The Association for Library Service for Children (ALSC) regularly recognizes a number of new publications with awards.  These awards recognize the efforts of both authors and illustrators of books for young people.  These awards are briefly explained below.  Click here for a complete listing of 2004 ALSC winners

Caldecott

The Caldecott medal was first awarded in 1937. It is named in honor of Randolph J. Caldecott, an English illustrator of the 19^th century.  The Caldecott Medal "shall be awarded to the artist of the most distinguished American Picture Book for Children published in the United States during the preceding year. The award shall go to the artist, who must be a citizen or resident of the United States, whether or not he be the author of the text.”

Newbery

The Newbery Medal was named for eighteenth-century British bookseller John Newbery. It is awarded annually “to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.”

Wilder

Named for Laura Ingalls Wilder, this 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.”

Batchelder

The award is named for Mildred L. Batchelder, a former executive director of the Association for Library Service to Children.  The Batchelder award was established in 1966, and is awarded 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 a foreign country, and subsequently translated into English and published in the United States. ALSC gives the award to encourage American publishers to seek out superior children's books abroad and to promote communication among the peoples of the world.”

Belpre

The Pura Belpré Award, established in 1996, is presented “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.”

Carnegie

The Carnegie award was established in 1991 “to honor an outstanding video productions for children released during the previous year.”

Sibert

The Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award, established by the Association for Library Service to Children in 2001, is awarded annually “to the author of the most distinguished informational book published during the preceding year. The award is named in honor of Robert F. Sibert, the long-time President of Bound to Stay Bound Books, Inc. of Jacksonville, Illinois, and is sponsored by the company.”

Coretta Scott King

“The Coretta Scott King Award is presented annually by the Coretta Scott King Task Force of the American Library Association's Social Responsibilities Round Table. Recipients are authors and illustrators of African descent whose distinguished books promote an understanding and appreciation of the "American Dream."”

Sydney Taylor

The Sydney Taylor Book Award recognizes the best in Jewish children's literature each year.  Medals are awarded for outstanding books that authentically portray the Jewish experience.  Sydney Taylor Body-of-Work Awards have been granted periodically since 1971.