Yes! We are hosting a Reading Challenge from January-December 2012. I am inviting you all to sign up for the Award-Winning-Books Reading Challenge that shall begin from January until December 2012.
We are not restricting this to children’s and YA book awards. We are also not restricting this to books that have received recognition for 2012 – you can include books that have won an award for any year. We also welcome entries on adult literature such as books that won the Man Booker Prize, Man Asian Literary Prize, the Pulitzer, and other recognition of exceptionality in literary works. This is also not restricted to international awards, local/regional award giving bodies would likewise be honored.
If you want to have a complete list of children’s and YA book awards from different parts of the globe, click here to be taken to a comprehensive list prepared by the UCalgary. Library Quine from Loons and Quines has also provided us an updated version from the web site of the Book Trust (UK) which provides links to newer UK awards. For the Carnegie and Kate Greenway Awards, you may want to check out this website for a more updated archive. The Scottish Book Trust lists Scottish awards here. Many thanks to Library Quine for all these links.
Other examples would include the Newbery and Caldecott Honor/Medal from the United States, the Pura Belpre, Coretta Scott King Award, Jane Addams Children’s Book Award, Michael J. Printz Award, Cybils Awards among others.
Here are the detailed guidelines for your participation
- The Award-Winning-Books Reading Challenge would run from 1 January 2012 to 30 December 2012.
- There are four levels of participation:
- Level 1 (10 books or less) – Bronze Medal
- Level 2 (11-25 books) – Silver Medal
- Level 3 (26-35 Books) – Gold Medal
- Level 4 (over 35 books) – Platinum Award
- Picture books, YA lit, adult literature – are all welcome as long as they have received an award or recognition – it does not matter what year they won the award.
- We know that you must be participating in a number of reading challenges, so you’re more than welcome to have your reviewed books overlap with other reading challenges you will be joining for 2012 (we’d probably do the same thing).
- You would have to write your reviews of what you have read for the challenge. We would be creating a page where you can put the links up for your reviews (watch out for this). While we appreciate your linking reviews for anything written before 2012, they would not be eligible for prizes.
- No, you do not need a blog to participate. Goodreads, Shelfari members are welcome to join – a weblink that leads us to your post should be enough.
- Monthly book prizes await!
- How do you sign up? Sign up here if you wish to join in our challenge and the url of your post (not your website) which announces your intention to join in this Reading Challenge – and the level you are aiming for. Feel free to grab these cutesie buttons that Iphigene has created for our challenge and post it in your blog.
We are also grateful to Pansing Books for donating the first set of books to be awarded between January-June 2012. Here are our book prizes for the first six months:
Wolves by Emily Gravett – Winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal and the Nestlé Children’s Book Prize Bronze Award in 2005 – awarded to Zoe of Playing By the Book for the month of January.
The City & The City by China Mieville – 2010 Hugo Award for Best Novel, World Fantasy Award for Best Novel in 2010, and the 2010 Arthur C. Clarke Award.
The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes – winner of The Man Booker Prize, 2011.
The Curious Incident of the dog in the night-time by Mark Haddon – 2003 Whitbread Book of the Year award
A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan – 2010 National Book Critics Circle Award for Fiction and the 2011 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction
A Wrinkle in Time, 50th Anniversary Edition by Madeleine L’Engle – Winner of Newbery Medal, 1963; American Library Association Notable Children’s Books
There will be one winner chosen each month through random.org. This reading challenge is open internationally.
What are you waiting for? Sign up now. Remember to write down the url of your post (not your website) which announces your intention to join in this Reading Challenge – and the level you are aiming for. Lezzjoinus!
Our Book Prize Sponsor from January-June 2012
Here is a description of Pansing Books:
Pansing Books division is one of the largest independent distributors in Singapore, Malaysia and the region. We are dedicated to bringing our customers the books that readers want in the fastest possible time.
Besides working with numerous local publishers, Pansing represents some of the biggest and most respected brand names in English language publishing from the UK, US and Australia. The products range from interactive novelty products, picture books, coffee-table and trade publications to reference, education and ELT books.
Gathering Books 
I’m really considering! Would the Foundation count. It didn’t win an award, but the series won an award for Best All-Time Series?
LikeLike
Yup! That should count too. Do join us!
LikeLike
That’s great. I will join. I’ll probably write my signup post in the next couple of weeks–I want to select the books, which will take a little more time. Thanks for hosting!
LikeLike
Great! It’s our pleasure.
LikeLike
Hi Myra, I have a question about a book I just completed by Jung Chang. Her book, Wild Swans is on the 1001 books you must read before you die, but it is a memoir. Does that count for your challenge? It is a fantastic read. No worries if it doesn’t count. I have a few more lined up for the rest of the year.
