Librarian Selected for Children’s Sequoyah Reading Team

We’re excited to announce that Susan Shewey, the Children’s Program & Development Coordinator, has been selected for the Children’s Sequoyah Reading Team by the Oklahoma Library Association (OLA).

The Oklahoma Library Association selects members for its Sequoyah Reading Teams every three years. Teams for Children’s, Intermediate, and High School literature read and select books for inclusion on the annual Sequoyah Masterlist. Students then vote each year in schools and libraries across the state for the Sequoyah Book Award winners in their respective age groups.

“It’s been a dream to be selected to be on the Children’s Sequoyah Reading Team,” said Shewey. “I love the opportunity the Sequoyah Masterlist has given me to talk to students about books each year. Each year’s list offers something for every reader, and the Sequoyah program is a wonderful way to build connections with children through books.”

Each Reading Team consists of five school librarians, five public librarians, and a library educator. Reading Team requirements include being an Oklahoma Library Association member and a certified librarian who selects or purchases materials for the age group/grade in their respective Reading Teams. Members represent different geographical areas throughout Oklahoma.

The Children’s Reading Team is also responsible for selecting nominees for the Donna Norvell Book Award, featuring literature for children in grades two and below.

Congratulations, Susan!

History of the Sequoyah Book Award

The Sequoyah Book Awards happen every year to honor Sequoyah, who created the Cherokee syllabary, which consists of 86 symbols representing sounds in the Cherokee language.