ALA Youth Media Awards Announced
On Monday, February 12, the American Library Association presented awards to the best books for children from 2017. Think the Oscars, but for children’s books. My personal favorites are the Caldecott and the Geisel. The Caldecott Medal is awarded to the illustrator of a picture book whose illustrations best compliment and support the story. Since I read most of the picture books that the library receives every year, I definitely have favorites and it’s fun to compare my list with the award committee’s list. The Geisel Award goes to the best English language book for beginning readers. The library is always looking for more books that will encourage a love of reading in our newest readers, and this award list is a great place to find books that we may have missed throughout the year.
Award Winners:
Randolph Caldecott Medal goes to the most distinguished American picture book for children.
Winner:
Wolf in the Snow illustrated and written by Matthew Cordell
Honor Books:
Big Cat, little cat illustrated and written by Elisha Cooper
Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut illustrated by Gordon C. James, written by Derrick Barnes
A Different Pond illustrated by Thi Bui, written by Bao Phi
Grand Canyon illustrated and written by Jason Chin
Theodor Seuss Geisel Award honors the most distinguished book for beginning readers.
Winner:
Charlie & Mouse by Laurel Snyder
Honor Books:
I See a Cat by Paul Meisel
King & Kayla and the Case of the Missing Dog Treats written by Dori Hillestad Butler
My Kite Is Stuck! And Other Stories by Salina Yoon
Noodleheads See the Future by Tedd Arnold
Snail & Worm Again by Tina Kugler
John Newbery Medal is given to the most outstanding contribution to children’s literature.
Winner:
Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly
Honor Books:
Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes
Coretta Scott King Book Awards recognizes African American authors and illustrators of outstanding books for children and young adults.
Illustrator Award Winner:
Out of Wonder: Poems Celebrating Poets illustrated by Ekua Holmes and written by Kwame Alexander with Chris Colderly and Marjory Wentworth
Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award is given to affirm new talent.
Author Award Winner:
The Stars Beneath Our Feet by David Barclay Moore
Illustrator Award Winner:
Mama Africa! How Miriam Makeba Spread Hope with Her Song illustrated by Charly Palmer and written by Kathryn Erskine
Schneider Family Book Award recognizes books that embody an artistic expression of the disability experience.
Winner for Ages 0-8:
Silent Days, Silent Dreams by Allen Say
Winner for Ages 9-13:
Macy McMillan and the Rainbow Goddess by Shari Green
Laura Ingalls Wilder Award honors an author or illustrator whose books, published in the United States, have made, over a period of years, a substantial and lasting contribution to literature for children.
Winner:
Jacqueline Woodson, whose award-winning works include Brown Girl Dreaming, After Tupac & D Foster, Locomotion, and Show Way.
Pura Belpré Awards is given to Latino writers and illustrators whose children’s books best portray, affirm and celebrate the Latino cultural experience.
Illustrator Award Winner:
La Princesa and the Pea illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal and written by Susan Middleton Elya
Author Award Winner:
Lucky Broken Girl written by Ruth Behar
Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award goes to the most distinguished informational book for children.
Winner:
Twelve Days in May: Freedom Ride 1961 written by Larry Dane Brimner
Ms. Wendy is a Children’s Librarian at our location in Benton. She conducts story times for our youngest patrons, and plans after-school activities for children. Wendy has a love of children’s literature that makes her perfect for ordering picture books and easy readers for the collection. When not reading picture books aloud or to herself, Wendy can be found sewing, crafting, or snuggling with her cats.