Reader's Advisory: Reading For Fun!: Children's Book Awards

Given annually to children's books that "effectively promote the cause of peace, social justice, world community, and the equality of the sexes and all races."

Awarded biennially to the "living author and illustrator whose complete works have made a lasting contribution to children's literature."

Awarded to an American publisher for a children's book "originally published in a language other than English in a country other than the United States, and subsequently translated into English and published in the United States."

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."

Awards for excellence in children's literature are given annually in three categories: Picture Book, Fiction and Poetry, and Nonfiction.

Given annually in recognition of "literary and artistic achievements that demonstrate creativity and imagination to engage children in reading."

Given to African American authors and illustrators for outstanding inspirational and educational contributions that "promote understanding and appreciation of the culture of all peoples and their contribution to the realization of the American dream of a pluralistic society."

Awarded every other year by the National Council of Teachers of English for "excellence in children's poetry."

Awarded annually by the National Council of Teachers of English for "excellence in the writing of nonfiction for children."

Awarded annually to a writer of color for a children's picture book that addresses the needs of children of color "by providing stories with which they can identify and relate, and which promote a greater understanding of one another."

Awards products that "entertain and teach with flair, stimulate imagination and inspire creativity."

Recognizes authors and illustrators that "create quality children's literature depicting the Mexican American experience."

Honors an author or illustrator for a book that "embodies an artistic expression of the disability experience for child and adolescent audiences."

Awarded annually to authors/illustrators of informational books for children. These include books that are "written and illustrated to present, organize, and interpret documentable, factual material."

Presented annually to "outstanding books for children and teens that authentically portray the Jewish experience."

Awarded every two years to "recognize an author or illustrator whose books, published in the United States, have over a period of years made a substantial and lasting contribution to literature for children."

Awarded annually "to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children."

Given to African American authors and illustrators for outstanding inspirational and educational contributions that "promote understanding and appreciation of the culture of all peoples and their contribution to the realization of the American dream of a pluralistic society."

Awarded annually "to encourage original creative work in the field of books for children."

This list compiled yearly includes "books of especially commendable quality, books that exhibit venturesome creativity, and books of fiction, information, poetry and pictures for all age levels (birth through age 14) that reflect and encourage children's interests in exemplary ways."

Books selected for this bibliography are written primarily for children in grades K-8. Included are books that "emphasize human relations, represent a diversity of groups and are sensitive to a broad range of cultural experiences, present an original theme or a fresh slant on a traditional topic, are easily readable and of high literary quality, and have a pleasing format and, when appropriate, illustrations that enrich the text."

This bibliography includes books for K-12 students to improve literary skills while learning science content. Included are books that "inspire readers to look beyond their pages to the world around."