Each year St. Patrick's Day falls during my school's Spring Break and we never really celebrate it at school.
Our middle school successfully ran a "Blind Date with a Book" program in February and I hoped to do something similar with the lower school, but a "blind date" just didn't seem right. We (the school's traveling library assistant and resident creative genius and I) adapted and tweaked the middle school program to fit both St. Patrick's Day, and lower school students.
Here's what we did. A rainbow was created in the library. Under the rainbow were four pots filled with wrapped books -- the treasure found under the rainbow. Each of the pots corresponded loosely to a grade's approximate reading level.
The books were thoughtfully chosen. We selected a variety of books, and included all genres; both fiction and nonfiction; and graphic novels. We selected books that we loved, but that they boys haven't discovered yet. The book's bar code and interest level are written on the outside of the wrapped book. Each book will be checked out to the boy who takes it home.
The boys can select a book before they leave for break. They may only unwrap it at home. Inside each book is a very simple rating sheet for the boy to complete and hand in after reading the book. Boys may not swap or trade books, but because this is a voluntary program each boy can decide whether or not he reads the book. Boys may only select one book -- I tell them the book they get is dependent on the "luck of the Irish"! Books can be read aloud or with another reader. Each boy who reads a book and returns his rating sheet will receive a small prize.
The initial student response has been very enthusiastic. Hopefully this enthusiasm will continue after the boys have unwrapped their treasures and started reading.
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Jeff Kinney has long been a favorite author of our students. We have 3
or 4 copies of each of his books, and they are always checked out. I
just learned from our friends at The Children's Bookstore of Roland Park, an amazing indie bookstore chock full of children's literature, and
staff both knowledgeable and passionate about books for children, that Jeff Kinney is coming to Baltimore.
Each year St. Patrick's Day falls during my school's Spring Break and we never really celebrate it at school. 
The books were thoughtfully chosen. We selected a variety of books, and included all genres; both fiction and nonfiction; and graphic novels. We selected books that we loved, but that they boys haven't discovered yet. The book's bar code and interest level are written on the outside of the wrapped book. Each book will be checked out to the boy who takes it home.
My next and last challenge (not counting my annual lose 20 pounds and keep the house clean dreams) is to participate in the 20 Day Blogging Challenge. This is the brain child of Kelly Hines who writes the excellent blog In the Trenches.
