How do I...
How do I find award winning books?
The first thing to know is that our award winning books are integrated into the entire collection. This means that there is not a separate place for awarding winning books. Since much of our collection is based on award winning and honor books, it wouldn't make much sense to create a separate place for them.
To find an award winning book is a two step process. It starts with the title of an award winning book. Libraries generally organize books either by author's last name or according to a system (numbers and letters, like the Dewey Decimal system in school and public libraries). Libraries generally do not organize books by title or illustrator.
- Finding a title: The major awards for children's literature are listed below (in alphabetical order). Take a few minutes to briefly see what subjects are covered in awards and choose one that interests you. Each award website lists winners and honor books by year. Choose your title(s) and note them for step two.
- Locating a book: Use your library's online library search tool, for example Murphy Library's search tool, and type in the book's title. The results will bring up the book's record, where you can see the book's availability, its status, and location. There are floor plans located throughout to help you navigate the space and find your book. Contact the Curriculum Collection Librarian for more assistance (tholford@uwlax.edu) if you encounter troubles.
Literature, Multicultural & Diversity Children's Awards
The Amelia Bloomer Project (announced in January) was "an annual booklist of the best feminist books for young readers, ages birth through 18," and was sponsored by the Feminist Task Force of the Social Responsibilities Round Table of the American Library Association. All past winners listed here. This award has been replaced (the last year was 2020).
The American Indian Youth Literature Award, (announced in January during even years) is awarded biennially. The AIYLA identifies and honors the very best writing and illustrations by Native Americans and Indigenous peoples of North America.
The Américas Award (announced annually at a ceremony at the Library of Congress during Hispanic Heritage month (September-October) for portraying Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Latinx experience in the U.S. Past winners here.
The Arab American Book Award (announced annually in late fall) honors books by and about Arab Americans, including past winners.
The Asian Pacific American Award for Literature, (announced in January) awards young adults and picture books about Asian/Pacific Americans and their heritage, based on literary and artistic merit, including past winners.
The Batchelder Award (announced in January) for children's books originating in a country and language outside the U.S. and translated into English. Past winners here.
The Caldecott Medal Winner (announced in January) is given to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children. Current and past winners here and honor books here.
The Charlotte Zolotow Award (announced in January) is sponsored by the Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC) for the best picture book published in the U.S. Current and past winners here.
The Children's Africana (announced in October) Book Award honors children's books taking place in a country on the African Continent--current and past winners.
The Dolly Gray Children's Literature Award (announced in November) honors children's and young adults books that portray developmental disabilities. The awards are announced on even years.
The Ezra Jack Keats Award (announced in April) for new writers/illustrators who celebrate the universal qualities of childhood. Past winners here.
The Freeman Book Award honors East and Southeast Asia books for children--current and past winners.
Best Graphic Novels List is created annually by the Young Adult Library Services Association. Current and past lists here.
The Jane Addams Peace Award (announced in January) awards books that engage children in thinking about peace, social justice, global community, and equity for all people. All winners listed here.
The Michael L. Printz Award (announced in January) for the best writing in books for teens. Current and past winners here.
The Middle East Book Award includes youth literature, youth nonfiction, and picture book categories.
The (William) Morris Award (announced in January) honors a book published by a first-time author writing for teens and celebrating impressive new voices in young adult literature.
The (John) Newbery Award (announced in January) is awarded for the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. Current and past winners and honor here.
The Pura Belpré Award (announced in January) honors a Latino/Latina writer or illustrator for children and young adults. Current and past winners here.
The Rainbow Project Books List was list of recommended books dealing with LGBTQIA+ issues and situations for youth up to age 18. This award hasn't been active since 2019.
The Schneider Family Book Award (announced in November) honors a book that embodies an artistic expression of the disability experience for children and young adults. Current and past winners here.
The Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction for young adults, including past winners.
. The South Asia Book Award honors children's books that portray South Asia or South Asians living abroad.
The Stonewall Book Award honors the LGBQIA+ experience. Current and past winners here.
Tomas Rivera Award honors authors and illustrators who create literature that depicts the Mexican American experience. Winners and honor title (current and past years) here.
Outstanding International Books List, including past winners.
Informational (Science & Social Studies) Awards
The American Institute of Physics Science Communication Award for Children. The list of past winners is here.
The Giverny Book Award. The list of past winners is here.
The Green Earth Award. The list of past winners is here.
The Mathical Prize. The list of past winner is on the same page.
The National Science Teacher Association (NSTA) Outstanding Science Trade Books, including past winners.
The NSTA comes up with a second list of Best Stem Books every year. The selection criteria and lists are listed here.
The Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal. The list of past winners is here.
The Science Book & Film Prize, including past winners.
The STEAM Children's Book Prize (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math). Criteria--for past winners, search within site. This award has not been updated since 2020.
The YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction (Young Adults), (announced in January) including current and past winners.