April is School Library Month, and literacy is being celebrated across the district! From exciting events to community engagement, this month has been all about inspiring a love for reading and fostering student confidence in their literacy journeys.

As part of our Mad for Reading initiative, we are also celebrating Arab American History Month, continuing our focus on promoting literacy and cultural pride. This month, we’ve highlighted the incredible contributions of Arab American authors, fostering pride, connection and a deep love for reading.

Students had the incredible opportunity to learn about the life and legacy of Vel Phillips through an engaging author visit. Students from Vel Phillips Elementary and middle schoolers from Ezekiel Gillespie had the chance to hear directly from the author, Jerrianne Hayslett, gaining valuable insights into the inspiring journey of this trailblazing figure. Along with this educational experience, the Battle of the Books has come to a close, and our school champions have been determined! See who they are below. Congratulations to all participants for their hard work and dedication. We look forward to celebrating their accomplishments and continuing to inspire a love for reading across the district.

Students Share Why They Love Their School Library –

In honor of National School Library month, we asked elementary, middle and high school students across MMSD about their favorite aspects of their school library.

Students Shine in MMSD’s “Battle of the Books”

On March 6 and March 20, 2025, elementary and middle school students from across the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) came together for an exciting celebration of literacy in the annual Battle of the Books. Students at each grade level read a curated list of books and tested their knowledge in a fun, competitive format at the Madison Public Library – Central Branch.

Teams of three to four students, who had won their school-based competitions earlier this year, faced off to answer questions about the books they had read. The event was a true celebration of the joy of reading, as students competed not only for the title of Battle of the Books champions but also to highlight the power of literacy in their lives.

Battle of the Books encourages students to explore a wide variety of books, deepen their reading skills and build a strong foundation for lifelong literacy.

Congratulations to all the students who participated, and thank you to the teachers, volunteers, and families who supported them along the way. The enthusiasm and commitment to reading were truly inspiring!

Mad for Reading: Arab American History Month Book Selections

In celebration of Arab American History Month, we've curated a list of books for all grade levels that highlight the diverse voices and rich cultural heritage of Arab Americans. These stories offer students the opportunity to explore unique perspectives, learn about influential figures and celebrate the contributions of Arab Americans to our society. Whether through fiction, history, or biography, these books are sure to inspire a deeper understanding and appreciation of Arab American history and culture.

Memorial High School Hosts Author and Illustrator for "Valiant Vel" Book Event

On Thursday, March 13, 2025, Vel Phillips Memorial High School welcomed author Jerrianne Hayslett and illustrator Aaron Boyd for an inspiring visit to discuss their new biography, "Valiant Vel: Vel Phillips and the Fight for Fairness & Equality." The event, held in partnership with the Wisconsin Book Festival, gave students the opportunity to learn about Vel Phillips' courageous journey through Hayslett’s storytelling and Boyd’s vibrant illustrations.

Published in February 2025, "Valiant Vel" is a young adult biography that highlights Phillips' incredible fight for justice and equality, told through her own words. During the event, Hayslett and Boyd shared insights into their creative process, what inspired them to bring Phillips’ story to life and their experience collaborating on the book. The visit ended with an engaging question-and-answer session, allowing students to connect with the authors and deepen their understanding of Phillips’ legacy.

This event was a part of MMSD’s Mad for Reading initiative, aimed at fostering a love for literacy and bi-literacy among students and families. It was an exciting opportunity for students to dive into history, engage with authors and be inspired by the story of a groundbreaking figure in civil rights.

Mad for Reading Events Calendar

Whether it's book fairs, author visits, or reading challenges, stay in the loop with all the exciting happenings at our schools by subscribing to our Mad for Reading event calendar! Subscribe by clicking the orange bell icon on the calendar on our website.