And the winner is...

 "Sidekicks"

by Dan Santat

is the winner of the 2013 Rhode Island

Children's Book Award! 

Just a few of the students who awarded this book a "gold star"!

Congratulations to Dan Santat!  His book has obviously been a huge hit.  When I announced that this book was the winner, a very loud cheer went up from lots of the students.  (Yes, there were some disappointed students who were rooting for some other favorites, especially My Life as a Stuntboy and Because of Mr. Terupt.  There are always so many wonderful books to enjoy from the nominee list!) 

While the nominee list is selected by adults, the recipient of the award is selected by students!  All students in grades 3-6 in Rhode Island are eligible to vote for the winner.  These fourth graders filled out their ballots back in February.  (To learn more about the award and to see the complete voting results, please visit http://www.ri.net/RIEMA/bookaward.html.)

The students earn a star for each book they read, which goes up on a poster in the library.  All of our fourth graders are encouraged to read at least 5 of the books on the nominee list. When they do, they get to sign the poster that reads, "We're Going to the Rooster Games!"  (If you don't know about the Games, click here!)  So far, 20 fourth graders have signed it.  They have until the day before the Games (in June) to earn their stars.  Keep reading, fourth graders!

Checking the poster for stars earned

Signing the poster - YAY!