LikeLike
Hi TBM,
Just to answer, as I’m not sure if Myra has time right now to post as she is traveling in the US…If the book won a literary award then it would count. Its inclusion to the 1001 list doesn’t necessarily make it award winning hence cannot be counted for the challenge. I hope that answers your question. If i made it even more confusing, let me know.
LikeLike
Thanks. I completely forgot she was in the States right now. Thanks for the explanation. Have a great day!
LikeLike
Pingback: 2012 Award-Winning-Books Reading Challenge « BLACKPLUME
Pingback: Award Winning Books Reading Challenge 2012 « Books Without Any Pictures
I just signed up Myra! I’m looking forward to it! And thank you for the opportunity!
LikeLike
Thanks for joining Linda. Good luck with the challenge. Hope you enjoy reading your award-winning books! 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you Iphigene-I tweeted too! Looking forward to it!
LikeLike
Thanks for hosting! I often read Newbery and Caldecott Award winners with my kids, so I thought I would join up!
LikeLike
Hello! I wanted to let you know that I’ve given you the Versatile Blogger Award.
http://50yearproject.wordpress.com/2011/12/16/the-versatile-blogger-award/
Have a great weekend!
Also I’m still coming up with my list of books before I do my signup post. I’m excited!
LikeLike
You’re truly very kind. The award is much appreciated. 🙂
LikeLike
Have a wonderful weekend!
LikeLike
Myra, I signed on for the challenge. It’s a great opportunity for me read award-winning books I’ve missed and new ones yet to be discovered. I’ll try for Silver! I”m not sure though about writing down the url of my post about my intention to join the challenge. Maybe I’m supposed to write a blog entry announcing the challenge? Do I send it to you? Confused. Help!
LikeLike
Hi thanks for joining.
Just to clarify. On the sign up sheet you include the URL of your blog post announcing your intentions of joining our challenge. However, since you’ve signed up already…just write a blog entry and then leave us the link on here.
does that clear things up?
-iphigene
LikeLike
Hi Joyce Ray! Welcome to the challenge. We’re thrilled that you can join us. Just like what Iphigene mentioned, yes, you need to write a blog entry announcing your desire to enter the challenge and the level you are aiming for. You can just leave the link in this post. 😉 Looking forward to reading your recommendations.
LikeLike
Myra, here’s the url for my blog entry about the challenge. I’m excited to be a participant.
http://www.joyceray.blogspot.com/2011/12/winter-solstice-commitment.html#comment-form
LikeLike
Okay, Myra and Iphigene. Thanks for clarifying the url part. Do I have to list what books I intend to review or can I decide throughout the year?
LikeLike
Hi Joyce Ray, you can decide your book selections throughout the year. 🙂 No rush at this point, it’s exciting to have new discoveries along the way.
LikeLike
Pingback: In My Mailbox (27): More Book Sales and Novels-in-Verse from Singapore Libraries |
Pingback: Nonfiction Monday: Margarita Engle’s The Surrender Tree – Poems of Cuba’s Struggle for Freedom |
Pingback: Teaser Tuesday (8): Adventures and Japan Lit |
I’m joining! I have several award-winning children’s books on my shelves screaming to be read. Thanks for the opportunity!
LikeLike
Hi Nancy,
Thanks for joining. You could officially sign up on this page: http://main.gatheringbooks.org/?page_id=191.
Have a great time reading those award-winning children’s books!
LikeLike
Would like to join it. Just wanted to know if I could join at any time of the year as I would like to choose my books first before joining
LikeLike
Hi Jyoti,
Yup you can joy anytime within the year. You can sign up until Nov 30, 2012. Just don’t forget to sign up here: http://main.gatheringbooks.org/?page_id=191 with your post announcing your intentions of joining the challenge.
Thanks for joining. 🙂
LikeLike
Pingback: Award Winning Books Reading Challenge | 50 Year Project
I’m really tempted to do this, maybe I will. I think I will! I’ve made my mind up in the last two seconds.
LikeLike
Hi Cassie! Welcome! We’d love for you to join. 🙂
LikeLike
Pingback: Blogging/Reading Challenges… I feel like a child in a sweet shop | byroisinhealy
Thanks for the pingback! Must get started in my list and sign up now!
LikeLike
Hi, this is my first time to join a reading challenge, so I’d like to ask some few questions:
1. About this: “You would have to write your reviews of what you have read for the challenge. We would be creating a page where you can put the links up for your reviews (watch out for this). While we appreciate your linking reviews for anything written before 2012, they would not be eligible for prizes.”
—-> Do I have to write a review per book on my blog? Does this have a deadline or I can write the reviews anytime, as long as I have finished one book?
2. The books that I will pick for the reading challenge should be taken from this site: http://people.ucalgary.ca/~dkbrown/awards.html?
