Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Award-winning Readers

What makes a book an "award winner?" Who decides? Are these winners just something your teacher or your parent makes you read? Are these books any GOOD?
You can definitely find a good read from these lists of books! You just need to browse one that interests you. Don't be afraid of some classified as "historical fiction" -- that just means someone put an interesting spin on facts and events of the time. The characters are usually very intriquing.

Read the short descriptions of what criteria are being used to judge the books. Are you looking for a book by an African American author -- check out the Coretta Scott King Awards. Are you looking for a book that really appeals to a teen -- try the Michael L. Printz Award.

Make sure you check out the "Honor books" in each category. After all, you don't have to be #1 to be a great read! Click on the name of the award if you would like to learn more about the award and how the books are judged. Click on the list link if you would like to browse past winners.



Awards for Younger Readers

Given to "the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children." This is the oldest and most prestigious award given in the United States.

The 2010 Newberry Winner is
When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead.



Caldecott Medal (an illustrator award)
This award is given annually by the American Library Association since 1983 "to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children."

The 2010 Caldecott Medal winner is
The Lion & The Mouse written and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney.


Awards for Teen and Young Adult Readers

This award is given by a group of book puplishers and was intended to increase the popularity of reading in general. Its goal is "to enhance the pulic's awareness of exceptional books."

The 2010 winner of the National Book Award are
for Fiction, Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine


This award was named for a school librarian who was a longtime member of the Young Adult Library Services Association. It is given to a book that "exemplifies literary excellence." (Special Note: Judges on the awrds committee are usually young, hip librarians. Read these books!)

The 2010 Printz winner is
Going Bovine by Libba Bray

Awards Based on the Author

This award is intended to honor distinguished books that "promote an understanding and appreciation of the American Dream." Separate awards go to authors and illustrators.

The 2010 Coretta Scott King Author Award was for
Bad News Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshall by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson.

The 2010 Coretta Scott King Illlustrator Award was for My People, illustrated by Charles R. Smith, written by Langston Hughes.


This award is named after the first Latino librarian at the New York Public Library. It is given to an author "whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children or youth.

The 2010 Pura Belpre Award went to
Author Julia Alvarez for Return to Sender and

Illustrator Rafael Lopez for Book Fiesta!: Celebrate Children's Day/Book Day (written by Rafael Lopez.)