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Hawk-a-Thon 2026 is LIVE!
Helping students discover books they're genuinely excited to read.
Welcome!
Welcome!
The CKMS PTSA Books & Literacy Program creates inviting, low-pressure ways for students to discover great books, share recommendations, and develop a lifelong love of reading.
About the Books & Literacy Program
About the Books & Literacy Program
Our goal is to help every CKMS student see reading as something they can choose, enjoy, and share. To further this goal, the Books & Literacy Program aims to:
• Increase student access to engaging, age-appropriate books (in short: "Get more great books in more students' hands and homes").
• Create opportunities for students to see reading as social and fun.
• Celebrate student voices and peer recommendations.
• Support teachers and the library with programs that spark students' interest in reading.
• Partner with families, staff, and our community to grow a culture of reading.
For CKMS Students
For CKMS Students
🔎 MYSTERY BOOK DROP
🔎 MYSTERY BOOK DROP
10 MYSTERY BOOKS. WHICH ONE'S YOURS?
The Mystery Book Drop is BACK!
Ten books. Ten sets of clues. Zero spoilers (okay, maybe one . . .).
We've wrapped 10 mystery books, hiding their titles and covers but leaving behind a few clues about the stories inside. Your task? Find a book that catches your interest, trust your instincts, and enter for a chance to win it!
HOW TO ENTER
1. EXPLORE
Check out the 10 mystery books pictured below or visit the Mystery Book Drop display in the Commons at school.
2. CHOOSE
Decide which two books you'd most like to read. Pick your first and second choices.
3. ENTER TO WIN BY NOVEMBER 13
Click the entry form below, submit your picks, and you're in!
Current Mystery Books
October 15 - November 13, 2026
Mystery Book No. 1
Mystery Book No. 2
Mystery Book No. 3
Mystery Book No. 4
Mystery Book No. 5
Mystery Book No. 6
Mystery Book No. 7
Mystery Book No. 8
Mystery Book No. 9
Mystery Book No. 10
Want a say in which books show up in our next round of Mystery Books? Recommend one below!
Loved this? Try this next!
Loved this? Try this next!
Looking for your next great read? Find a book you already love and discover another one you might love just as much. Whether you're into fantasy, graphic novels, mysteries, funny books, or realistic stories, there's always another great book waiting.
If you loved Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger . . . try:
If you loved Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger . . . try:
The Accidental Apprentice (Wilderlore #1) by Amanda Foody
A runaway boy discovers a hidden world of magical creatures and a mysterious power that could change his life.
Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston
A girl searching for her missing brother enters a secret supernatural world filled with magic, mysteries, and dangerous tests.
Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
Two siblings discover that their grandparents are protecting a hidden preserve full of magical creatures, ancient rules, and unexpected danger.
Why these? Magic + secrets + friendship + BIG adventures.
If you loved Refugee by Alan Gratz . . . try:
If you loved Refugee by Alan Gratz . . . try:
When We Flew Away by Alice Hoffman
Meet Anne Frank before the diary, as an ordinary girl growing up in Amsterdam while the world around her becomes increasingly dangerous.
The Bridge Home by Padma Venkatraman
Two sisters living on the streets of Chennai, India find friendship, courage, and an unexpected family as they fight to build a better life.
The Lost Year by Katherine Marsh
Three young people, two time periods, and one long-hidden family story come together in this powerful novel about survival, truth, and the Holodomor in Ukraine.
Other Alan Gratz books. He has a new book, Flight, launching September 1, 2026 and has published more than 20 novels!
Why these? History + survival + courageous kids + stories that stay with you.
If you loved Smile by Raina Telgemeier . . . try:
If you loved Smile by Raina Telgemeier . . . try:
A First Time for Everything by Dan Santat
An awkward middle school trip to Europe turns into an unforgettable adventure full of firsts, friendship, and growing confidence.
Speechless by Aron Nels Steinke
A middle schooler navigating anxiety, friendship, and school discovers that finding your voice can happen in more than one way.
The Cartoonists Club by Raina Telgemeier and Scott McCloud
Four kids with different creative strengths team up to make comics, build friendships, and learn how stories come together.
Camp by Kayla Miller
Two best friends head to summer camp and discover that new friendships can test even the strongest bond.
New Kid by Jerry Craft
A seventh grader starts at a new private school and tries to balance fitting in, staying true to himself, and finding where he belongs.
Why these? Middle school + friendship + awkward moments + finding your confidence.
If you loved Restart by Gordon Korman . . . try . . .
If you loved Restart by Gordon Korman . . . try . . .
Finally Seen by Kelly Yang
A girl starting over in a new country finds friendship, confidence, and the courage to let others see who she really is.
Ghost by Jason Reynolds
A talented runner with a difficult past joins a track team and discovers that moving forward means facing both his mistakes and his potential.
Front Desk by Kelly Yang
A determined girl juggling school, family responsibilities, and some very unfair adults discovers that speaking up can make a bigger difference than she imagined.
Why these? Friendship + second chances + finding where you belong + discovering who you want to be.
Need help finding your next great read?
Need help finding your next great read?
If none of the books above interest you, fill out this form and we'll post updated recommendations here!
What's Coming Up
What's Coming Up
SAVE THE DATE: Scholastic Book Fair - Nov. 6, 9-10, 12-13!
SAVE THE DATE: Scholastic Book Fair - Nov. 6, 9-10, 12-13!
