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A Reading Challenge for the School Year

The library is challenging all students from Kindergarten to High School to read titles from the Illinois State Award lists: Monarch, Bluestem, Caudill, Lincoln, and Read for a Lifetime. If you complete the challenge for your age group, you will receive a cool prize (starting December 4). You may also vote at the library for your favorite book from the lists between January 15 and March 15.

Illinois State Award List Icons
Young girl reading a book

The Monarch Award Reading Challenge

Children in Grades K-2 are challenged to read all 20 titles from the 2024 list of Monarch Nominees. Keep track of your reading by picking up a bookmark tracker from the library or printing one out at home.  Read or listen to each of the books on the list and have an adult initial the box next to the cover.  When you have finished reading all 20 books, stop by the Youth Services Desk at the library with your completed bookmark and receive a prize (starting December 4).

Monarch Award Bookmark

Monarch Award

Young boy reading a book

The Bluestem Award Reading Challenge

Students in grades 3-5 are challenged to read at least 10 of the 20 titles from the 2024 list of Bluestem nominees. Keep track of your reading by picking up a bookmark tracker from the library or printing one out at home.  Read or listen to each of the books on the list and have an adult initial the box next to the cover. When you have finished reading at least 10 of the 20 books, stop by the Youth Services Desk at the library with your completed bookmark and receive a prize (starting December 4).

Bluestem Award Bookmark

Bluestem Award

Tween girl reading at home.

The Caudill Award Reading Challenge

Middle school students in grades 6-8 are challenged to read at least 10 of the 20 titles from the 2024 list of Rebecca Caudill Young Readers’ Book Award nominees. Keep track of your reading by picking up a bookmark tracker from the library or printing one out at home.  Read or listen to each of the books on the list and initial the box next to the cover. When you have finished reading at least 10 of the 20 books, stop by the Youth Services Desk at the library with your completed bookmark and receive a prize (starting December 4).

Caudill Award Bookmark

Caudill Award

Teen boy reading book

The Lincoln Award Reading Challenge

High school students in grades 9-12 are challenged to read at least 10 of the 20 titles from the 2024 list of Lincoln Award nominees. Keep track of your reading by picking up a bookmark tracker from the library or printing one out at home.  Read or listen to each of the books on the list and check off the box under the cover. When you have finished reading at least 10 of the 20 books, stop by the Youth Services Desk at the library with your completed bookmark and receive a prize (starting December 4).

Lincoln Award Bookmark

Lincoln Award

Teen girl reading book

Read for a Lifetime Reading Challenge

High school students in grades 9-12 are challenged to read at least 10 of the 25 titles from the Read for a Lifetime List for 2023-2024. Keep track of your reading by picking up a bookmark tracker from the library or printing one out at home.  Read or listen to each of the books on the list and check off the box under the cover. When you have finished reading at least 10 of the 25 books, stop by the Youth Services Desk at the library with your completed bookmark and receive a prize (starting December 4).

Read for a Lifetime Bookmark

Read for a Lifetime List