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.

In the fall, students at Steck will be given book talks by the LMC Director, Mrs.  Christakes, and may vote for their favorite in late February if they have read or heard at least four of the twenty nominated titles. 

All of the Bluestem Books from the master list are available for check out in the Steck LMC. The winning book is announced in March. More information about The Bluestem Award and the current master list can be found at the program's website.