The 3 Apples Book Award has been developed to encourage the joy of reading for pleasure and to give the children of New York State the opportunity to participate in honoring their favorite books.

It is co-sponsored by the Youth Services and School Library Media Sections of the New York Library Association, which together represent the public and school libraries of the state.

Each year children in grades 3-6 (ages 8-12) nominate their favorite book, creating a statewide ballot of fifteen of the most popular titles.  After reading at least three of the nominated books, the children vote to select one as their favorite.  That book and its author are honored with the presentation of the 3 Apples Book Award, and celebrations take place across the state in school and public libraries.

Below are the nominated titles for the 2007 award.  There are several editions of these titles, so if the linked edition is not available, or if you prefer a particular edition or a certain library’s holdings, check the catalog further or ask a librarian for assistance.

Because of Winn-Dixie
by Kate DiCamillo
When Opal’s father sends her to the grocery store for some food, she comes home with a dog who has a knack for making friends all over town.

The BFG by Roald Dahl Sophie is snatched from her bedroom by a BFG (Big Friendly Giant) who blows happy dreams to children.  Together they devise a plan to save the world from nine evil giants.

Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White Charlotte, a beautiful large gray spider, finds a very special way to save the life of her friend, Wilbur the pig.

Double Fudge
by Judy Blume
Peter is totally embarrassed by his little brother Fudge, and by his wacky cousins, Flora and Fauna.

Eragon
by Christopher Paolini
When a sapphire blue dragon hatches from a polished blue stone that he found, Eragon learns of his destiny to become a dragon rider and fight to overcome the evil King Galbatorix.

Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss Would you eat green eggs and ham?  Don’t say “No!” to Sam I Am!

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
by J. K. Rowling
Year 4 – Harry is mysteriously chosen by the Goblet of Fire to compete in the deadly Triwizard Tournament.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
by J. K. Rowling
Year 6 – Harry learns more about Voldemort’s past and is convinced that Draco Malfoy, his Hogwarts enemy, has become a Death Eater.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
by J. K. Rowling
Year 5 – Voldemort’s power is growing but the Ministry of Magic and the professors at Hogwarts seem unable, or unwilling, to act.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
by J. K. Rowling
Year 3 – Sirius Black, a dangerous criminal, has escaped from prison and is headed for Hogwarts…and Harry!

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
by J. K. Rowling
Year 1 – Harry’s miserable life with his nasty relatives changes drastically when he attends Hogwarts and discovers that his destiny is to battle He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named!

Hatchet
by Gary Paulsen
When the pilot of a two-person plane has a heart attack and dies, Brian crash-lands in the Canadian wilderness where he must learn how to survive on his own with only a hatchet.

Holes
by Louis Sachar
Stanley Yelnats is wrongly convicted of a crime and sent to Camp Green Lake where his punishment is to dig holes.  What will he dig up?

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
by C. S. Lewis
Four children pass through a wardrobe and enter the magical land of Narnia.  There they discover Aslan the Lion and engage in a great battle to save Narnia.

The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo Despereaux Tilling, a mouse, is in love with music, stories and a princess named Pea.  How does he use some soup and a spool of thread to win his heart’s desire?

Timetable for Participation in 3 Apples Book Award Process

April - December 2006

 Children will read or listen to the nominated books. 

  To be eligible to vote, a child must read or listen to a minimum of three nominated books.

January 2007

  Voting will take place in libraries throughout New York State.

  Ballots will be available at school and public libraries and on the 3 Apples Book Award website.

  Only children in grades 3-6 (ages 8-12) who have read or listened to at least 3 of the nominated titles are eligible to vote.

  Each eligible child may vote only once, at either their school or public library.

  Voting will end on January 20.

February 2007

  The award winner will be announced on the website on February 10th.

March 2007

  Nominations will be accepted for the next crop of favorites!

For more information on the 3 Apples Book Award, visit: http://www.3applesbookaward.org