Hackmatack Literacy Program Gives Students a Say

Hundreds of students from across the province with a zest for reading will help choose which Canadian authors win the Hackmatack Children's Choice Book Awards.

Every year, the Hackmatack program gives Atlantic Canadian students in grades 4 to 6 an opportunity to read a selection of outstanding Canadian authors and vote for the books they like best.

Education Minister Marilyn More delivered two sets of the 2010-11 English fiction and non-fiction nominated titles to Alderney School today, Sept. 27, where the about 50 students in registered reading groups couldn't wait to begin reading.

"It is incredible to see so many young people and their families excited about the wonder and adventure reading can bring," said Ms. More. "By allowing students to have a say in their learning, we are developing their leadership abilities and literacy skills. I am really looking forward to seeing the choices students make."

Each year, the Hackmatack selection committee nominates a shortlist of Canadian books for young readers. Children read the books and, on April 1, vote for their favorite. The winners of the Hackmatack Award in each category will be announced May 13.

This year's nominated titles include stories about the children of Africville, information about how to build your own country and exciting adventures about space cats and dinosaurs.

Riley O'Brien, a Grade 6 student at Alderney, has been in her school's Hackmatack Club for the past two years. She said she joined because she enjoys reading.

"I really liked almost all of the books I read over the past two years, but I especially like chapter books," said Riley. "I like doing lots of things like playing outside and going to my cottage, but I really love to read."

Each September, the Department of Education provides elementary schools with two sets of the English titles selected for the Hackmatack Children's Choice Book Awards program. Schools in the Conseil Scolaire Acadien Provincial (CSAP) and schools that offer early French Immersion receive two sets of the French titles. More than 175 groups of Nova Scotian students participated in program last year.

For more information on how to get involved, visit hackmatack.ca/ .