔️3. Read a book translated from another language (O)
Skidoo: A Journey through the Ghost Towns of the American West Rating: ★★

✅ CARE OF MAGICAL CREATURES:
✔️1. Read a book with an animal on the cover (A)
Doppler Rating: ★★★
✔️2. Read a book under 160 pages (E)
I Could Pee on This: And Other Poems by Cats Rating: ★★★★
✔️3. Read a book that includes dragons in any way (O)
Medieval Madness: a mystery adventure book for children and teens aged 10-14 Rating: ★★1/2

✅ CHARMS:
✔️1. Read a book with magic in it (A)
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Rating: ★★★
✔️2. Read a book with a cover that charmed you (chose based on the cover) (E)
The History of Jane Doe Rating: ★★★★
✔️3. Read a book that you think will leave a mark (O)
The Coming Storm Rating: ★★★

✅HERBOLOGY:
✔️1. Read a book with a green cover (A)
The Kiss Quotient Rating: ★★
✔️2. Read a book with illustrations (E)
Wishtree Rating: ★★
✔️3. Read a book with one of these words (light, air, sun, water) in the title (O)
Thirst: A Story of Redemption, Compassion, and a Mission to Bring Clean Water to the World

✅ MUGGLE STUDIES:
✔️1. Read a book from one of your favorite authors (A)
Us Against You Rating: ★★★★★
✔️2. Read a biography (E)
Small Animals: Parenthood in the Age of Fear Rating: ★★★★★
✔️3. Read a retelling (O)
Nightbooks Rating: ★★★★

-----------------------------------

CHARMS EXTRA CREDIT (October)
Earned 4/5
✔️Spell: Alohamora - read a book that's first in a series
The Cuckoo's Calling Rating: ★★★
✔️Spell: Accio - read a book that's top of your TBR
Watermelon Snow Rating: ★★★★
❌Spell: Incendio - read a book with the words 'fire' or 'flame' in the title/series name, or flame picture on the cover
✔️Spell: Rictusempra - read a book that 'tickles you the right way' (exciting trope/theme/genre)
Muse of Nightmares Rating: ★★★★★
✔️Spell: Lumos - read a book with a white or light cover
Washington Black Rating: ★★★

[Jazzy]

Anne ✨ wrote:..

What do you reckon that means?
"3. Read a book that you think will leave a mark (O)"

If you hit someone with any book hard enough it's bound to leave a mark!

[Anne ✨]

Jazzy wrote: "Anne ✨ wrote:..

What do you reckon that means?
"3. Read a book that you think will leave a mark (O)"

If you hit someone with any book hard enough it's bound to leave a mark!"

HAHA LOL :)

I believe the creator of the challenge had meant that the book would be impactful, leave an impression, that sort of thing! But I like your interpretation too :)

[Anne ✨]

Yay Kristina and Amy - this will be FUN :)

[Tiina]

I've decided to take my O.W.Ls until 10th September and after that, take my N.E.W.Ts in the subjects I passed in my O.W.Ls. It seems to be going quite well so far.

[Wes]

My list will update
O.W.L Challenge (Ordinary Wizarding Levels) – 12 books


ANCIENT RUNES: Book with mysterious symbol on cover
ARITHMANCY: Book with a number on the cover
ASTRONOMY: A Sci-fi novel WILLIAM SHAKESPEAR THE EMPIRE STRIKETH BACK - IAN DOESCHER
CARE OF MAGICAL CREATURES: Book with magical creatures on cover or in the story.
CHARMS: A fantasy book HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS
DEFENSE AGAINS THE DARK ARTS: Book about secret society/club
DIVINATION: A book featuring a prophecy(ies)
HERBOLOGY: Book with a nature related word in the title
HISTORY OF MAGIC:A historical fiction
MUGGLE STUDIES: Read a non-fiction book
POTIONS: Read a book about/with alchemy
TRANSFIGURATION: Book with shapeshifting/transfiguration, or with a cat on the cover THE TRAVELLING CAT CHRONICLES

