The California Young Reader Medal committee encourages California students to read, read, read!  Each year, students, teachers, and librarians send recommendations of their favorite books to the CYRM committee.  The committee members read the nominated books and then meet to discuss the merits of each book and their appeal to children.  Finally, the committee decides upon a well-balanced list of nominees.  Students from all over the state have the opportunity to read all the nominated books in a category and vote for their favorite to become the next winner of the California Young Reader Medal.