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Welcome to the Harrison Library Media Center's "Read The Rosies" on Wikispaces!

Every year thousands of books hit the shelves for young adults to read and enjoy. In fact, there are so many to choose from, many teens are overwhelmed about what to choose. Should they read fiction, non-fiction, a good biography, or a book of poetry? How do they choose the right book. Do they like the cover? Is it too thick or too thin? Does it have big print? Does it look like it's brand new? How will they know whether it's worth reading?

Isn't it wonderful when someone tells you about a book they've read and enjoyed? It narrows down the choices for you. Indiana teens are lucky in that a program has been developed to narrow the choices even further. Every year, students across Indiana in grades nine through twelve can read and/or nominate books for the Eliot Rosewater (Rosies) Book Award.

= = =What are the Rosie's?=

The [|Eliot Rosewater Indiana High School Book Award (Rosie Award)] is chosen annually by students across Indiana in grades nine through twelve. Students at participating high schools and public libraries who read any of approximately 20 nominated books are eligible to rate each book they've read. Ballots are available on the Rosie website. The votes are tabulated each May, and the winner is announced.

The author of each year's award-winning book is invited to receive the Rosie Award in person at a special event sponsored by the [|Association for Indiana Media Educators] and the [|Indiana Library Federation].

The purpose of the Rosie Award is to encourage high school students to read for fun. It also promotes cooperation between school administrators, media specialists, teachers and public librarians in broadening reading programs. Rosie promotes reading across the curriculum.

=**Who is Eliot Rosewater?**=

Eliot Rosewater is a recurring fictional character in [|Kurt Vonnegut]'s novels, including God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater. Vonnegut is a famous Hoosier author who grew up in [|Indianapolis]. This award was named to honor him and all Indiana writers. The award is often referred to as the "Rosie Award" or "Rosie."

=**How are books nominated for the Eliot Rosewater Indiana High School Book Award?**=

A committee of Indiana high school students, media specialists, public librarians, and English teachers compiles each year's list of nominated titles. A book is eligible for nomination if it: 1) Is in print at the time of nomination. 2) Has not been a previous nominee.

Students then read the books, rate them using a Rosie ballet, the votes are tabulated, and a winner is chosen. Many school and public libraries have special displays in their libraries that showcase the nominees and sometimes, the nominees and winners from the past. How easy is that? Any student can then walk into the library, find a book that has been nominated as being worthy of reading, and then...they get to become part of the process! They can then nominate one of their favorites or vote on one of the nominees for that year.

Are you ready to see the nominees for this year? Then let's move on.