Award List Books
The purposes of these awards are to encourage students in elementary grades to read for personal enjoyment, to develop a statewide awareness of outstanding literature for young people and to promote a desire for literacy. These state-wide programs encourage cooperation among Illinois agencies providing educational and library services to young people.
Rebecca Caudill Award Books (Grades 4-8)
Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Award is a state-wide program designed for children in grades 4 through 8. Student read and choose their favorite book from a list of 20 nominated books. The nominated books were suggested by students and teachers. A committee of teachers and librarians develops the list of nominations for the year.
Peterson does not formally participate in this program, but Mrs. Schimmoler encourages students to read books from the list that are appropriate for the reader.
More information about the Rebecca Caudill Young Reader's Book Award and the current master list as well as the lists prior to the current year can be found at the program's website: http://www.rebeccacaudill.org/
Bluestem Award Books
(Grades 3-5)
The Bluestem Award is a state-wide program in which children in grades 3 through 5 choose their favorite book from a list of 20 nominated books. The award is designed for students in grades 3-5 who are ready for longer titles than found on the Monarch list, but not quite ready for the sophistication of some of the Rebecca Caudill titles.
Named in honor of Big Bluestem which is the state prairie grass, the award may include both timeless classics and current titles, as well as books that have appeared on Monarch and Rebecca Caudill lists.
Peterson will formally participate in this program. Students will be asked to read at least 4 books from the list either independently or they could be read to them. Students who read four books are eligible to vote sometime in February or early March. Voting will take place in the LMC and results will be announced during National Library Week in April.
More information about The Bluestem Award: Illinois' 3-5 Children's Choice Award, the current master list for the school year can be found at the program's website:
Monarch Award Books
(Grades K-3)
The Monarch Award is a state-wide program in which children in grades K through 3 choose their favorite book from a list of 20 nominated books. The list contains at least three of each of the following types of children's books: picture books, easy readers, and chapter books.
The name Monarch was chosen because of its familiarity to K-3 children and to symbolize the growth, change and freedom that becoming a reader brings. The Monarch is designed to encourage children to read critically and become familiar with children's books, authors and illustrators. The program is open to all K-3 age children in Illinois.
Peterson formally participates in this program. Reading of the books begins in January and voting occurs in late-February. Students can either do this independently or staff members may read the books aloud to the students. The winning book is announced in March.
More information about The Monarch Award: Illinois' K-3 Children's Choice Award, the current master list and lists prior to the current year can be found at the program's website: