Grayslake students who read can cut teacher’s hair

Students at Frederick Elementary School in Grayslake have started this year’s Rebecca Caudill Young Readers’ Book Award program with an extra incentive to participate.

Teacher and librarian Robert Depke has volunteered to allow students to cut his hair.

Pupils reading 10 of the 20 books on this year’s Rebecca Caudill list will be entered in a lottery for the chance to cut Depke’s hair at the after-school Rebecca Caudill celebration set for March 22.

The Rebecca Caudill Young Readers’ Book Award is presented annually to an author whose tome was voted most outstanding by students in grades four through eight in participating Illinois schools.

Its namesake lived and wrote in downstate Urbana for nearly 50 years. The award is given in recognition for her literary talent and the universal appeal of her books, which have touched the hearts of many children and young adults.

Purposes of the Rebecca Caudill Young Readers’ Book Award include encouraging children and young adults to read for personal satisfaction, and to develop a statewide awareness of outstanding literature for children.

Frederick School pupils who read or hear three or more books on this year’s list will be encouraged to vote for their favorite. Students who vote and read/hear 10 or more books on this year’s list will be invited to the March 22 celebration.