The Rebecca Caudill Young Readers’ Book Award

Illinois students in grades 4 to 8 can nominate books and vote for the finalists in The Rebecca Caudill Young Readers’ Book Award competition. Rebecca Caudill wrote children’s books. She also lived in Urbana, Illinois, most of her life.

  • Books are nominated by students in grades 4 to 8.
  • A master list of 20 titles is sent to participating elementary and middle schools and public libraries.
  • Students read at least 3 books on the list and vote for their favorites in February; the winner is announced in March.

2011 Rebecca Caudill Award Announced

The Hunger Games book cover

Illinois students have selected a teen book, The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins as the winner of this year’s Caudill Award.

Second place went to 11 Birthdays by Wendy Mass, and Found by Margaret Peterseo Haddix came in third.

2012 Rebecca Caudill Nominees, PDF

Books by Rebecca Caudill

(http://champaign.org/justkids/good_books/rebecca_caudill_award/books_by_rebecca_caudill)

Meet Rebecca Caudill

(http://champaign.org/justkids/good_books/rebecca_caudill_award/meet_rebecca_caudill)

Find out about the honest, simple life of Rebecca Caudill.

Meet Caudill’s Daughter

(http://champaign.org/justkids/good_books/rebecca_caudill_award/meet_caudills_daughter)

We learned more about Rebecca Caudill and her family by talking with her daughter, Becky Ayars Baker.

This award highlights outstanding books for young people and encourages children and young adults to read for their own enjoyment. We thank Becky Baker for the photos on our Caudill pages.