3. What if some of the books that I selected are not available in our country? Is ebook allowed? Or do I have to order online for it (though this won’t be a problem for me) 🙂
4. And lastly, for example, I picked the 11-25 books…but then I exceeded…would I still qualify for the Gold Medal?
I really want to join this challenge so I can enhance my reading and writing skills (and so I can write more on my blog). hope you can help me with my questions.
Thanks.
Erin
LikeLike
Hi Erin Dearest! Welcome to GatheringBooks! I’m glad you decided to join. Attagirl! Here are my responses to your questions:
1. Yes, you would have to write your reviews of the book on your blog. The reading challenge would run from January 1 – December 30, 2012 – so you can write your reviews during that period. And yes, you have to finish the book before you can write reviews about them.
2. The books do not necessarily have to come from that site/link. That is only one of the recommended sites. You can explore others – even local/regional award-giving bodies will be honored. Thus, Palanca Award Winning books are likewise included.
3. For your question 3, I suppose my answer in 2 would likewise work – since you can explore award-winning books in the Philippines as well. E-books are more than welcome.
4. The levels that we have posted (Gold/Silver/Bronze) are merely ways through which you can challenge your own self in your reading – and for you to have a clear plan in terms of the number of books you intend to read for the challenge – this shall be the goal that you set for yourself for the entire year. The more reviews you write, the greater the chances of your winning a prize each month. Only one winner will be chosen each month via random.org
I hope that my responses were helpful. 🙂 How are you dearest Erin? You still working for Dr. Abueva?
LikeLike
Oh cool! I can read Philippine books as well! Yipee! 😀 Maybe in a few weeks, I’ll write my blog post on this. I just have to pick the books that I want to read for 2012.
I’m doing fine Ms. Myra. I’m no longer with Dr. Abueva. I’m working as a full time home-based writer for a US client as well as doing some freelance writing jobs with a few clients. I’m on a 2012 goal to write some articles and get them published even if just on newspapers and minor magazines. I just got a new laptop so I can write freely now than before. And this reading challenge will help in enhancing my reading and writing skill. 🙂
This challenge is a sign for me to read and write more for 2012. And I’m happy it came 😀
Thanks for the responses, they helped. I might ask some few questions in the next days about the books I selected if they are qualified or not. 🙂
LikeLike
I see. Sure, just fire away with the questions. Looking forward to reading your reviews. 🙂
LikeLike
Pingback: Award-winning Books Reading Challenge | rovingfiddlehead kidlit
Pingback: Award Winning Books Challenge 2012 | Lia Lexis
Hi, This is great challenge, and I’m really looking forward to doing it. I’m from Scotland, and I’m embarassed to say that there a lots of award winning books from Scotland and the rest of the UK that I’ve not read (yet). However, the list of worldwide award winners from U of Calgary is a little out of date for the UK. The web site of the Book Trust (UK) gives links to newer UK awards http://www.booktrust.org.uk/prizes-and-awards/, the Carnegie and Kate Greenway Awards endure at hthttp://www.carnegiegreenaway.org.uk/livingarchive/ and the Scttish Book Trust lists Scottish awards at http://www.scottishbooktrust.com/node/21369 . Hope this helps those who are interrested in reading British books.
LikeLike
CORRECTED VERSION
Hi, This is great challenge, and I’m really looking forward to doing it. I’m from Scotland, and I’m embarassed to say that there a lots of award winning books from Scotland and the rest of the UK that I’ve not read (yet). However, the list of worldwide award winners from U of Calgary is a little out of date for the UK.
The web site of the Book Trust (UK) gives links to newer UK awards http://www.booktrust.org.uk/prizes-and-awards/, the Carnegie and Kate Greenway Awards endure at http://www.carnegiegreenaway.org.uk/livingarchive/ and the Scottish Book Trust lists Scottish awards at http://www.scottishbooktrust.com/node/21369 . Hope this helps those who are interested in reading British books.
LikeLike
Pingback: End of Year Book Survey for 2011: A 3-in-1 Collaborative Blogpost from the GatheringBooks Ladies «
Oops, probably all have to do it again as it was linked to just the website (one day I’ll learn to READ the rules first. I’ll post my intention on my blog on Wednesday for level 2. As you know most book will be pre 2012 for me 😉 Great idea BTW.
LikeLike
Hi Joanna! Nice to have you on board. 🙂
LikeLike
Pingback: “Nightwings” by Robert Silverberg « Books Without Any Pictures
Pingback: Books Published in the First Years of My Life Challenge | 50 Year Project
Pingback: Red Sings from Treetops by Joyce Sidman (again) | Hope Is the Word
Pingback: Reading Challenges for 2012 and Total Books Read for 2011 «
Pingback: IMM (30): Circus, Carnivale and Paranormal Twists – Launch of our Bimonthly theme this January/February 2012 «
Pingback: Review – Tamar by Mal Peet | Lia Lexis
Pingback: Teaser Tuesday: A Visit from the Goon Squad «
Pingback: Featured Academic and Storytellers for January and February «
Okay, you’ve convinced me 🙂 I’ll head over and sign up now…
LikeLike
Pingback: Dave the Potter – Picture Book Perfect Friday | Miss Marple's Musings
Pingback: “The Foundation” by Isaac Asimov « Books Without Any Pictures
Pingback: Teaser Tuesday: Of Monsters, Circus, and Strange Creatures «
Pingback: List of Novels in Verse and Poetry Books for Children and Round-up for January 2012 «
Pingback: Award-Winning Books Reading Challenge 2012 « Reading since 1984. Daydreaming since 1989.
