Several Mars Area Centennial School students attended the 2024-2025 Children’s Choice Awards, hosted by Allegheny Intermediate Unit and the Allegheny County Library Association, held April 9.

Similar to a Mock Newbery program, the event is a collaboration of school and public librarians to help students (Grades 3-6) to choose the best book of the year.

In preparation for the event, sixth-graders Reese Carrel, Noah Fecich, Maxwell McEwen, Hannah Nam, Benen Pears, Kristin Sadhu, Alison White and Chaarvi Yogesh read up to eight of the nominated books then voted on their favorite. The book, “Max in the House of Spies” by Adam Gidwitz, was selected as the winner.

Matthew Holm, children’s book author and illustrator, served as keynote speaker for the event. In addition, the students participated in a presentation by Joe Mruk of Red Buffalo Illustrations and a performance by Josh & Gab.

In addition, the students joined in “Battle of the Books”, testing their knowledge of the books that they read. The team of sixth-graders Maxwell McEwen, Benen Pears, Kristin Sadhu and Alison White placed in the Top 3.

For more information, visit www.aiu3.net/Page/1082.