“I am currently reading ‘Steelheart’ again,” said Brayden Siddall, treasurer of Ex Libris book club. “I have already read it once, but it’s just that good of a book.”  Other members of the book club obviously agree with him since they chose Brandon Sanderson’s novel as one of their three book choices last month.

“Steelheart” is also a Georgia Teen Peach Book Award nominee, and to “promote reading in young adults,” the Peachtree City Public Library is hosting a friendly competition between the Mill and McIntosh.  The purpose of the contest is to see what young adults are interested in, said head librarian Janice Dukes.  As students read the books, they submit their reviews directly to Dukes at the PTC Library or to SMHS media specialist LeighAnne Hanie. The book challenge ends Nov. 21, Dukes said.

“It is not so much a contest for the students as it is to see what books will be best for young readers.” “Steelheart” has been the most selected book by Ex Libris members. “So far, 15 reviews have been submitted,” Dukes said.

Once the students read and review the books, the public library will give TCBY coupons to the participants. If they review more than one book, their names will be put in a box for a chance to win prizes from Jersey Mikes, Omega Books, and Partners Pizza, Hanie said.

Each year a committee of 16 public and high school librarians choose 20 recently published young adult books that they believe will interest high school readers for the Georgia Teen Peach Book Award. High school students from all over Georgia have a chance to rate these books and vote on their favorites. The most popular book will win the award, according to the Georgia Teen Peach Book Award website.

Ex Libris, sponsored by Hanie and English teacher Lela Crowder, encourages its members to read and review at least a couple of the books on the list and vote on their favorites.

For this month’s book choices, Ex Libris officers and sponsors decided on “The Fifth Wave” by Rick Yancey. They thought it would entice their members to continue participating  in the contest. “I really liked the sci-fi and action,” junior Andrea Rathje said about the book. “I hope the contest helps interest and promote people to read more.”

Some of the other book selections include “Winger” by Andrew Smith and “Criminal” by Terra Elan McVoy.  The full list is available on the Georgia Peach Award website.

Siddall said he “can’t wait to read the other books. I think they should allow more people to enjoy reading.”

To make this mini read-a-thon a little more interesting, Dukes decided to turn it into a friendly contest between Starr’s Mill and McIntosh. Their rivalry extends to all aspects of school life from sports to literature.

Hanie, a former Chief, exemplifies the friendly competition between the two schools. “Yes, I refer to them as McIntrash,” said Hanie. “And you can quote me on that,” she said with a smile.

Siddall likes the idea of the contest. “It’s a great way to inspire young readers,” he said.