ANCIENT RUNES:
1. Read a book set in the past (A) ALL THE BEGGERS RIDING - LUCY CALDWELL
2. Read one of the most ancient books on your shelves (E)
3. Read a book translated from another language (O)
ARITHMANCY:
1. Read a book at least 300 pages (A)
2. Read a book that ends on an even numbered page (E)
3. Read a book that's not a first in the series (O)
ASTRONOMY:
1. Read a book with stars on the cover (A)
2. Read a book that has a word ‘sky’ in the title (E)
3. Read a story that’s set on a different planet/world (O)
CARE OF MAGICAL CREATURES:
1. Read a book with an animal on the cover (A) THE TRAVELLING CAT CHRONICLES
2. Read a book under 160 pages (E)
3. Read a book that includes dragons in any way (O)
CHARMS:
1. Read a book with magic in it (A) HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS
2. Read a book with a cover that charmed you (chose based on the cover) (E)
3. Read a book that you think will leave a mark (O)
DEFENSE AGAINS THE DARK ARTS:
1. Read a book that is the last book in a series (A) THE ACCIDENTIAL FURTHER ADVENTURES OF THE 100 YEAR OLD MAN
2. Read a book with a foiled cover (shiny, reflection) (E)
3. Book with a word ‘dark’ in the title or series name (O)
DIVINATION:
1. Read a book set in the future (A)WILLIAM SHAKESPEARS THE EMPIRE STRIKETH BACK - IAN DOESCHER
2. Read a book under 200 pages (E)
3. Read a mythology book (O)
HERBOLOGY:
1. Read a book with a green cover (A)
2. Read a book with illustrations (E)
3. Read a book with one of these words (light, air, sun, water) in the title (O)
HISTORY OF MAGIC:
1. Read a book that you think would fit right in at Hogwarts library (A) THE ELEPHANT VANISHES
2. Read a book published at least 5 years ago (E)
3. Read a book at least 400 pages long (O)
MUGGLE STUDIES:
1. Read a book from one of your favorite authors (A)
2. Read a biography (E)
3. Read a retelling (O)
POTIONS:
1. Read a book that has name of a color in the title (A)
2. Read a book with a male lead character (E)
3. Read a book over 350 pages long (O)
TRANSFIGURATION:
1. Read a book with a grey cover (A)
2. Read a book from an author you haven’t read anything before (E)
3. Read a book that’s set in a kingdom/has royals (O)

[Tiina]

I just read the "up to 5 subjects" part in N.E.W.Ts... well, that's the one rule I'm definitely going to break

[Jazzy]

Mion wrote: "I just read the "up to 5 subjects" part in N.E.W.Ts... well, that's the one rule I'm definitely going to break"

Absolutely! We'll do the LOT!

[Anne ✨]

OK, I'm finding it impossible to follow the rule of reading sequentially 1,2,3 within the subject. I keep wanting to move the books around to different tasks as I read more, based on where they fit best? I guess that's cheating, huh? I sure hope I won't get expelled from Hogwarts for my cheating ways. I'm thinking up a 'jumbled numbers' spell so that it appears to the professors as if I've read them in order. 😳 Ssshh!

[Jazzy]

Just for that you have to go to Hufflepuff!

[Chloe]

How did I not realise we were doing this?! Holiday has distracted my mind waaaay too much! Luckily I went away on the 10th so I can use all the books I read while I was away towards my OWLs! When I've finished the OWLs I think I'll dive into the NEWTs - we have till the end of the year so I think I might actually be able to pull this off!

ANCIENT RUNES: 
ARITHMANCY: Noughts & Crosses
ASTRONOMY: 
CARE OF MAGICAL CREATURES: 
CHARMS: The Immortal Rules
DEFENSE AGAINS THE DARK ARTS: 
DIVINATION:
HERBOLOGY: I'll Give You the Sun
HISTORY OF MAGIC:
MUGGLE STUDIES:
POTIONS:
TRANSFIGURATION: Nightshade

4 down already - 8 to go!

[Neo]

I wish I could do all of this, but realistically speaking I think (with some effort) I might be able to finish the OWL challenge.. I read a bit slow, and I will also have to read a lot for uni soon so..

ANCIENT RUNES: Book with mysterious symbol on cover
ARITHMANCY: Book with a number on the cover
ASTRONOMY: A Sci-fi novel
CARE OF MAGICAL CREATURES: The Last Wish
CHARMS: Vicious
DEFENSE AGAINS THE DARK ARTS: Book about secret society/club
DIVINATION: A book featuring a prophecy(ies)
HERBOLOGY: Book with a nature related word in the title
HISTORY OF MAGIC:A historical fiction
MUGGLE STUDIES: Read a non-fiction book
POTIONS: Read a book about/with alchemy
TRANSFIGURATION: Nevernight

[joanna]

This is such a cool idea! not completely sure yet if i’ll update on here, or on instagram (or maybe both!)

