A $251 grant from the Thornapple Area Enrichment Foundation, which is an affiliate of the Barry Community Foundation, and support from the Lee PTO provided books for this year’s contest.
Second grader Hazel Hansson said she loves March Book Madness. “I like reading and this makes it even more fun.”
Hazel’s classmate Carter Robinson agreed. “I get to read different books,” he said.
Lee Elementary teacher Stephanie Woods said it’s been exciting to see how much interest the students have in the books and encouraging others to vote for their favorites. She said it’s also been a great way to encourage reading and create excitement about reading and discovering new books. In-person and virtual students are taking part in this school-wide contest.
Second-grader Savanah Scott said she wasn’t sure if she would like the book “All the Way to the Top.” “I thought it would be kind of boring, but after reading it, I found it was really good and I liked it,” she said.
Since January, teachers and Lee Librarian Becky Branch have been reading and discussing the books with students. Voting began March 11 to reduce the books from the Sweet 16 to the Elite 8 and now the Final Four. Students will have vote March 30 for the final two books. The Final Four titles are “All the Way to the Top,” “Your Place in the Universe,” “Pacho Nacho,” and “Soaked.”