The Monarch Award is a new program for primary students. Students who have read at least three of the nominee titles are allowed to vote for their favorite book in the statewide election in February. The program is designed to encourage children to read critically and become familiar with children's books, authors and illustrators. It is open to all K-3 age children in Illinois The name Monarch was chosen because of its familiarity to K-3 children and to symbolize the growth, change and freedom that becoming a reader brings.

The 20 nominees for this year’s award can be accessed at the following site: http://www.islma.org/monarch_masterlist.htm