[Anne ✨]

Wes wrote: "1. Read a book with an animal on the cover (A) THE TRAVELLING CAT CHRONICLES
1. Read a book with magic in it (A) HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS

Wes,

The travelling cat chronicles sounds like a wonderful read. thanks for highlighting it :) It looks like in the US a beautiful hardcover edition is releasing in October, but I was too impatient, and ordered a used paperback online.

I like that you read (re-read?) a Harry Potter book for this challenge :)

[Anne ✨]

Chloe, Femke, Essie, AWESOME to have you doing this activity!

It's really fun, easy to tailor to your needs, and lots of time to do it in!

Essie - I hope you'll update here too, as it's so fun to see what everyone's reading and to cheer you on too!!

[joanna]

Progress Log-


O.W.L Challenge (Ordinary Wizarding Levels) – 12 books
*****************************
✅ ANCIENT RUNES: Book with mysterious symbol on cover - Sawkill Girls by Claire Legrand
✅ ARITHMANCY: Book with a number on the cover - Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds
✅ ASTRONOMY: A Sci-fi novel - Warcross by Marie Lu
✅ CARE OF MAGICAL CREATURES: Book with magical creatures on cover or in the story. - The Walls Around Us by Nova Ren Suma
✅ CHARMS: A fantasy book - The Cabinet of Curiosities: 36 Tales Brief by Stefan Bachmann
✅ DEFENSE AGAINST THE DARK ARTS: Book about secret society/club - Dead Girls Society by Michelle Krys
✅ DIVINATION: A book featuring a prophecy(ies) - Secret Histories by Pittacus Lore
✅ HERBOLOGY: Book with a nature related word in the title - The Lord's Oysters by Gilbert Byron
✅ HISTORY OF MAGIC: A historical fiction - The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M. Danforth
✅ MUGGLE STUDIES: Read a non-fiction book - I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World by Malala Yousafzai
✅ POTIONS: Read a book about/with alchemy - Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers
✅ TRANSFIGURATION: Book with shapeshifting/transfiguration, or with a cat on the cover - The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman

Part 1 of 3

[Jazzy]

Finished my O.W.L. Challenge, now to finish my N.E.W.T.!

[Anne ✨]

Jazzy wrote: "Finished my O.W.L. Challenge, now to finish my N.E.W.T.!"

Woohoo, that was fast! Way to go!

The book you read for potions... my kids loved that series (The Immortal Secrets of Nicholas Flamel) - they raced through all 6 books, and then my one son just re-read the whole series this summer too. We've got all six books on our bookshelves! I've been meaning to read them.. you've reminded me!

[Jazzy]

oh I don't have the other books, but I did get part 1 & 2 of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child for £1 today so may be reading that before long!

[Wes]

Anne ✨ wrote:Wes,

The travelling cat chronicles sounds like a wonderful read. thanks for highlighting it :) ..."

Hi Anne , the cat chronicles I found a wonderful read, mightn't appeal to everyone but that's books for you. To be honest I'm not a fan of Harry Potter, but sometimes you have to read things to keep the kids reading :)

Wes

[Chloe]

Can I use a Harry Potter book as one of the challenges? Feels like I should as that but I don't know why it'd be an issue!

[Tiina]

Chloe wrote: "Can I use a Harry Potter book as one of the challenges? Feels like I should as that but I don't know why it'd be an issue!"

I think you can! I think someone else read a Harry Potter book for this challenge as well!

[Chloe]

I've made some progress! Only 4 away now from finishing all of my OWLs, and I have them all planned! I've also been preparing little comments if anyone was confused at why something has been matched with a particular class.

ANCIENT RUNES:
ARITHMANCY: Noughts & Crosses
ASTRONOMY: Genesis
CARE OF MAGICAL CREATURES: Out of the Depths
CHARMS: The Immortal Rules
DEFENSE AGAINS THE DARK ARTS: Fangirl
DIVINATION: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
HERBOLOGY: I'll Give You the Sun
HISTORY OF MAGIC:
MUGGLE STUDIES:
POTIONS:
TRANSFIGURATION: Nightshade

[Chloe]

Hi guys! I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for mythology books- preferably short ones? I'm planning the books I'm going to read for the NEWTs.

