Have you been seeing signs for the MCBA book club? Maybe you’ve found our book display in Youth Services, or noticed those stickers on some book spines. Maybe you even saw our video about the book club! Wondering what it’s all about? Here are 5 things to know about MCBA!
1. What is MCBA?
MCBA stands for the Massachusetts Children’s Book Award. Each year, a committee nominates 20 books for kids to vote as the best book this year.
2. Can I vote?
Fourth (4th), fifth (5th), and sixth (6th) graders in Massachusetts can vote for their favorite book from the list! In order to vote, students must have read (or listened to) at least 5 books from the list. Voting is held in the month of April.
3. What is the MCBA Book Club?
AFL’s MCBA Book Club is a new group that will meet on a monthly basis to discuss one of the books from the 2022 nominee list. As a group, we will share 5 books before the voting deadline. As individuals, you are encouraged to read as many more from the list as you’d like!
4. How do I participate?
Pick up the book for the next meeting at the AFL circulation desk (or look for an ebook or audio version). Read the book, then just show up for the meeting! We will discuss the book, do an activity or craft, introduce next month’s book, and maybe suggest other related titles.
5. What will we read?
We’re going to explore all different types of titles, so there’s something for everyone!
October 27: The Witch Boy by Molly Knox Ostertag
November 17: Two Truths and a Lie: It’s Alive! by Ammi-Joan Paquette
January 26: City Spies by James Ponti
February 23: Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World by Ashley Herring Blake
March 23: Climate Change by Tom Jackson
You can check out any of the rest of the 2022 nominees here!
Questions?
Email kids@amesfreelibrary.org, call the Youth Services desk at 508-238-2000, x4, or talk to Miss Jess or Miss Alyisha at the Youth Services desk!