Teacher Preview: Nov. 6, 6:45-7:15 am
Student Shopping: 30 minutes before and after school + lunches
Nov. 6 & 13: 7:15-7:45 am, first & second lunch, 12:45-1:15 pm
Nov. 9, 10, & 12: 7:15-7:45 am, first & second lunch, 2:45-3:15 pm
Family Shopping: Nov. 10, 5:30-8:30 pm
SAVE THE DATE: Family Literacy Night - Nov. 10, 5:30-8:30 pm
SAVE THE DATE: Family Literacy Night - Nov. 10, 5:30-8:30 pm
In the Library:
In the Library:
Shop the Book Fair
Bookmark Bar
Mystery Book Makers
Book Matchmaker
Raising Readers, Middle School Edition
Mystery Book Raffle
In the Commons:
In the Commons:
Watch the Spelling Bee
Get Involved
Get Involved
Help Us Grow a Community of Readers!
Help Us Grow a Community of Readers!
The single best way you can support literacy is simple: talk to a young person in your life about a book. Seriously. You don't have to have a deep insight to share or be talking about a "classic" piece of literature. Just ask a student if they've read anything good lately. Or mention something you've read recently - or long, long ago - that you enjoyed. Or, if you're around young people, let them see you enjoying reading. Neither of these cost a penny, but they both go a long way in making reading a part of a child's every day life.
Regardless of whether you directly interact with young people, you can also support the CKMS PTSA Books & Literacy Program in any of the following ways:
Donate gently used middle-grade books to collection boxes in the front office or CKMS library; or contact stephjensen4@gmail.com to arrange for a book pickup.
Willing to do a 1 hour Book Fair shift? Wrap and decorate mystery books? Help at a book tasting, literacy night, or other event? Contact stephjensen4@gmail.com.
Willing to do a 1 hour Book Fair shift? Wrap and decorate mystery books? Help at a book tasting, literacy night, or other event? Contact stephjensen4@gmail.com.
Do you have contacts with booksellers, publishers, or others? Are you a business owner willing to host a donation box? We'd love to collaborate with you!
Do you have contacts with booksellers, publishers, or others? Are you a business owner willing to host a donation box? We'd love to collaborate with you!
2026-2027 Highlights (So Far!)
2026-2027 Highlights (So Far!)
Book Drive
Book Drive
The CKMS Community SHOWED UP for the Fall 2026 Book Drive! A total of 627 books were donated, including:
433 books are ready for giveaways to CKMS students!
140 younger reader books were donated to the FCES Library and Reading Hall of Fame Program (TRES declined as they're hosting a 5th grade Book Drive).
49 adult books were donated to Little Free Libraries around Fall City and Snoqualmie.
4 library books were returned (1 to FCES, 1 to MSHS, and 2 to CKMS). ;)
1 very well-loved book couldn't be saved and earned retirement (recycling).
40 Books Donated from Our Community (and counting)!
40 Books Donated from Our Community (and counting)!
Donate a Book
Donate a Book
Help Put Great Books in Students' Hands
Interested in donating a new book? Our Amazon wishlist highlights titles selected for middle school readers and upcoming literacy programs.
Spanish Language Books Added to Library
Spanish Language Books Added to Library
¡Qué vas a leer? What will you read next?
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we're thrilled to share that 40 brand-new Spanish-language books have been added to the CKMS Library!
These new additions help expand the library's collection and ensure more students can find books they'll love in the language they love to read. From graphic novels and fantasy adventures to familiar favorites like Percy Jackson and Diary of a Wimpy Kid, there's something for every reader.
Stop by the library to explore the new collection and check out the colorful new display. Because every student deserves the opportunity to discover the joy of reading, in whatever language they choose!
¡Feliz lectura! Happy reading!
Student Recommendations
Student Recommendations
2025-2026 Highlights
2025-2026 Highlights
Mystery Book Drops
Mystery Book Drops
After the Winter Book Fair, we started giving away four books each week to students free of charge via our Mystery Book Drop.
Each week, four new wrapped Mystery Books were dropped in the library and students were invited to submit a Shelf Talk book review of any book to enter to win the Mystery Book of their choice.
The following week, the student winners were announced during Morning Announcements and invited to pick up their new book in the office.
Hawk Book Madness
Hawk Book Madness
A school-wide bracket-style celebration in March 2026 encouraged students to compare favorites, make predictions, and cheer for books.
Book Tasting
Book Tasting
Approximately 150 students sampled books in a relaxed, social format designed to help them discover their next favorite genre.
Celebrating CKMS Readers
Celebrating CKMS Readers
Twelve CKMS readers were recognized for their participation in the Book Tasting.
New Library Books
New Library Books
Part of the funds raised through the Winter 2026 Book Fair went to purchasing new books for the CKMS Library - these were ready for student check out after the Book Fair.
Alan Gratz Collection
Alan Gratz Collection
The Book Fair funds also allowed us to purchase these twelve new Alan Gratz books for the library.
Scholastic Book Fair
Scholastic Book Fair
At the Winter 2026 Book Fair, we sold 592 new books, generated ~$4,000 in sales, and earned more than $2,000 in Scholastic Dollars to revinvest in books for students, staff, and the school library.
Student Book Recommendations
Student Book Recommendations
Students submitted Shelf Talk book recommendation forms to enter to win Mystery Books. Many of these reviews were then posted in the library.
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