The challenge for 5th graders is to read at least 7 of the books in our “Heavy Medal” list, representing the best award-winning books of the last fifteen years according to the American Library Association Youth Media committees. You may read the book in print or listen to the audio.

If possible, choose one title each from seven different categories of award, including the Newbery, The Coretta Scott King, the Schneider Family, the Sydney Taylor, the Pura Belpré, the Stonewall, the Asian and Pacific Islander Award, the American Indian Youth Literature Award, and the Sibert Award for non-fiction. 

When you complete a book, you will get a check-off sheet to mark the award, write the title, and complete a short review of the book. Reviews will go into the book catalog, for other students to read and learn from.

Every student who completes the challenge and hands in the completed review sheets will earn a gift book at the end of the school year. We will offer the books that win these awards in January as choices.

 The full list is available by clicking here.