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