Illinois Book Award Challenges–with Kickoff Party!

Join us to celebrate the start of our 2023 Illinois Readers’ Choice Award Challenges! Children in grades K-8 can read books from the 2023 Monarch, Bluestem and Caudill Award lists to earn prizes!
We will be having an IBA Challenge Kickoff Party on Wednesday, August 31st, from 6:30-7:30pm. Sign up for the challenge for your grade, learn about the nominated books and enjoy some pizza and games as a family.

Track the books you read for the challenge using the Beanstack app (iOS/Google Play) or website. Prefer to keep track on paper? Pick up a log at the party! Monarch readers who read all 20 books from their list and Bluestem and Caudill readers who read 10 books from theirs earn a paperback book of their own to keep!

Algonquin Library Illinois Book Awards Website

Monarch Award 2023 Master List

Bluestem Award 2023 Master List

Rebecca Caudill Award 2023 Master List

The challenge runs from September 2022-February 2023 and is open to all Illinois residents, no Algonquin card needed. We will have a Check-in Party (with ice cream!) on November 15th*, and a Voting Party in February. Stay tuned for more details about these events!

AAPLD embraces inclusivity in its programs and services. To request accommodations email info@aapld.org or call 847-458-6060, ext. 143 at least 7 days in advance.

 *Registration for the November Check-in Party will open on September 15th.