Kelley Nugent, one of the most avid readers at PR, took part in the statewide committee of librarians and high school students who selected the 22 titles nominated for next year’s Abraham Lincoln Illinois High School Book Award. Nugent is the third PR student to be selected for this honor.
Annually, students from all over Illinois read four books from this list and vote for their favorite in February. This year Suzanne Collins won for Hunger Games, although Kristin Cashore’s Graceling was the PR favorite.
In order to participate, Kelley first applied for the position last spring. Over the summer she learned via email that she had been selected to participate. During the winter she obtained her assignment: read 10 books out of a list of 75 that could make the final cut. She evaluated her ten books on several qualities–originality, literary quality, timelessness, subject matter, factual accuracy, and teen appeal–and then attended an all-day meeting to debate the various titles. When asked what the day was like, she said, “It was tense.” Librarians and students fought for their favorites until they finally reached consensus.
Students have already started reading the 2012 nominees. Kelley encourages other students to “keep reading, read something you wouldn’t ordinarily choose,” and even consider applying to be on the Abe committee. Come to the library to get a bookmark featuring these titles, and check one out. Also be sure to attend the 3rd annual Beach Bag Book Grab at the end of the year.