Join In!
An Annual Award for the Best Book as Chosen by the Students of Kentucky
WHAT is it?
The purpose of the Kentucky Bluegrass Award (KBA) is to encourage the students of Kentucky in grades K through 12 to read quality children's literature. The KBA is one of approximately 45 state children's choice awards nationwide. All Kentucky public and private schools, as well as public libraries, are welcome to participate in the program.
HOW does the program work?
The KBA committee chooses the books for four Master Lists (grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12) each year. Students read books from these four Master Lists and choose their favorite which they indicate on a ballot. All the ballots are counted and the results are transferred to a tally sheet which is submitted to the KBA. A winner is declared for each level by the KBA Committee. Students do not have to read "at their grade level", and can read as many books as they want. Schools and public libraries, parents and community organizations can provide some or all of the titles and develop local initiatives to promote the program. Books can be purchased from several vendors as a set or individually from book stores, catalogs and online sources.
WHO can participate?
Kids in grades K-12 can read and rate, adults can nominate books. Schools, libraries, bookstores, groups and individuals can help promote the program and help children participate in this program.
WHEN is it?
Kids start reading in the fall, and submit ballots throughout the year. The ballots are counted and transferred to the tally sheets. All tally sheets must be submitted by April 1 of each year to the KBA Chair, Carrie Cooper, at EKU. The address can be found at the bottom of this screen. Winners are announced by the KBA committee before the end of the school year. Books can be nominated by adults through the web site or by mail throughout the year. The selection of the new Master Lists is done around March 1 each year. In September, one of the winning authors is invited to come to Kentucky for a special recognition luncheon at the Kentucky Reading Association annual conference.
WHY should we participate?
This program promotes student reading and critical thinking. It offers students a chance to give feedback and to express their thoughts and opinions. The KBA program is designed to provide a wide range of new reading materials to students and it should be implemented in a way that is simple and fun for students, parents and schools. By all means, feel free to make this program broadly inclusive!
The Kentucky Bluegrass Award is graciously supported by the Kentucky Reading Association and the Kentucky School Media Association.
Additional information regarding the Kentucky Bluegrass Award can be obtained from:
- Carrie L. Cooper
Eastern Kentucky University Libraries
521 Lancaster Avenue
Richmond, KY 40475
859.622.1781
carrie.cooper@eku.edu.
updated: Tuesday, 08-Aug-2006 16:16:52 EDT