This week, we wrapped up voting season with our Bluestem Award voting party! The Bluestem Award is Illinois' reader's choice award for students in grades 3-5. Each year, there are 20 books on the list and students must read/hear at least 4 of the books in order to qualify to vote. The books on this list include chapter books, graphic novels, and nonfiction picture books. I love how this award promotes reading in general, as well as reading books that students might not otherwise read.
One of the books on this year's list, Ada's Violin, I read aloud to all of the students in grades 3 and 4. This is the amazing true story of the recycled orchestra from Paraguay. After reading the book, we watched a short video clip about the story on 60 Minutes and had great discussions about how fortunate we are where we live. We also read Game Changer: John Mclendon and the Secret Game and learned a true story about a couple of basketball coaches who worked to end segregation long before Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr was famous. Both books were great for discussions about empathy and taking action when there is injustice.
Bluestem Voting Party
This year, we had 24 students eligible to vote at our voting party! During the party, students voted, had snacks, and then we played a Kahoot game with trivia questions from the books.
The winning book for Harrison School is Moo by Sharon Creech and the runner-up is The Story of Diva and Flea by Mo Willems.
We had so much fun and we can't wait to find out the winners for the whole state!
Every year, one of the highlights in our library is voting for the state book awards. The Monarch Award is a list of 20 books that are chosen by teachers and librarians in the state of Illinois. Children in grades K-3 are eligible to vote for this award, provided that they've read/heard at least 5 of the books.
During the fall/winter, I read many of the books on the list out loud to our students and then ALL of the students in these grades are eligible to vote. There were so many amazing books on the list this year! The books this year include picture books, nonfiction books, short chapter books, and a poetry book.
This week, after a brief overview/reminder of all of the books on the list, students voted for their favorite one. Each student was given a Monarch "ticket" that they placed in the box for the book they wanted to win. They were so excited to cast their votes!!
When students visit the library next week, we will share this graph with all of the votes.
The 2019 winning book at Harrison School is...
The 2019 runner-up is...
We can't wait to find out which book is the winner for the entire state!
Happy Reading!
