Fifty Nifty US States: Missouri - 10/31/26

Fifty Nifty US States: Missouri

August 1, 2026 - October 31, 2026

 
We are heading to Missouri for our next nifty state.
 
Challenge title inspired by the song "Fifty Nifty States" written by Ray Charles.
 
Object: Complete 9 tasks. Bonus task #10 is optional.
 
1/9
 
TASKS
1. Number: 24th State to Join the Union
* Read a series book #2, #4, or #24 OR read a book with a page count that includes 2and 4 (share page count).
 
2. State Animal (Mammal): Missouri Mule
* Read a book with a title that starts with the letter M (ignore A, An or The).
 
3. State Bird: Eastern Bluebird
* Read a book with a predominantly blue cover (post cover).
 
4. State Flower: White Hawthorn
* Read a book with an MC whose first or last name starts with the letter W or H (share name).
 
5. State Tree: Flowering Dogwood
* Read a book by an author whose first and last initial can be found in FLOWERING DOGWOOD.

 
6. Official State Nickname: Show Me State
* Read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in SHOW ME STATE (2 Word Minimum).

The Maverick's Homecoming - Christine Rimmer (Harlequin - Aug 2026) - Aug 6
 
7. Popular Attraction: The Gateway Arch
The Gateway Arch – designed by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen – towers 63 stories over St. Louis to celebrate the westward expansion of the United States.
* Read a book with a three-word title (all words count) OR read a book published between January 1963 and October 1965 (share publication date).
 
8. Must Try Food: Kansas City-Style Barbecue Ribs
* Read a book where someone eats ribs OR read a book with the word BARBECUE found in its text (include page/loc#).
 
9. Weird Fact: In Missouri, you need a permit if you want to shave while driving.
* Read a book where someone shaves OR read a book where someone does something weird while driving.
 
10. Optional Bonus Task
* Read a book that takes place in Missouri.