ROCHELLE — The Abraham Lincoln Reader’s Choice Award (or Abe Award) is an annual statewide program that encourages teens to read four books for pleasure from a list of 20 varied nominations.
The Association of Illinois School LIbrary Educators (AISLE) sponsors this program. Since its inception in 2004 30-70 RTHS students participate annually. Students post their reviews to our Follett catalog from April – February, and we send the RTHS votes to the Abe Award committee at a special event in the LMC where the students also select a free book.
Nominated books have had a second life as choices for the English II Literature Circle projects. Approximately 150 sophomores in of English II visited the LMC to hear Jinkins present summaries of 40-60 works of fiction. Each class voted for favorites. Students were grouped, then read and discussed one book.
Jinkins requested $650 from the RTHS Education Foundation to purchase two copies each of the next 20 nominees. She explained having multiple copies of popular titles makes the project easy to organize with minimal dependence on inter-library loan. The books remain in circulation for years as students discover them on their own.  

The 20 titles nominated for the Abe Award are among the most-circulated items in the LMC. “I have no doubt that the 2018 titles will enjoy the same longevity at RTHS. But students’ enthusiasm diminishes if they have to wait,” she said. “Having multiple copies of popular titles is essential.”
Support from the RTHSEF is acknowledged in 2018 promotional materials for the Abe Award as well as a donation label inside every book.
Event
Support the RTHS Education Foundation by attending this Saturday’s Dueling Pianos fundraiser, 6-11 p.m. at the Chicagoland Skydiving Center.
Tickets ($40 per adult) are available in the office.
Midwest Dueling Pianos players know songs ranging from classic standards to the ‘Sponge Bob Square Pants’ TV show theme song. No matter the age group, the pianists have the music to wow you.
Appetizers & drinks will be available for purchase. Doors open at 6 p.m.