Program Rationale:
Surrey Teacher-Librarians recognize that young adults flourish in an environment in which they can exchange ideas related to their reading and life experiences. The Surrey Teens Read program offers Surrey secondary students exposure to a suite of ten exceptional contemporary titles, selected by secondary teacher-librarians. Every reasonable effort is made to select titles which appeal to a wide range of readers, which explore diverse ethnic and cultural perspectives, and provide thoughtful, relevant, and engaging content, reflecting young adult interests.
Selection Criteria:
The content of some of the shortlisted titles may be more mature than younger students have previously encountered. The titles selected aim to serve the entire school community which includes students as young as 12 and as old at 18. Surrey Teens Read is a voluntary young readers’ choice award program and readers will be able to select titles that they feel are suitable.
Books considered for the Surrey Teens Read shortlist –
Must have been published within two years of selection.
May be written by authors of any nationality but must be available in English.
Will represent a variety of genres, formats, maturity and reading levels.
Will aim to appeal to all members of the school community regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.
Titles will be selected with the purpose of engaging students and encouraging them to read for enjoyment. The goal is to select books that students will connect with. Titles will be chosen in which they can see themselves, and others; books where the wider global community is reflected.
Program Outline:
A selection committee of Surrey Secondary Teacher-Librarians will read and review books, and by Early Spring of the program year, select shortlist of 10 books.
Books and promotional posters will be available in school libraries in September of the following school year. Teacher-Librarians are encouraged to promote the program as widely as possible.
Students will be invited to rate each book that they read out of 5 stars. The title with the highest overall rating will be awarded Surrey Teens Read Winner.
2024-2025 Selection Committee
Amanda Barnes, Teacher-Librarian, North Surrey Secondary
Laura Parker-Jervis, Teacher-Librarian, Fraser Heights Secondary
Tammy Le, Teacher-Librarian, L.A. Matheson Secondary
Maureen McDonough, Teacher-Librarian, Semiahmoo Secondary
Janine Gleeson, Teacher-Librarian, LA Matheson Secondary
Julia Nash, Teacher-Librarian, Queen Elizabeth Secondary