Talented and Gifted (TAG)

My Why:
I was blessed to witness a truly inspiring and beautiful learning experience—one that left a lasting impression on me. I saw three-year-olds reciting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s I Have a Dream speech, reading, and even adding. The joy and pride radiating from both the teacher and the students created a powerful connection between learning and love. Watching those light bulb moments—when understanding sparked in their eyes—was magical. It was then that I knew I wanted to be part of this extraordinary world of education.

Email: powellt1@fultonschools.org

The Helen Ruffin Reading bowl is the original reading competition created by Georgia educators to encourage students to read!

Schools and public libraries throughout the state of Georgia compete annually in Local, Regional, and State Finals competitions to answer questions about award nominated books.

If your 4th-5th grader is interested in joining our Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl team or you have an avid reader who wants to start practicing for a future competition, email Mrs. Powell, our TAG teacher, at powellt1@fultonschools.org before September 1, 2025.

2025-2026 Georgia Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl Elementary School Booklist (Grades 4-5)

1. Answers to Dog by Pete Hautman - Available as an audiobook on Hoopla*
2. Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody by Patrick Ness
3. Code Name Kingfisher by Liz Kessler
4. Duel by Jessixa Bagley
5. Faker by Gordon Korman - Available as an audiobook on Hoopla*
6. Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All by Chanel Miller
7. Moko Magic: Carnival Chaos by Tracey Baptiste - Available as an eBook on Hoopla*
8. Pop Corn by Rob Harrell
9. The Sherlock Society by James Ponti
10. Stranded by Nikki Shannon Smith - Available as an audiobook on Hoopla*

Helen Ruffin Reading Competition: Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM

* The Hoopla app puts your public library at your fingertips. Borrow and enjoy audiobooks, eBooks, comics, and more from your computer and phone.