This poster in the media center advertises the books of the 2013-14 Florida Teens Read Contest.
This poster in the media center advertises the books of the 2013-14 Florida Teens Read Contest.

 

   School media specialists have been using the Florida Teens Read contest to motivate students to read. The competition helps the state of Florida pick excellent young adult novels.

  Grades nine through twelve may vote for their favorite of fifteen books by May 1, however they must have read at least three of the books prior to voting.

   Genres range from apocalyptic fiction to romance tragedies. After reading each book, participants are tested on their story knowledge by an expert on that novel. A list of teacher experts is listed outside of media specialist Pat Franklin’s office in the media center.

   After talking to an expert on the book, a form is completed and placed a green box labeled with the contest name outside of Franklin’s office. At certain milestones, students are rewarded with prizes like free beverages and movie tickets (see the Prize List below).

   This contest was created in 2005. Last year approximately 100 students participated, with only eight winners (students who read all of the Florida Teens Read books).  

   Franklin encourages students to participate by going into classrooms and speaking directly to students about the books.

   “I like to talk to them about a good book. It helps them find the right book for them,” Franklin said.              

   Students who enjoy reading (and prizes) have been enthusiastic about this opportunity. “It’s easy because reading is cool,” said sophomore Nina Jones.

   Jones hopes to read all 15 books this year. She has already read some of the books, and Ashes is her favorite so far.

    “It gets crazy,” Jones raves about Ashes, “and I like free stuff.” 

The Books of Florida Teens Read:

The Healing by Jonathan Odell

Seraphina by Rachel Hartman

Everybody Sees the Ants by A.S. King

The Pregnancy Project by Gaby Rodriguez

Starters by Lissa Price

Steel by Carrie Vaughn

Virtuosity by Jessica Martinez

Don’t Turn Around by Michelle Gagnon

Every Day by David Levithan

The Latte Rebellion by Sarah Jamila

Outcasts United by Warren St. John

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

Ten Miles Past Normal by Frances O’Roark

Ashes by Ilsa J. Bick

The Fault in our Stars by John Green

 

 

The Prizes of Florida Teens Read

Read three books, receive a goodie bag

Read five books, receive a free Barnie’s drink

Read ten books, receive a free movie ticket

Read twelve books, receive a $20 gift card for Barnes & Noble

Read fifteen books, receive a free Nook