Pingback: IMM (33): Library Loot and books for Black History Month «
Pingback: Nonfiction Monday: Lily Renée, Escape Artist by Trina Robbins and Illustrated by Anne Timmons and Mo Oh «
Pingback: “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins « Books Without Any Pictures
Pingback: IMM(34): More Book Bargains and Library Love «
Pingback: “Foundation and Empire” by Isaac Asimov « Books Without Any Pictures
Pingback: “Ender’s Game” by Orson Scott Card « Books Without Any Pictures
Pingback: In My Mailbox (36): Bargain Books are Love «
Pingback: Carnival of Children’s Literature: A February Round-Up and More «
Pingback: February 2012: A Month in Review « Books Without Any Pictures
Pingback: In My Mailbox (37): Book Finds and a Precious Gift from a Dear Friend «
Pingback: “Second Foundation” by Isaac Asimov « Books Without Any Pictures
Pingback: In My Mailbox (38): Launch of Girl Power and Women’s Wiles Bimonthly Theme for March-April «
Pingback: In My Mailbox (39): More Book Bargains and Birthday Loot «
Pingback: Teaser Tuesday: Girl Power and Chaos Walking «
Pingback: In My Mailbox (40): Of Bunnies, Libraries, and Book Bargains «
Pingback: List of Circus, Carnivale, Paranormal Themed Books for All Ages «
Pingback: April Reading Goals. | 50 Year Project
Pingback: “The Wood Wife” by Terri Windling « Books Without Any Pictures
Pingback: In My Mailbox (43): Goosebumps, Graphic Novels, and Adult Lit «
Pingback: “Elantris” by Brandon Sanderson « Books Without Any Pictures
Pingback: In My Mailbox (44): More Library Love and Girl Power Themed Books «
Pingback: Teaser Tuesday: White Cats and Losing Things «
Pingback: In My Mailbox (46): Bargain Books and Library Loot «
Pingback: In My Mailbox (47): Launch of Festival of Asian Literature and the Immigrant Experience «
Pingback: Nonfiction Monday: Drawing from Memory by Allen Say «
Pingback: Book Prizes for the Award-Winning-Books Reading Challenge for July-December «
Pingback: Teaser Tuesdays: Nicholas and Fadi «
Pingback: The Summer of Shelf Discovery | Hope Is the Word
Pingback: Award Winning Books reading challenge | Fill Your Bookshelf
Pingback: The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz | Fill Your Bookshelf
Pingback: BHE (10): Book Hunting in Vegas – Second of Two Parts «
Pingback: “Silently and Very Fast” by Catherynne Valente « Books Without Any Pictures
Pingback: Review: Wild Swans | 50 Year Project
Pingback: “The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms” by N. K. Jemisin | Books Without Any Pictures
Pingback: “Among Others” by Jo Walton | Books Without Any Pictures
Pingback: Pereira Maintains by Antonio Tabucchi | 50 Year Project
Pingback: Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier | 50 Year Project
Pingback: Tipping the Velvet by Sarah Waters | 50 Year Project
Pingback: The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton | 50 Year Project
Pingback: The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman | 50 Year Project
Pingback: Mesmerized by Alissa Walser | 50 Year Project
Pingback: "Among Others" by Jo Walton Books Without Any Pictures
Pingback: "The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms" by N. K. Jemisin Books Without Any Pictures
Pingback: "Silently and Very Fast" by Catherynne Valente Books Without Any Pictures
Pingback: "Elantris" by Brandon Sanderson Books Without Any Pictures
Pingback: "The Wood Wife" by Terri Windling Books Without Any Pictures
Pingback: "Second Foundation" by Isaac Asimov Books Without Any Pictures
Pingback: "Foundation and Empire" by Isaac Asimov Books Without Any Pictures
Pingback: "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins Books Without Any Pictures
Pingback: "The Foundation" by Isaac Asimov Books Without Any Pictures
Pingback: "Nightwings" by Robert Silverberg Books Without Any Pictures
Pingback: "Ender's Game" by Orson Scott Card Books Without Any Pictures
Pingback: Award Winning Books Reading Challenge 2012 Books Without Any Pictures
Pingback: February 2012: A Month in Review Books Without Any Pictures