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About the Program
About the Program
"The purpose of the Black-Eyed Susan Book Award Program is to promote life-long reading habits by encouraging students to read and enjoy quality contemporary literature that broadens understanding of the human experience." (MASL 2022)
The Black-Eyed Susan (BES) Reading Program is a state level reading program for students in Grades K-12 in Maryland. The program is administered by the Maryland Association of School Librarians (MASL). At the elementary level, a set number of books is nominated each year in 3 different categories: Picture Books, Chapter Books, and Graphic Novels. Students are challenged to read a certain number of the nominated books in a particular category. If students complete the required number of books, they are invited to participate in a vote to determine which book in the category will win the Black-Eyed Susan Book Award that year.
How to Participate
How to Participate
Students in grades K-5 can participate in the reading program. Participation is voluntary. Students can participate in more than one category. The following grade levels can participate in each category.
Picture Books: Grades K - 5 (Must read 8 books)
Chapter Books: Grades 3 - 5 (Must read 3 books)
Graphic Novels: Grades 3 - 5 (Must read 3 books)
Students who choose to participate simply begin reading any of the nominated books in their chosen category. Students in K - 1 should have their parent or teacher complete this form and submit it to the Media Center to document their completion of each book. Students in 2-5 must orally respond to a few simple reading comprehension questions to document their completion of each book. Students earn Roadrunner Bucks for each book they complete and if they complete the required number of books they are invited to a voting party in late April.
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