Pike Road Schools

Pike Road Elementary School has launched its 9th annual Book Madness tournament! This beloved event invites students from kindergarten and 1st grade to dive into the world of reading, as they explore and enjoy 16 carefully selected books. Similar to the format of a basketball tournament, these books are paired off in a Sweet 16 Bracket, with students voting for their favorite after reading two contenders. Just like in sports, the winning book advances to the next level, the Elite 8, until eventually, one book emerges triumphant as the 2024 Book Madness Winner. The tournament isn't just about competition; it's about fostering a love for reading among young learners. Previous winners, such as "Tuesday" by David Wisener and "Jumanji" by Chris VanAllsburg, are still favorites among students. This year’s kickoff had a special guest speaker, Pike Road High School Football Head Coach, Granger Shook! With his contagious enthusiasm, Coach Shook energized the crowd of students, talking about the power of reading. Behind the scenes, the selection process for the 16 books is carefully curated by kindergarten and 1st-grade teachers. Once the event begins, the teachers take turns revealing the chosen contenders to eager students as they cheer for their favorite stories, chanting "We Love Books!" At the heart of this initiative is Kindergarten Teacher, Amy McDevitt, whose passion for reading has ignited a love for literature in countless young minds over the years. Her dedication to promoting literacy has created a lasting impact, with multiple generations of readers inspired by her enthusiasm. In addition to the tournament, the school also offers "All The Cool Kids Are Reading" T-shirts, further encouraging students to embrace the joy of reading.