Library Media Specialist Amber Ambrose, a first-year educator in the Jamestown Public Schools, has launched a three-week reading tournament for first- through fourth-grade students centered around eight Caldecott Award-winning picture books. The activity combines reading, technology, and friendly competition to encourage students to engage more deeply with literature and comes immediately following introducing students to literary awards like the Caldecott, Newbery Medal, and Coretta Scott King Book Award.

“Turning reading into a ‘basketball tournament’ is a fun way to build a love of reading while also working on our critical thinking and discussion skills at the same time,” Ambrose said.

Using the Novel Effect app — which adds interactive sound effects and music to read-alouds — students listen to each book and then complete a voting sheet designed to strengthen their critical thinking skills. Students are asked to reflect on which book had stronger illustrations, which story they enjoyed most, which title they would read again, and which one they would recommend to a friend.

The eight books featured in the tournament include “Hot Dog” by Doug Salati, “The Undefeated” by Kwame Alexander and illustrated by Kadir Nelson, “Watercress” by Andrea Wang and illustrated by Jason Chin, “Wolf in the Snow” by Matthew Cordell, “The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend” by Dan Santat, “We Are Water Protectors” by Carole Lindstrom and illustrated by Michaela Goade, “Chooch Helped” by Andrea L. Rogers and illustrated by Rebecca Lee Kunz, and “This Is Not My Hat” by Jon Klassen.

Ring Elementary School third graders excitedly discuss which story they liked better as part of a “March Madness” bracket activity that asks them to use their critical thinking skills to “advance” a book to the next round of the competition.

“When students realize they get to debate which book should move on to the next round, they become really invested,” Ambrose noted. “It’s a great way to build a love of reading while also helping them think more deeply about the stories and illustrations they experience.”