Monarch Award Reading Challenge
Preschool to Grade 3

The name Monarch was chosen because of its familiarity to younger children and to symbolize the growth, change and freedom that becoming a reader brings. The Monarch Award is sponsored by the Association of Illinois School Library Educators (AISLE).

• The Reading Challenge is open to children preschool to Grade 3
• Read at least five books from the Monarch Award list
• Receive a prize
• Children in grades K to 3 vote for the Best Book of the Year
• Register for the Monarch Award Challenge here 

Bluestem Award Reading Challenge
Grades 3 to 5

Big Bluestem, the Illinois state prairie grass, symbolizes the entire Bluestem Award and the variety of titles on the Master List each year. The deep roots of this dominant native grass of the tall grass prairie indicate the older titles with lasting appeal. New yearly growth relates to the newer titles chosen and its changing colors are a reflection of the variety of literatures. The Bluestem Award is sponsored by the Association of Illinois School Library Educators (AISLE).

• The Reading Challenge is open to students in grades 3 to 5
• Read at least four books from the Bluestem Award list
• Vote for the Best Book of the Year and get a prize
• Register for the Bluestem Award Reading Challenge here

Rebecca Caudill Award Reading Challenge
Grades 4 to 8

This 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.

• The Reading Challenge is open to students in grades 4 to 8
• Read at least three books from the Rebecca Caudill Award list
• Vote for the best book of the year and get a prize
• Register for the Rebecca Caudill Award Reading Challenge here

Lincoln Award Reading Challenge
Grades 9 to 12

Named after former President Abraham Lincoln, an avid reader and noted author, the Lincoln Award is sponsored by the Association of Illinois School Library Educators (AISLE).

• The Reading Challenge is open to students in grades 9 to 12
• Read at least four books from the Lincoln Award list
• Vote for the Best Book of the Year and get a prize
• Register for the Lincoln Award Reading Challenge here