Children’s Literature

Books written for children and young adults, including nonfiction, picture, folklore, fiction, nursery rhymes, biographies, Spanish language books, and “big” (oversized) books.

The TRC collects the winners and honorable mentions for the following children’s literature awards:

Asian/Pacific Award for Literature – The award, based on literary and artistic merit, promotes Asian/Pacific American culture and heritage.

Beatty – The award is given to a book that is set in California.

Caldecott – The award is based on illustrations and is open to authors of all types of subjects; award winners are generally appropriate for pre-Kindergarten – 3rd grade students.

California Young Reader Medals – Awards are given for four different age groups. Unlike the above awards, children, rather than experts, select these awards. Every year school children from across California read each of the nominees for their particular age group and vote for the book they like best. The books are especially appropriate for reluctant readers.

Coretta Scott King – Awards are given for text and illustrations and are open to African American authors who have created books about the African American experience.

Native American Youth Services Literature Award – Awards are given for text and illustrations presenting Native Americans in the fullness of their humanity in the present and the past.

Newbery – The award is based on text and is open to authors of all types of subjects; award winners are generally appropriate for 3rd – 8th grade students.

Pura Belpre – Awards are given for text and illustrations and are open to Hispanic American authors who have created books about the Hispanic American experience.

Scott O’Dell Award – Scott O’Dell established this award to encourage other writers, particularly new authors, to focus on historical fiction.