Literary Tipoff
March Madness excitement is in the air for sports fans. Adding books to the mix brings a touch of literacy to the fun. Throughout each year, as I curate my March Book Madness bracket, I think of my students. Many admit that reading doesn’t appeal to them. The question lingers: what will help them feel more connected to books? I take note of the teens who talk about their sports games. I watch others who gather to admire the latest fashion trend. I see introverts who read history books or graphic novels in quiet corners. At home, I binge on YA books, looking for ones that might satisfy the diverse interests of the adolescents around me. By the time March rolls around, I’ve put together a list of 16 young adult books. My bracket is set. I hang a poster next to the book display and the competitors are ready to be shown off.
Jumping for Joy
No matter how enticing I make my props, I’ve learned that this tournament only gains momentum if I put energy into it. I recently listened to an episode of The Happiness Lab podcast during which psychologist Ethan Kross explains the impact our moods have on others. I was thinking about this the other day as I walked around the library giving book talks. I never have trouble expressing my love for books. During March Book Madness, I go all out. I smile. I show my excitement. I make jokes. Students listen. They ask questions. They open up. They cast their votes with confidence. The ones engaging aren’t only the avid readers. The reluctant readers pay attention too. My book-related joy is contagious. As Ethan Kross says, “we actually catch feelings from other people quite easily” (Santos).
The Digital Scoreboard
March Book Madness would be a small event if it only took place within my library walls. Some students never have time to come to the library. Lucky for them, they can play too. The first day of the tournament I post the rules on my library Canvas page. Each day, I share a link to a Google Form with summaries of the two competing books. I ask the simple question, “Which book would you rather read?” I invite faculty and administrators to join in, too. Every student who votes is entered into a raffle. As the books advance to the next levels, I tape a small paper cutout of the winning books to their new bracket place and update the digital bracket. When the championship book is revealed, one student wins a print copy of the book and a gift card to our local bookstore.
The End Game
Why do I do March Book Madness? It’s not to get the students to read all of these books. In a world where teenagers are over programmed to the point of exhaustion, that’s unlikely. It’s to expose them to the possibilities. The stories. The characters. The settings. To let them imagine how they might be changed by reading a book. To show them that worlds can open up in their minds. Ideas can be sparked. Cities can be explored. In past years, at the end of the tournament, there are always requests for the featured books. As spring approaches, I’m hopeful that in a few weeks, I’ll witness our latest sweet sixteen titles get checked out by curious students. In the competition of March Book Madness, the teenagers who gain an interest in reading are the true winners.
Works Cited
Santos, L. (Host). (2025, March 10). Harnessing People Around Us to Feel Happier (Live with
Ethan Kross), (Season 10, episode 11). [Audio podcast] In The Happiness Lab. Pushkin.
https://www.pushkin.fm/podcasts/the-happiness-lab-with-dr-laurie-santos/harnessing-peo
Ple-around-us-to-feel-happier-live-with-ethan-kross
You have inspired me to hold a March Madness event next year! I have hesitated as I’m in my 4th small classroom in 3 years, moving into my newly renovated library space in September. Thank you for great framing of why you do it and how you run it!
@JenniferMullin It’s been my favorite library activity and seems to motivate the students! If you have any questions along the way, I’m happy to help :)