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Library Holds Second Annual Cartwheel Book Awards

Feb 24, 2015 10:32AM ● By Amy Bartelloni

Katie, Lily, Jasmine, and Haley being interviewed by Mr. Steve on the red carpet.

The second annual Cartwheel Book Awards were held on Thursday, January 29, at the Bellingham Public Library. This popular event was the culmination of a year’s worth of reading for the twelve elementary- and middle-school-aged committee members, who had each read ten books over the course of last year. The books were picked by children’s librarian Steve Fowler, or, as he’s better known around the library, Mr. Steve.
“All the books chosen came out last year, and I tried to pick out books that had appeal to both boys and girls in a variety of genres. All the books were marketed to the 8—12-year-old age range,” Steve explained.

At the end of December, a ballot was sent out to committee members to vote on such categories as best ending, best male and female characters, and the all-important favorite book. Committee members presented the awards, and all the authors responded with videos or prepared speeches. Mr. Steve said all the authors were appreciative and gracious, and it meant a lot to them to know the kids liked their books.

All the nominees for best book had at least a first- or second-place vote from each committee member, but the big winner of the night was Loot by Jude Watson, a suspenseful, edge-of-your-seat adventure about thieves. Nine-year-old Jack Tubman explained its appeal: “It was crime and action and drama all mixed into one book!”

Eleven-year-old Katie Matczyk read a speech by Ms. Watson thanking the committee members. She said it was a joy and honor to receive the favorite-book award.

At the end of the night, each committee member received a card from Natalie Lloyd, author of “A Snicker of Magic,” and a statue of the cartwheel book award printed on the library’s own 3D printer. Pizza was served and the members were interviewed on the red carpet.

Registration for next year’s book awards committee is now open. For more information, check out the library’s webpage, www.bellinghamlibrary.org.

Check out Silver Lake Productions' great video of the annual Cartwheel Book Awards at the Bellingham Public Library!

2015 Cartwheel Book Awards
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