Awards for children's and young adult books are described here. In addition to the award winning books, there are a number of special lists of outstanding books selected each year. These lists are not reproduced, but information on finding the current lists is given at the end of this entry.

Individual Awards

Batchelder Award

Awarded by the ALA division, Association for Library Service to Children. This award is presented to an American publisher for a children’s book considered to be the most outstanding of those books originally published in a foreign language in another country. The award is named for Mildred L. Batchelder, a children's librarian for more than 30 years whose work had international influence. For more information and a complete list of winning and honor books from 1990 to date, visit their website: http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/batchelderaward/index.cfm

The 2013 winner is Family for the War, written by Anne C. Voorhoeve, translated by Tammi Reichel.

Caldecott Medal

Given annually by the ALA division, Association for Library Service to Children, to recognize the illustrator of the most distinguished picture book for children published in the United States during the preceding year. The award is named for Randolph Caldecott (1846-1886), an English illustrator. For more information and a complete list of winning and honor books, visit their website: http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/caldecottmedal/caldecottmedal.cfm

Most recent winners

Carnegie Medal

Presented annually to an American producer for the most outstanding video production for children released in the United States in the previous calendar year. This award is presented by the Association for Library Service to Children.  More information and current and past winners are available at their website:http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/carnegiemedal/index.cfm

The 2013 winner is:  Anna, Emma and the Condors, produced by Katja Torneman

Geisel Award

This recently-established award, named to commemorate the beloved Dr. Seuss, is presented to best book for beginning readers by the American Library Association.  For more information and to see past winners, look at: http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/geiselaward/index.cfm

The 2013 winner is Up, Tall and High!, written and illustrated by Ethan Long

Coretta Scott King Book Awards

These awards are given to a Black author and a Black illustrator for an outstandingly inspirational and educational contribution, and commemorate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The awards honor Mrs. King for her courage and determination to continue the work for peace and world brotherhood. They are presented by the Social Responsibilities Round Table. For more information and a complete list of winners and honor books, visit the website:

http://www.ala.org/emiert/cskbookawards

The 2013 Author Award went to Andrea Davis Pinkney, author of Hand in Hand: Ten Black Men Who Changed America

Laura Ingalls Wilder Award

A medal presented every three years to an author or illustrator whose books, published in the United States, have, over a period of years, made a substantial and lasting contribution to children’s literature. For more information and a complete list of winners, visit the website: http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/wildermedal/index.cfm

Margaret Edwards Award

An award given to an author whose book or books, over a period of time, have been accepted by young adults as an authentic voice that continues to illuminate their experiences and emotions, giving insight into their lives. The award is presented by the Young Adult Library Services Division of ALA. For more information and a complete list of winners, visit the website: http://www.ala.org/yalsa/edwards

Tamora Pierce is the 2013 honoree.

Michael Printz Award

This is a new award for a new millennium and honors the highest literary achievement in books for young adults. In addition to the winning title, up to four honor books may be selected. The first winner and honor books were announced at the ALA Mid-Winter Meeting in January 2000. The award is named for Michael L. Printz (1937-1996), a much loved high school librarian from Topeka, KS, known for promoting books to young adults. The award is based solely on literary quality. For more information and a complete list of winners, visit the website: http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/yalsa/booklistsawards/printzaward/Printz.cfm 

Newbery Medal

The American Library Association awards the Newbery Medal each year to recognize the author of the most distinguished contribution to children’s literature published in the United States during the previous year. The award honors John Newbery (1713-1767) who was the first English publisher and bookseller for children's literature. For more information and a complete list of winners and honor books, visit the website:

http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/newberymedal/newberymedal.cfm

Most recent winners

Robert F. Siebert Informational Book Award

This award is presented by the American Library Association to the author of the most distinguished work of nonfiction each year. For more information and a complete list of winners and honor books, try: http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/sibertmedal/index.cfm

Most recent winners

Young Readers' Choice Award

The Young Readers' Choice Award is sponsored by the Pacific Northwest Library Association (PNLA). It is awarded annually at the conference of that organization. A description of the reading program based on this award is in a separate entry. For more information and a complete list of winners, visit the website:

http://www.pnla.org/yrca  (See Young Readers’ Choice )

Annual Lists

AAAS/Subaru Science Books and Films Prize

http://www.sbfonline.com/Subaru/Pages/CurrentWinners.aspx

Best Books for Young Adults

An annual list from the American Library Association. This list of 50-60 titles is selected by a committee of school and youth services librarians. The list is voted on at the ALA Midwinter conference and announced soon afterward. A published bibliography  from ALA Graphics is available in the spring. The list is published in the March issue of School Library Journal. For more information or a look at the selected books for previous years, visit the website: http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/yalsa/booklistsawards/bestbooksya/bbyahome.cfm

Boston Globe / Hornbook Book Awards (Children’s and YA)

http://www.hbook.com/boston-globe-horn-book-awards/

IRA Children's and Young Adult's Book Awards (International Reading Association)

Organized by the International Reading Association, the books on this list are selected by children themselves. To see these lists and links to the companion awards Teachers' Choice and Young Adult Choice lists, go to: http://www.reading.org/Resources/AwardsandGrants/childrens_ira.aspx

Great Graphic Novels for Teens (YA)

http://www.ala.org/yalsa/ggnt

Notable Social Studies Trade  Books for Children

(National Council for Social Studies May/June issue of Social Education.Current online list for members only.  Copies available from the Children’s Book Council for $3.95)

http://www.socialstudies.org/resources/notable/

Quick Picks  for the Reluctant Young Adult Reader

Also published in School Library Journal in March and by ALA Graphics. For more information, visit the YALSA website: http://www.ala.org/yalsa/booklists/quickpicks

Notable Children’s Books

Also published in School Library Journal in March and by ALA Graphics. For more information, visit the website: http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/notalists/ncb

Because these lists are constantly updated, printed copies have a limited value.