students with author Jason Reynolds

District librarian Amy Brownlee and nine grade school and jr. high students traveled to Emporia Oct. 5 to attend the William Allen White (WAW) Award Ceremony.  Students were able to meet the winning authors, get autographs, and participate in fun activities like a book trivia contest, science stations, and literacy-based games.

The William Allen White Children’s Book Award is the statewide reader’s choice award for Kansas kids in grades 3-8.  Author Sara Pennypacker won for her book Pax for grades 3-5, and Jason Reynolds’s book Ghost won for grades 6-8.

Last year’s top WAW readers were invited to attend.  Students were most excited to meet the authors and also enjoyed the kahoot book trivia contest.  Students were able to meet both authors and get personal books and library books autographed.

“The goal of the William Allen White program is to bring kids, books, and authors together.  They did an excellent job of planning a variety of fun activities for students in addition to the autograph sessions and award ceremony,” said Brownlee.  “Our students were excited to be there and were great representatives of our school district.” 

Photo:  Sterling students are pictured with author Jason Reynolds (seated) at the William Allen White Award celebration.  From left:  Jewells, Victoria, Leila, Katie, Alexis, Derek, Lanae, Bryce, Mrs. Brownlee, and Cody.