How to Play

GET A CARD!  Pick up a card from your librarian.  The cards are not all alike.  Each card should have something easy on it, a few categories that are in the middle, and maybe one or two challenges for you. They will guide you to choose a variety of books: some award winners, some different genres (types), some based on who wrote them or who the main characters are, even some that are just about physical features of the book (something in the title, on the cover, the number of pages, etc.).

click HERE to see a sample card

FOLLOW THE RULES!


1.  BE HONEST

* Actually read the books you report, all the way to the end.

* Do not copy other students’ work --or let others copy your forms.

* If you want to use a book that you have read before, that’s okay, but only if you read it again now.

Remember: a book counts for one category only; if a book could fit more than one category, choose ONE.


2.  READ NOVELS

* Sometimes the description on your card will say what type of book to read.

* If it does not, you should choose a novel.  That means . . . 

📕 something you find in the Fiction (FIC) section

📚 something that is (usually) at least 100 pages long

📘 something that features characters solving problems with few (if any) pictures.

* Your librarian, teacher, or other Best Books leader must approve your choice for the category.  Check with them

    to see if they think your choice is right for you before you begin reading if you’re not sure.


3.  PASS OFF YOUR READING 

* Do not report a book until you have finished reading ALL of  it.

* Your Best Books leader may ask you some questions about your book, have you write something about it, or fill out a form.  

* Do your best work!

* Librarians (or other Best Books leaders) choose how they want you to report your reading.  They can change 

   their minds too, so do the report they ask you to do.


4.  DON’T LOSE YOUR BINGO CARD

    * If you do, you will have to start over on a new card. 😔


5.  HAVE FUN!

* If you start a book but you don’t like it, stop reading and choose another--you should be having fun!  

* Explore what is in your library.  Sometimes people just read the same books and never really look at what their 

   library has.  Read something different!

* Go at your own pace.  This isn’t a race or a competition. Challenge yourself, but don’t worry if others are 

   moving faster or reading different books.




click HERE for a printable copy of these rules


REMEMBER:  YOU CAN ONLY USE A NOVEL IN ONE SPACE 

(if it fits more than one space, CHOOSE ONE)

REPORT YOUR READING  When you finish reading, talk to your Best Books leader.  There will be a small task for you to do to show your reading: a brief interview with the librarian, a card or form to fill out, or a brief writing assignment.  Each school decides how they want to do this part and they may change reports occasionally.  Once you show you have read the book, your leader will stamp your BINGO card.  To qualify for prizes, read until you have a BINGO (five books in a row, across, up-down, or diagonally).

EARN PRIZES  Prizes are available when you meet certain goals:  your first BINGO, three BINGOs on one card, and BLACKOUT (all spaces on one card).  You will also choose a button for each book you read and receive a drawstring backpack to display your buttons.  For more information, see PRIZES!