About the Challenge
The Awards Reading Challenge is intended to encourage independent reading of high-quality literature. The awards are included in the American Library Association's annual Youth Media Awards.
Students who choose to participate will choose any book from the awards lists suggested for their grade level. When they have read the book (or in the case of pre-readers, have had the book read to them), they will complete a short online form: online Awards Reading Challenge Reader Form.
Students who submit the minimum number of approved online forms will be recognized at the end of the semester as having met the challenge.
**K3, K4, Pre-first, 1st, and 2nd grade students should submit at least 10 books to meet the challenge. See this page for more information about appropriate books for these grades.
**3rd and 4th grade students should submit at least 7 books to meet the challenge, and at least 3 of the 7 books must be chapter books. See this page for more information about appropriate books for these grades.
Students who choose to participate will choose any book from the awards lists suggested for their grade level. When they have read the book (or in the case of pre-readers, have had the book read to them), they will complete a short online form: online Awards Reading Challenge Reader Form.
Students who submit the minimum number of approved online forms will be recognized at the end of the semester as having met the challenge.
**K3, K4, Pre-first, 1st, and 2nd grade students should submit at least 10 books to meet the challenge. See this page for more information about appropriate books for these grades.
**3rd and 4th grade students should submit at least 7 books to meet the challenge, and at least 3 of the 7 books must be chapter books. See this page for more information about appropriate books for these grades.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Should parents choose the books they want their child to read?
A: We love for parents to be involved with their children's reading! By all means, talk to your kids about their interests, and contact the library for suggestions we can provide! If a parent has a concern about a particular book their child has chosen, please inform the library.
Q: If I've read an award-winner in the past, can I count it towards the challenge now?
A: You are welcome to re-read any award-winning book you have already read, but previous reading does not count toward each semester's challenge.
Q: Do I have to check out my books from Athens Academy libraries in order for them to count?
A: No, you are welcome to acquire books from the public library, bookstores, however you like!
Q: Why can't I just read anything I want?
A: You can - and should - read anything you want, but to earn recognition for completing the Awards Reading Challenge, you should also read the award-winners we have linked on this page.
Q: What should I do if I can't find a book I like?
A: Ask for help! Ask the library staff and your teachers, friends and parents if they remember any of the books on these lists and what they would recommend. And be sure to give a book a fair chance (read without interruption for 20 minutes or so to see if it will "hook" you).
Q: How long will this program last?
A: We will start fresh each semester and will keep up the program as long as students want to keep reading.
Q: What do I do if I forgot what books I read?
A: Contact Ms. Terry!
Other questions? Contact Ms. Terry!
Happy reading!
A: We love for parents to be involved with their children's reading! By all means, talk to your kids about their interests, and contact the library for suggestions we can provide! If a parent has a concern about a particular book their child has chosen, please inform the library.
Q: If I've read an award-winner in the past, can I count it towards the challenge now?
A: You are welcome to re-read any award-winning book you have already read, but previous reading does not count toward each semester's challenge.
Q: Do I have to check out my books from Athens Academy libraries in order for them to count?
A: No, you are welcome to acquire books from the public library, bookstores, however you like!
Q: Why can't I just read anything I want?
A: You can - and should - read anything you want, but to earn recognition for completing the Awards Reading Challenge, you should also read the award-winners we have linked on this page.
Q: What should I do if I can't find a book I like?
A: Ask for help! Ask the library staff and your teachers, friends and parents if they remember any of the books on these lists and what they would recommend. And be sure to give a book a fair chance (read without interruption for 20 minutes or so to see if it will "hook" you).
Q: How long will this program last?
A: We will start fresh each semester and will keep up the program as long as students want to keep reading.
Q: What do I do if I forgot what books I read?
A: Contact Ms. Terry!
Other questions? Contact Ms. Terry!
Happy reading!