What is the 2026 Rebecca Caudill Award?
A list of 20 great books across many styles and genres for middle school students' reading pleasure!
What is the Caudill Challenge?
A challenge to read ALL 20 Caudill books during the 2025-2026 school year.
Here's the list: 2025-2026 Caudill Nominees
Caudill books are on display in the Matthews Middle School Library. The Wauconda Area Library also has Caudills in print and ebooks/audiobooks through Hoopla & Overdrive (Sora).
How does the Caudill Challenge work?
Step #1: Read books from the list!
Step #2: Complete the Google Forms below for each group of books read.
Step #3: Collect great prizes and enjoy great books!
What if I don't like all of the Caudills?
No worries! You can SWAP out up to FIVE Caudills on the list of 20 for books of your choice.
Each "swap" you make must be of similar length -- a 200 page book for another 200 page book -- or similar "type" of book -- a graphic novel for another graphic novel, but you can't swap a 300 page book for 50 page book or a 300 page book for a graphic novel. If in doubt, just ask Ms. Mellendorf!
Caudill Swaps Google Form
Each "swap" you make must be of similar length -- a 200 page book for another 200 page book -- or similar "type" of book -- a graphic novel for another graphic novel, but you can't swap a 300 page book for 50 page book or a 300 page book for a graphic novel. If in doubt, just ask Ms. Mellendorf!
How can I win prizes?
5 Books
Read any 5 books from the 2026 Caudill list and complete their matching quizzes listed above.
Come to the library to select an eraser, pencil topper, mechanical pencil or mechanical pencil lead refill pack
10 Books
Read another 5 books from the 2026 Caudill list and complete their matching quizzes listed above.
Super impressive! Come to the library to pick out a paperback book or a poster from the choice cart.
15 Books
Read another 5 books from the 2026 Caudill list and complete their matching quizzes listed above.
What?! You’re a rockstar! Come to the library to pick out any 3 items from the choice cart including paperback books, posters, mechanical pencils, lead refills, erasers or ear buds.
20 Books
Read another 5 books from the 2026 Caudill list and complete their matching quizzes listed above.
That's fantastic! You will receive a $20 gift card to Barnes and Noble!
Final Bonus:
Read another 10 books of your choice and complete the Final Challenge Google Form linked here.
Maximum of 1 graphic novel allowed.
Maximum of 2 books under 200 pages.
Wow! sooooo amazing! Our final prize is $100 gift card to Barnes & Noble!