[Anne ✨]

I adored both of Madeline Miller mythology books:
Circe
The Song of Achilles
But they're both between 350 and 400 pages...

One shorter mythology book that I've had on my TBR is Fifteen Dogs. It's 171pages. The author is born in Trinidad, grew up in Canada, so you could use this book for world wonders challenge too :) Reviews for it are a bit mixed though..

[Chloe]

Thanks for your help Anne!

[Anne ✨]

EXTRA CREDIT ANNOUNCEMENT!! (from Book Roast, creator of this challenge)

Professor Flitwick will be accepting extra coursework for credit in Charms during October! You can earn up to 5 extra credits, but only during October (Note: Book Roast is running this as a one-week readathon Oct 8-14, but we've set it at a month for this group challenge!)

Spell: Alohamora
- read a book that's first in a series
Spell: Accio
- read a book that's top of your TBR
Spell: Incendio
- read a book with the words 'fire' or 'flame' in the title/series name, or flame picture on the cover
Spell: Rictusempra
- read a book that 'tickles you the right way' (exciting trope/theme/genre)
Spell: Lumos
- read a book with a white or light cover

Join in on Twitter with #charmsextracredit hashtag

Thanks to Kemi for updating us on the extra credit add-on!

[joanna]

Anne ✨ wrote: "EXTRA CREDIT ANNOUNCEMENT!! (from Book Roast, creator of this challenge)

Professor Flitwick will be accepting extra coursework for credit in Charms during October! You can earn up to 5 extra credi..."

That sounds so cool! I’m definitely doing this extra credit :)

[Jazzy]

Anne ✨ wrote: "EXTRA CREDIT ANNOUNCEMENT!! (from Book Roast, creator of this challenge)

Professor Flitwick will be accepting extra coursework for credit in Charms during October! You can earn up to 5 extra credi..."

Since I don't keep a TBR I guess that means I can just read a book!

[Anne ✨]

Essie - Yay, it's good motivation isn't it :)

Jazzy - that's way too easy.. so for you, for Accio credit, you have to read something from the TBR of any one of the participants in this challenge 😉

[joanna]

N.E.W.T Challenge (Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Test) – 15 books+
**************************************
✅ ANCIENT RUNES:
1. Read a book set in the past (A) - All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
2. Read one of the most ancient books on your shelves (E) - The Paranormal: A Guide to the Unexplained by Anthony North
3. Read a book translated from another language (O) - The Forgotten Book by Mechthild Gläser
✅ ARITHMANCY:
1. Read a book at least 300 pages (A) - When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon
2. Read a book that ends on an even numbered page (E) - Virals by Kathy Reichs
3. Read a book that's not a first in the series (O) - The Spiritglass Charade by Colleen Gleason
ASTRONOMY:
1. Read a book with stars on the cover (A) - We Are Okay by Nina LaCour
2. Read a book that has a word ‘sky’ in the title (E) - Things That Join the Sea and the Sky: Field Notes on Living by Mark Nepo
3. Read a story that’s set on a different planet/world (O)
✅ CARE OF MAGICAL CREATURES:
1. Read a book with an animal on the cover (A) - Traitor to the Throne by Alwyn Hamilton
2. Read a book under 160 pages (E) - Cycle of the Werewolf by Stephen King
3. Read a book that includes dragons in any way (O) - Dragon Captives by Lisa McMann
✅ CHARMS:
1. Read a book with magic in it (A) - Doll Bones by Holly Black
2. Read a book with a cover that charmed you (chose based on the cover) (E) - Meet Me Here by Bryan Bliss
3. Read a book that you think will leave a mark (O) - Our Town by Thornton Wilder
✅ DEFENSE AGAINST THE DARK ARTS:
1. Read a book that is the last book in a series (A) - Requiem by Lauren Oliver
2. Read a book with a foiled cover (shiny, reflection) (E) - The Thousandth Floor by Katharine McGee
3. Book with a word ‘dark’ in the title or series name (O) - The Darkest Path by Jeff Hirsch
✅ DIVINATION:
1. Read a book set in the future (A) - The Program by Suzanne Young
2. Read a book under 200 pages (E) - Behind Rebel Lines by Seymour Reit
3. Read a mythology book (O) - The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
✅ HERBOLOGY:
1. Read a book with a green cover (A) - The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen
2. Read a book with illustrations (E) - Scott Pilgrim, Volume 1: Scott Pilgrim's Precious Little Life by Bryan Lee O'Malley
3. Read a book with one of these words (light, air, sun, water) in the title (O) The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon
✅ HISTORY OF MAGIC:
1. Read a book that you think would fit right in at Hogwarts library (A) - The Midnight Star by Marie Lu
2. Read a book published at least 5 years ago (E) - The Sweet Far Thing by Libba Bray
3. Read a book at least 400 pages long (O) - Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson
✅ MUGGLE STUDIES:
1. Read a book from one of your favorite authors (A) - Revival by Stephen King
2. Read a biography (E) - The Real Benedict Arnold by Jim Murphy
3. Read a retelling (O) - And I Darken by Kiersten White
✅ POTIONS:
1. Read a book that has name of a color in the title (A) - Ghosts of Greenglass House by Kate Milford
2. Read a book with a male lead character (E) - Cloud and Wallfish by Anne Nesbet
3. Read a book over 350 pages long (O) - Under the Dome by Stephen King
✅ TRANSFIGURATION:
1. Read a book with a grey cover (A) - Loser by Jerry Spinelli
2. Read a book from an author you haven’t read anything before (E) - Angelfall by Susan Ee
3. Read a book that’s set in a kingdom/has royals (O) - Tower of Dawn by Sarah J. Maas

