Every Indiana middle grades student should have the opportunity to participate in the Young Hoosier Book Award Program. The main barrier to participation in the past was the lack of access to the 20 books that are annually chosen for the program. While the program is sponsored by school librarians who belong to the Indiana Library Federation, librarians are not the only educators who need to be involved in promoting the books to students.
Teachers play a vital role.
The role of librarians is to obtain the books and promote them to teachers and students. Maintaining wall charts with titles of the books and names of students. Working with editors and reporters to provide book reviews by students that are printed in newspapers. Ensuring that students visit the school library during class periods. Most schools that have high participation in the Young Hoosier Book Award Program sponsor a spring event where students are recognized if they read most of the books.