About Us

• encourage students to read outstanding, recently-published books

• give kids an outlet to discuss the books they read

• connect kids from across Idaho to help them better understand all of the people who call our state home

Beginning with the 2016-2017 school year, the Idaho Kids Vote Book Award has been open to public and private school classrooms and homeschoolers throughout the state of Idaho. Participating classes will make the nominated books available to students throughout the school year. (Tips for stocking your library) Those classes are also encouraged to connect with other classes through blog posts, videoconference calls, and other means to share opinions about the nominated books. During the month of April, students who have read two or more of the nominated books will be given the link to a voting site where they can place their votes for the winner. The winning book will be announced in early May. Following the announcement of this year's winner, nominations will be accepted for the following year's award.

The Idaho Kids Vote Book Award was inspired by the Oregon Reader's Choice Awards and the Global Read Aloud.

Jim Windisch has taught in the Coeur d'Alene School District since 2003, as both a fifth grade teacher and in the Advanced Learning Program. He is passionate about helping students develop their curiosity to become life-long learners. The Idaho Kids Vote Book Award is his first attempt at organizing a statewide project. He has previously helped organize EdcampCd'A, Edcamp Idaho and a number of special projects at his own school. He is on the board of trustees for the Coeur d'Alene Public Library. He is active in the #IDedchat community and many others on Twitter using the handle @TeacherWithTuba He also blogs about education at blog.jimwindisch.com