Massachusetts Children’s Book Award 2011

Reviews by 4th, 5th and 6th Grade Students
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Attention all 4th, 5th and 6th graders!

Massachusetts Children's Book Award

The MCBA was created in 1975 by educators at Salem State College. The purpose of the award is to promote reading for enjoyment in the 4th, 5th and 6th grades. Each year, students, teachers and librarians across the state nominate books and 25 are chosen as the nominees based on their literary quality and appeal. Each student who reads a minimum of 5 books is eligible to vote. Voting for the best book will take place during the last week of February.

This year's books cover a wide range of genres, and reading levels. Whether you like fantasy, historical fiction, realism, or just want a good laugh, you will find a book in this list to your liking.

What activities are planned for the program?
Any 4th, 5th, or 6th grader who reads at least five books from the MCBA list before February will be eligible to vote for his or her favorite book and to participate in the Union 28 celebration in March. This has been a spectacular gathering in past years; and there's plenty of time to read some of these specially chosen books if you start now!

Books in Action This Union-28 wide party is at held at one of the Union school on a rotating basis. There will be lots of fun, food and a chance to meet readers from other schools. The evening's activities will all be tied to the nominated books. This party is by invitation only! You must read 5 of the books to receive an invitation.

Battle of the Books Students team up and work through a Jeopardy style game answering questions about all 25 books. In 2009, teams from two schools battled it out via video conference call. It was great fun and will certainly be repeated!

Books in Action

The librarians from the four schools create activities based on the books and set them up at different stations. Students travel in teams from station to station.

Games are played...