Illinois Readers' Choice Book Awards
HOURS: Monday-Thursday 9:00am - 9:00pm | Friday-Saturday 9:00am - 5:00pm | Sunday 12:00pm - 5:00pm
Each book award list includes 20 nominees of both fiction and non-fiction titles that students in grades K-12 will read throughout the year and then vote for a winner.
The Monarch Award: Illinois' Grades K-3 Readers' Choice Award
Created in 2003, the Monarch Award was “designed to encourage children to read critically and become familiar with children’s books, authors and illustrators”. The titles on this list are chosen by teachers and librarians for children in grades K-3.
The Bluestem Award: Illinois' Grades 3-5 Readers' Choice Award
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.
The Rebecca Caudill Young Readers’ Book Award
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.
Lincoln Award: Illinois Teen Readers’ Choice Award
This program encourages Illinois teens in Grades 9-12 to read for pleasure and to become lifelong readers. Named after former President Abraham Lincoln, an avid reader and noted author, the Lincoln Award is sponsored by AISLE and administered by the steering committee.
