Quahog Book Award

2012-2024

The Quahog Reading Program started in 2012 with an idea by Jessica Noblet and Jeanne McCullough that we needed to promote reading year-round rather than just in the summer. Advertised as a winter reading program, it encouraged children in grades 3-6 to read quality literature in a variety of genres. The original contest featured ten books at each level with each child receiving a journal to record their impressions of each book.  The culminating activity was a sleepover at the library. There have been many modifications over the years to make the program more child- friendly, leading to the current popular version.

 The participants who register in January choose one of four levels of varying difficulty. They read the five nominated titles at their chosen level, then are empowered to choose a favorite for which to vote in the final week. Most impressively, we now have mega-readers who are finishing all twenty books. During the course of the program the library hosts a range of programs specifically for Quahog readers, offers weekly beads to encourage interaction, and provides opportunities to participate in raffles. There is great enthusiasm when the winners at each level are announced at the cumulative pizza party. The Mattapoisett copies of the winning books have a Quahog Book Award sticker affixed to their front cover similar to the ALA Caldecott and Newbery Awards.

Click here to see all the winners!

Click here to see all the books that were nominated! (Winners are highlighted)