The Charlie Classics Reading Program was established by Linda Bloodworth-Thomason to honor her grandfather Charles T.Bloodworth. Its mission is to encourage junior and senior high students to read 100 literary masterpieces by the time they graduate. Students choose works of literature from a list compiled under the direction of Bloodworth Thomason in consultation with English teachers and librarians from Poplar Bluff Public Schools.

After reading each classic, students discuss the book with a trained volunteer adult mentor. This student/adult interaction promotes positive relationships between generations. In addition to the lasting reward of knowledge, Poplar Bluff students receive gifts based on the number of books read and for their continued participation in the Charlie Classics Reading Program. Furthermore, the Claudia Foundation annually awards scholarships to each Poplar Bluff senior who has read 100 approved books before graduation.

More than 50 new books have been added to the PBHS Reading List!

Participate in the program

Become a mentor

See the Senior High book list

See the Junior High book list