The Sunshine State Young Reader’s Award program is a statewide reading motivation program for students in grades 3-8. The program, co-sponsored by  the School Media Services Office of the Department  of education ad the Florida Association for Media  Education (FAME), began in 1983.

The Purpose of the Sunshine State Young Reader’s Award Program are:

• to encourage students to read for personal satisfaction
• to help students in understanding , relating to, and enjoying life through experiences with literature
• to help students become discriminating readers in their personal selection of books
• to develop an awareness of outstanding literature for children and young people
• to encourage cooperation among administrators, library media specialists, and teachers in broadening reading experiences
• to give recognition to those who write books for children and young people

During the school year, 3rd-5th grade students are invited to read books from the recommended list, then take and pass the accompanying test. In 3rd grade, students must read 3 books, in 4th grade, students must read 5 books, and in 5th grade, students must read 7 books.  If they read the books and pass the tests before the end of March, they will be invited to an SSYRA party hosted by the Media Center.

Sunshine State Reader Award Books for 2023-2024