Golden Eagle Book Award - Questions & Answers

What is the Golden Eagle Book Award? The Golden Eagle Book Award is a children's choice book award which was established in 2003. Students in Grades 4 - 8 from Claresholm, Fort Macleod, Stavely, Granum, Nanton, Pincher Creek and Lundbreck, Alberta are invited to read books from a pre-selected list of juvenile fiction titles--all written by Alberta authors--and vote for their favorite. In March, students' votes will be recorded and in April, the three authors whose books have received the most votes will be invited into the participating schools for author visits/readings. A student-centered Award Ceremony will be held to give the students an opportunity to interact with their favourite book creators. The highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the third annual Golden Eagle Book Award to the author whose book received the highest number of votes from the student-judges.

How are the books chosen? A committee comprising librarians from school and public libraries bring suggestions to the overall organizing committee. At least two people read each book, then present a review and give their recommendations to the committee. Books must meet the following criteria: Juvenile fiction aimed at Grades 4 - 7; Restricted to authors who are residents of Alberta; Published in the previous three years; Must be published by a recognized publisher; There are no limitations as to the character of the book considered except that it be original work. In defining the term, "original work", the committee will consider books that are traditional in origin, if the book is the result of original research and the retelling and interpretation are the writer's own. The book must be a self-contained entity, not dependent on other media (i.e. sound or film equipment) for its enjoyment.

How do students participate in the Golden Eagle Award? Each Grade 4 - 8 student enrolled in an area public school will receive a packet with all of the information about the Golden Eagle Award. Any student who is not in grade 4 - 8, but is interested in reading will be allowed to participate. Home school students, Colony students and any other student not in the participating schools wishing to be involved can pick up a packet at their local public library.

Does it cost anything to participate in the program? There is no fee to join this Book Award program. The only cost would be if students were to purchase their own copies of the books.

Do the student-judges have to read the books by themselves? Children can read in groups, with family members and/or on their own. Some school classes will be reading some of the nominated books during class time, but each child is encouraged to read outside of school time. Check with your public libraries to see if there are scheduled times for group readings.

How many books does each student need to read to qualify to vote? In order to make an informed decision, student judges are required to read a minimum of five of the nominated books.

May student-judges read more of the nominated books if they wish? Absolutely. In fact, there will be a draw from among the student judges for ONE GRAND PRIZE. Each student who participates as a judge will be automatically entered in a draw. A student who reads five books will be entered once--and will be entered again for every book he/she reads over the required five books.... meaning that if a student were to read all ten books, his/her name would be in the draw six times. The winner will be drawn at the awards ceremony and that student receives an evening with his or her family at the the Ramada Inn in Letbridge (WHICH, BY THE WAY, IS WATER SLIDE HEAVEN)

What, When and Where will the Award Ceremony be? Once the ballots have been tabulated, the three authors whose books have received the most votes will be invited to attend our two day award event. In April, 2006 (date TBA), the authors will present author talks and readings at the schools in the participating communities. The Award Ceremony will be held at the W.C.C.H.S. in Claresholm. It will be a very special evening, including: 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm: Book sales and signings 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm: Author presentations (3 sessions of 20 minutes) 8:00 - 8:30 pm: Snack time 8:30 pm - 9:00 pm: Award presentations (Winning author and Grand Prize draw) The bookstore featuring many of the works of all ten nominated authors will be operating throughout the course of the evening.

Who can attend the Award Ceremony? The Award ceremony is for children who have read the minimum requirement of five books and therefore are considered to be judges. All judges and their families will be invited to the Award Ceremony.

Is the Golden Eagle Award only for juvenile fiction? Yes, the Golden Eagle Award is for Juvenile fiction. As the Golden Eagle Award continues, it may expand to include Picture Books/Children's Fiction, Young Adult Fiction and Adult Fiction.