Library Learning Center
Herscher Intermediate School
It is an awfully sad misconception that librarians simply check books in and out. The library is the heart of a school, and without a librarian, it is but an empty shell.
- Jarrett J. Krosoczka
Monarch Award - K-3
The Monarch Award was created by the Illinois School Library Media Association (ISLMA) in 2002-2003. The name Monarch was chosen because of its familiarity to K-3 children and to symbolize the growth, change and freedom that becoming a reader brings. The Monarch is designed to encourage children to read critically and become familiar with children's books, authors and illustrators. The program is open to all K-3 age children in Illinois.
For more information and to locate the annual list(s) please see their website.

Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award - 4-8
Available to Illinois students since 1988, 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.
The award is named in honor of Rebecca Caudill who lived and wrote in Urbana, Illinois, for nearly 50 years. The award is given in recognition for her literary talent and the universal appeal of her books which have touched the hearts of many children and young adults.
For more information and to locate the annual list(s) please see their website.
Illinois Childrens' Choice Awards
Culture of Reading
The Monarch and Caudill are part of the reading culture at Herscher Intermediate!
School wide participation in the Illinois Childrens' Choice Award programs create a positive culture of reading at Herscher Intermediate. Through the promotion of these award programs our HIS students are annually exposed to excellent books (fiction and informational text) in a variety of genres.
Interesting parent article on books about difficult topics: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/parenting/wp/2016/02/25/why-i-let-my-children-read-books-about-upsetting-things/