I want to get the complete 2026-2027 SSYRA Grades 6-8 book collection into my sixth-grade classroom so my students have access to books they'll actually want to pick up and read. These are the type of high-interest novels that get reluctant readers hooked, and I'm hoping they'll spark more independent reading, better classroom discussions, and stronger connections to other grade level texts they are reading in the classroom. Beyond the day-to-day reading skills, my ultimate goal is helping kids find books they enjoy enough to keep reading on their own.
Providing students with the complete SSYRA collection will increase access to high-quality literature and encourage more students to read independently and for enjoyment. I expect to see greater student engagement, increased reading stamina, stronger classroom discussions, and improved confidence in analyzing and responding to literature. Success will be measured through student reading logs, reading conferences, written responses, classroom discussions, participation in literature circles, and an end-of-year student survey that measures changes in reading attitudes and interest. My goal is for every student to discover books they enjoy while developing stronger literacy skills that extend beyond the classroom.
This project will benefit my students by providing them with equitable access to the complete 2026–2027 SSYRA Grades 6–8 book collection, allowing every student to experience high-quality, engaging literature regardless of their ability to obtain books outside of school. These titles will encourage students to read more frequently, strengthen reading comprehension, expand vocabulary, and develop critical thinking and communication skills through meaningful discussions and written responses. Most importantly, offering students a variety of award-nominated books that reflect diverse perspectives and interests will increase reading motivation, foster a love of reading, and help build a classroom community where all students feel inspired and empowered to become confident, lifelong readers.
Grant funds will be used to purchase the complete set of the 2026–2027 Sunshine State Young Readers Award (SSYRA) Grades 6–8 books for my classroom library. These books will be used throughout the school year during independent reading, literature circles, classroom discussions, and literacy activities. As a permanent classroom resource, this collection will benefit not only my current sixth-grade students but also future classes for years to come, ensuring continued access to engaging, award-nominated literature.
