PCES students vote for their favorite 2019 Rebecca Caudill book

HENNEPIN — Nine fifth-graders gathered to vote for their favorite 2019 Rebecca Caudill title on Feb. 27.

Students have been participating in the Rebecca Caudill Young Readers’ Book Award this school year, selecting books to read from the 20 nominees. To be eligible to attend the party, students had to read at least three titles from the list, discuss the book with Mrs. Mertel, and complete a worksheet detailing elements of the book. Students and staff enjoyed cookies, soda and ice cream with toppings.

Students liked many of the books and the winner was “Moo” by Sharon Creech. The following books each received one vote: “Better Nate Than Ever” by Tim Federle; “Booked” by Kwame Alexander; “Ghost” by Jason Reynolds; “Lily and Dunkin” by Donna Gephart; “Ms. Bixby’s Last Day” by John David Anderson; “Sachiko” by Caren Stelson; and “We Will Not Be Silent” by Russell Freedman. All votes were submitted to the state Rebecca Caudill website and an overall favorite of all students in the state of Illinois will be announced in March.

The following fifth-grade students participated: 5A — Talon Pack, Ella Pyszka, Alex Rodriguez and Emmalee Waclaw; 5B — Beckham Baker, Cayden Bouxsein, Jamie Sylvester and Eric Vipon; and 5C — Drew Carboni.

So far, many Rebecca Caudill nominees have been read. Students have until April 30 to read all 20 if they choose to do so.

A special thanks was given to the Putnam County Educational Foundation (PCEF) for their funding of a grant to help provide for the purchase of the books and treats, and to the Hennepin Food Mart in Hennepin for the cookies.