The Abraham Lincoln Reading Contest returned to RB this year with new reading choices and a different format. Through this contest, students read as many books as they choose from the Abraham Lincoln Illinois High School Book Award List. Students will also have the chance to review the books through iPadio, a program where students can leave voicemail messages on the Internet discussing the books they have read.
“Every student kind of has their own Internet channel. Other students can listen to them within seconds of the reviews being posted,” said Brigit Wilmot, an English teacher who is running the contest this year.
In addition, QR codes will be placed on the books; this way, students can immediately find student reviews of the book through their smart phones.
“We wanted students to be able to listen to reviews rather than have to read them. We want to spark discussions about the books,” said Wilmot.
This will be the second year the contest is at RB, and many changes have been made to the contest since the previous year. The new method of reviewing books is only one of many new initiatives.
“I first used iPadio with my debate classes. We do a lot with writing in the school, so with the contest, we needed to give students a chance to practice their speaking skills,” said Wilmot.
There will also be many new prizes for participants. Similar to last year, there will be a grand prize given to the student who reads the most books from the list. Students and staff in the contest will have the opportunity to choose what this prize is. In addition, intermediate prizes, such as gift cards, will be awarded to other participants.
This year, there are about forty students participating, along with about five staff members.
“It’s a pretty big group this year. I’m excited to work with everyone,” said Wilmot.
There are twenty-two books on the Abraham Lincoln Illinois High School Book Award List. All of them have been selected by teachers and students throughout the state as being the best books for teens. Wilmot personally recommends Matched by Ally Condie.
Though the contest officially began with the Kick-off Breakfast in early October, students and staff are still encouraged to join in. They can find out more information by visiting the reading contest’s website, which is linked through RB’s homepage. They can also speak to Wilmot about how to get involved.
“Students can join the contest at any time,” said Wilmot.
