On Friday, October 24, Ms. Zimmerman from the Tinley Park Public Library visited McAuliffe Elementary to present a book talk on this year’s Monarch and Bluestem Award books.
What are Monarch and Bluestem Award books?
- The Monarch Award is for K-3 students and recognizes authors and illustrators whose books are voted favorites by Illinois children. Sponsored by the Illinois School Library Media Association (ISLMA), the award encourages students to read critically and explore new authors. It’s named after Illinois’ state insect, the Monarch Butterfly.
- The Bluestem Award is for grades 3-5 and highlights longer books suitable for older students. Named for the Big Bluestem prairie grass, it celebrates engaging, high-quality literature for young readers.