The Bluestem Award: Illinois' Grades 3-5 Readers' Choice Award

“This 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.”`BlueStem Award Website

BlueStem Award Rules and Procedures

• Only 3rd - 5th  graders at GLS are eligible to participate in the Monarch program.

• You must read or listen to 4 books off the 2023 nominee list in order to be eligible to vote in February of 2023

• Add your name to the BlueStem bookself everytime you finish a book!

• You could have read the book from anywhere (public library, book store, book fair, teacher read it out loud, etc.) and anytime (last year, two years ago, etc.)!

• Each reader may vote for his or her favorite book from among the nominees. Details on how the votes will be taken will be available soon!

• Vote totals are then submitted (by the school) online by March 15th.