Abraham Lincoln is best known for being the 16th president of the United States, however, he was also a reader and an author. Each year a list of 20 books is compiled into a list, called the Abe Lincoln List. The books that receive the honor were nominated by teachers and librarians and vetted by the nominations committee. Every year, a panel filled with high school teachers, librarians and students determine the final list. The 2019 master list was recently released, which is what students will be looking at this upcoming year.

ILC Director Barbara Mason helps to run the event every year and is excited for this year’s list.

“What I love about this particular reading program is that students from all grade levels can participate,” Mason said. “Each year, I see many new friendships develop as students discuss the books with each other.”

In addition to the enjoyment of reading the books, students who read anywhere from four through nineteen books are eligible for prizes. However, if students can accomplish reading the entire list, they will be put on the ACHS Reader Hall of Fame plaque, receive a group READ poster, participate in a pizza party/ book talk and receive a $20 gift card to Amazon.

Additionally, students who read a minimum of four books are eligible to vote for the Lincoln Award. The Lincoln Award is a prestigious title that is awarded to the novel with the highest number of student votes by March 15.

Overall this list is full of great novels, from many different genres of books, which allows for most people can find a book they they can thoroughly enjoy. In addition to the enjoyment of a great novel, students can win prizes simply by spending a bit of their free time lost in a book.