Part 2 of 3

[joanna]

✅Spell: Alohamora
- read a book that's first in a series - Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco
Spell: Accio
- read a book that's top of your TBR - All Rivers Flow To The Sea by Alison McGhee
✅ Spell: Incendio
- read a book with the words 'fire' or 'flame' in the title/series name, or flame picture on the cover - Ben Templesmith's Dracula by Ben Templesmith
Spell: Rictusempra
- read a book that 'tickles you the right way' (exciting trope/theme/genre) - The Waking Dark by Robin Wasserman
Spell: Lumos
- read a book with a white or light cover - Tangled Planet by Kate Blair

Part 3 of 3

[Jazzy]

Anne ✨ wrote: "Essie - Yay, it's good motivation isn't it :)

Jazzy - that's way too easy.. so for you, for Accio credit, you have to read something from the TBR of any one of the participants in this challenge 😉"

I can't source books, the library doesn't have much and I have no money.

[joanna]

Jazzy wrote: "Anne ✨ wrote: "Essie - Yay, it's good motivation isn't it :)

Jazzy - that's way too easy.. so for you, for Accio credit, you have to read something from the TBR of any one of the participants in t..."

if you can’t get much access to books, trying downloading free ebooks or checking out the website readanybook.com.

[Chloe]

I've still not read my book featuring alchemy. I know Anne suggested Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor but I've been trying to read it for weeks and can't get into it! Are there any other suggestions out there?

[joanna]

Chloe wrote: "I've still not read my book featuring alchemy. I know Anne suggested Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor but I've been trying to read it for weeks and can't get into it! Are there any other suggest..."

Grave Mercy features alchemy

There’s also The Alchemyst by Michael Scott

[Anne ✨]

Jazzy wrote: "Anne ✨ wrote: "Essie - Yay, it's good motivation isn't it :)

Jazzy - that's way too easy.. so for you, for Accio credit, you have to read something from the TBR of any one of the participants in t..."

Aawww I know Jazzy... - I wish everyone had more access to books - it is ridiculously easy here to source books for free/near free through well-stocked libraries, thrift stores, websites like paperbackswap.com , little free libraries that are popping up everywhere, and library sales that are $1/paperback, $2hardcover, .50c childrens.! And that's not even the digital book availability, always a ton to download free/near free.

Jazzy, do you have kindle app on your computer? I have some kindle books that say I can loan them out, I can message you a list if you're interested?

[Anne ✨]

Chloe wrote: "I've still not read my book featuring alchemy. I know Anne suggested Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor but I've been trying to read it for weeks and can't get into it! Are there any other suggest..."

Aawww sorry that book's not grabbing your interest! Essie's suggestion of The Alchemist by Michael Scott is one that my kids both read and loved, and I think I recall Jazzy read it too and could comment on it?

[Chloe]

Thanks both Essie and Anne! I'm going to keep my eye open for The Alchemyst... but I also really want to start the books I've chosen for my NEWTs... conflicted!!