Scroll down to learn about recommended books from these lists: Monarch, Bluestem, Caudill, and Suburban Mosaic
Monarch Book Award 2021 For students in grades K-3
Each year, a committee of librarians in Illinois picks 20 books that they recommend for children to read. These books are combined into a list called the Monarch Book Award List. Students in grades Kindergarten through grade 3 are encouraged to read the books throughout the year. Every student who has read at least 4 of the books on the list may vote for his or her favorite book from the list in March. The Monarch program is designed to encourage children to read critically and become familiar with children's books, authors and illustrators.
| monarch-2021-master-list.pdf |
Learn about the books on the list by clicking on book titles or video icons in the picture below.
bluestem book award for students in grades 3-5
Each year, a committee of librarians in Illinois picks 20 books that they recommend for children to read. These books are combined into a list called the Bluestem Book Award List. Students in grades 3 through grade 5 are encouraged to read the books throughout the year. Every student who has read at least 4 of the books on the list may vote for his or her favorite book from the list in March. The Bluestem program is designed to encourage children to read critically and become familiar with children's books, authors and illustrators. The book award is named in honor of Big Bluestem which is the state prairie grass. The award may include both timeless classics and current titles
| bluestem-2021-master-list.pdf |
Learn about the books on the list by clicking on book titles or video icons in the picture below.
Rebecca caudill book list
The Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award is an annual award given to the author of the book voted most outstanding by students in grades four through eight in participating Illinois schools. The award is named in honor of Rebecca Caudill who lived and wrote in Urbana, Illinois, for nearly 50 years. The award is given in recognition for her literary talent and the universal appeal of her books which have touched the hearts of many children and young adults.
* Make sure to check the interest level of the books on this list. Some of these are more suitable for middle schoolers.
* Make sure to check the interest level of the books on this list. Some of these are more suitable for middle schoolers.
| 2021_caudill_list.pdf |
suburban mosaic
The Suburban Mosaic Book of the Year Program seeks to confront issues of racial and social justice and promote cross-cultural understanding through literature. Please click here to visit the Suburban Mosaic website.
James's grandpa has many balloons that show his memories. As time passes, Grandpa's balloons start to float away. Now, it's up to James to share his balloons, and memories, with Grandpa.
The first Latin Supreme Count Justice, Sonia Sotomayor, writes about what inspired her to reach for her dreams - books!
Alexa immediately decides to befriend the new student, Ahmet, a refugee from Syria who doesn't speak English. Although communicating with Ahmet isn't easy, Alexa tries and tries again to gain his friendship.