Keep up with our latest reading challenges. Some are offered year-round while others are seasonal.

100 Books Before High School

We’re challenging all grade school students to read 100 books before high school! Participate by signing up via Beanstack, picking up a paper log from any PPL location, or printing a form from our website. For every 25 books you log, you’ll receive a prize! Grades K to 8.

Download the reading log below:

Caudill Readers

Would you like to read and vote on a winner for the Rebecca Caudill Award? The Rebecca Caudill Young Readers’ Book Award is an annual award given to the author of the book voted most outstanding by students in grades four through eight in participating Illinois schools and libraries. The award is named in honor of Rebecca Caudill who lived and wrote in Illinois for nearly 50 years. Pick up your reading log and instructions from any location or click the link below to print from home. Voting ballots may be turned in to any location. Grades 4th to 8th.

The main purposes of the Rebecca Caudill Young Readers’ Book Award are:
• To foster a love of reading for personal enjoyment and satisfaction in children and young adults.
• To promote outstanding literature for children and young adults throughout the state of Illinois.
• To foster cooperation between Illinois agencies that provide education and library services to children and young adults.

You can pick up the reading log at any PPL location, download it below or do it virtually via Beanstack. (Click on Beanstack to link directly.)

Monarch Readers

Would you like to read and vote on a winner for the Monarch Award? This award is designed to encourage Illinois students to read critically and to become familiar with children’s books, authors and illustrators.

The award is named in honor of the Illinois state insect. The winner of the Monarch Award is chosen by students who have voted for their favorite book after reading at least 5 of the books on that year’s nominated list.

Pick up the reading log at any PPL location or print the current book list and reading log from home (click on below link) or do the challenge virtually via Beanstack. (Click on Beanstack to link directly) Voting ballots may be turned in to any location. Grades K to 3rd.

Bluestem Readers

This award is designed for Illinois students in grades 3-5 who are ready for longer titles than found on the Monarch list, but not quite ready for the sophistication of some of the Rebecca Caudill titles. Named in honor of Big Bluestem which is the state prairie grass, the award may include both timeless classics and current titles.

Pick up the reading log at any PPL locatoin or print the current book list and reading log from home (click on below link) or do the challenge virtually via Beanstack. (Click on Beanstack to link directly) Voting ballots may be turned in to any location.

Lincoln Readers

This program encourages teens to read for pleasure and to become lifelong readers. Named after former President Abraham Lincoln, an avid reader and noted author, the Lincoln Award is sponsored by AISLE and administered by the steering committee. Illinois students who read at least 4 titles can vote for their favorite book to win the award. Pick up a reading log at any Peoria Public Library location, print one out online, or log your books online at www.peoriapubliclibrary.beanstack.com. Grades 9th to 12th.