Middle School FAQs 

What is the Otters Read Program, and how does it work?

Otters Read is a fun, honors reading program open to all students! It’s designed to help you discover books you love, track your reading, and get recognized for your hard work. Here’s how it works:

• Read 8 books each year you participate.

• After finishing your 8th book, meet with your homeroom teacher for a short book talk.

• Complete 3 years of the program—24 books and 3 book talks—and you’ll earn a Literacy Honor.

• Students who complete the program will be recognized at the end of their eighth grade year! (This honor is still being decided and Mr. Scharnberg is open to ideas!)
  
  

What books count?

Your choice! If you need ideas, your homeroom teacher, Mr. Scharnberg (our Media Specialist), or even friends can help.

Requirements:

• Length / Time:

  • • Print / eBook: 120+ pages

    • Audiobook: 3+ hours

    • Graphic novel / illustrated book: 120+ pages

    • Short story/poetry/play collections: at least 5 pieces or ~120 pages
      
      

• Appropriate content: Age-appropriate reading only. If a book has mature themes, you must get your parent’s/guardian's permission and include a content warning with your book talk.

• No shortcuts: Summaries, SparkNotes, or just watching a movie version don’t count. You need to read or listen to the entire book.

• Re-reads count, but carefully: You may re-read one book per year. On your recording sheet, write a short reflection about why you read it again and what felt different the second time.

• Mix it up! Read different genres—fiction, nonfiction, graphic novels, audiobooks, or even translated works. Variety is encouraged!

Can I list books I read for class?

Yes! Any book you read in its entirety (not a textbook) can count toward Otters Read.

What is a book talk?

A book talk is just a conversation with your homeroom teacher about a book you’ve read. Think of it as sharing what you loved, learned, or found interesting—it’s not scary! Your teacher will guide you, and instructions will be available here very soon.

I didn’t start Otters Read in 6th grade. Do I have to read 24 books?

We want all students to benefit from reading while keeping it fair. Students who join late will need to make up for missed years. If you're new to our school, you can count books you read at your previous school. Work with your homeroom teacher to make a plan.

I didn’t want to do Otters Read at first. Can I join now?

Absolutely! You can join anytime. You may need to catch up on books from earlier years, but your homeroom teacher can help you make a plan to complete 24 books and 3 book talks.

I finished Otters Read. How do I get recognized?

Once finished, print your recording sheet, make sure it is signed by you and your home room teacher, and submit it to Mr. Scharnberg in the media center.

I still have questions. Who can I ask?

Start with your homeroom teacher. If they don’t know, reach out to Mr. Scharnberg in the media center.