Research Guides
Children's Literature: Awards
Guide to beginning research in children's and young adult literature
Awards in Children's Literature
The libraries collect many winning and honored books from various awards in children's literature. Some major awards are listed below; follow the links for more information and lists of current and past recipients.
Awarded annually to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.
Awarded annually to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children.
Given annually to the author(s) and illustrator(s) of the most distinguished American book for beginning readers published in English in the United States during the preceding year.
Annually honors the best book written for teens, based entirely on its literary merit.
Awarded annually to the writer of an outstanding book for children.
The Coretta Scott King Book Awards
Given annually to outstanding African American authors and illustrators of books for children and young adults that demonstrate an appreciation of African American culture and universal human values.
Presented annually to a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth.
Given annually to the author of the best picture book text published in the United States in the preceding year.
CLA Book of the Year for Children Award
Given annually to a book published in Canada by a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada.
Awarded annually for an outstanding book in terms of illustration for children and young people.
More Children's Book Award Resources
- Database of Award Winning Children's LiteratureProvides information on major children's literature awards for English language works.
- We Need Diverse BooksThis list honors top picks spotlighting diverse characters, experiences, and authors in a variety of categories.
- The Walter AwardThe Walter Award is a new award designed to honor a diverse author who has contributed to diversifying young adult literature in the previous year.
- Stonewall Book AwardsHonors books published during the preceding year that incorporate GLBT experiences.