The Bluestem – Caudill Challenge
It’s that time of year again--time to start reading books nominated for the
Illinois State Children’s Choice Awards!
Illinois Bluestem Award—students in 3rd – 5th grades must read 4 Bluestem titles in order to vote for their
favorite Bluestem book in mid-March.
Illinois Rebecca Caudill Award—students in 4th – 8th grades must read 3 Caudill titles in order to vote for their
favorite Caudill book at the end of February.
Bluestem and Caudill readers also have a chance to win a party by READING seven or more
Bluestem or Caudill books. Those students who read seven books from off either list will win a
party!
Once you have finished reading a Bluestem or Caudill book, you must write a short review of
each book in our school’s library catalog, Destiny. Students in 3rd grade may turn the form on the
opposite side of these instructions. Students in 4th and 5th grade must submit their reviews online. This may
be done by logging into Destiny at school or at home. To access Destiny, follow these steps:
Go to the Sycamore School District website: www.syc427.org
Choose Southeast School at the pulldown menu.
Just below the green backpack, click on the link to the Southeast Library.
On this page, click on the rainbow colored letters for the “Southeast Library Catalog.”
Login to the catalog in the upper right corner using your student ID number and lab password.
Click on the tab for “Catalog,” then choose DestinyQuest from the left column.
Enter the title of your book, then click on the book image.
When the book record appears, click on the tab for “Reviews.”
Click “Add a Review” then choose the number of stars you will give your book and add your review.
Your review must be at least four sentences long:
Complete this worksheet and turn it in to the library, or enter it directly into our library catalog. For access
to the catalog and a link to the titles on each list, go the SE library website (www.syc427.org/Page/744).
1. Write one complete sentence introducing the book. (For example, “This is a great book! or “This is a very
exciting book!” or “Little House on the Prairie is an interesting book about the past.”)
2. Write at least one complete sentence describing something that happens in the book (No Spoilers!). (For
example, “Jack and Annie find a magical tree house in the woods that takes them to different time periods.”)
3. Write at least one complete sentence saying WHY you like (or didn’t like) the book. Be specific. (For
example, “I love that Harry gets to learn about magic at a special school.” or “I like the Fluffy books because
he makes really funny faces.
4. Who would you recommend this book to? (For example, “This book is good for all kids who like
adventure books.”)
ENJOY!!!
The Bluestem – Caudill Challenge
Your Name (First) ________________________(Last) __________________________
ID Number _____________________ Teacher ________________________________
Book Title _____________________________________________________________
Author __________________________________
Number of Stars:
1. Write one complete sentence introducing the book. (For example, “This is a great book!
or “This is a very exciting book!” or “Little House on the Prairie is an interesting book about
the past.”) _____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
2. Write at least one complete sentence describing something that happens in the book (No
Spoilers!). (For example, “Jack and Annie find a magical tree house in the woods that takes
them to different time periods.”) ____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
3. Write at least one complete sentence saying WHY you like (or didn’t like) the book. Be
specific. (For example, “I love that Harry gets to learn about magic at a special school.” or “I
like the Fluffy books because he makes really funny faces.”)_________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
4. Who would you recommend this book to? (For example, “This book is good for all kids
who like adventure.” _____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________