The Sakura Medal

Soon, the Sakura Medal will be awarded to a picture book and a chapter book. Students at some of the international elementary schools in Japan are voting for their favorite picture books and chapter books this week.

Librarians and teachers from participating international schools selected the books. Here are some of the books that were nominated. These pictures were taken at the American school.

The authors of the winning books will receive a medal, a certificate, and an original work of art. Students painted pictures as part of the "Sakura Medal Art Project". The certificate and a copy of the art are placed in a nice black cover. This rocking chair, however, stays there. It was given to the American School Elementary School Library. A librarian sits in it at storytime. The kids sit on the floor.

Here is the "Sakura Medal Art Project" at the American School. These pictures are voted on, too. Unfortunately, I didn't take a close-up. The theme was a Japanese setting with sakura, cherry blossoms.

This is the wall of pockets at the American School. Each elementary school student has a pocket on this wall. In October, students started reading the books on the Sakura Medal list. they read other books as well. The selection for the medal is also part of a reading incentive. Students are encouraged to read as many books as they can. The students put a slip of paper in their pockets when they finished a book. Some students got to attend some special activities based on how many books they had read.

On voting day, students decide which book they liked the most and then vote. The votes are counted and tallied from all of the other schools. The results may be in next week. I'll post them.

At the American School, there was also a raffle. Oops! I forgot to ask what the prize is! I'll tell you when I post the winners of the medal.

There was a table of snacks for voters.

Picture Books nominated for the Sakura Medal 2007

Chapter Books nominated for the Sakura Medal 2007

High school students will also choose their favorite book. A Sakura Medal will also be awarded to the favorite Japanese book.