The Schneider Family Book Award is one of the most meaningful recognitions in American children’s literature. It honors books that portray the disability experience with artistic excellence, giving families, librarians, and educators a trusted guide to authentic representation. I spent weeks reading past winners, ALA jury statements, and discussions in librarian forums to understand exactly … Read more
When was the last time a grown-up let you pick the winner of an award? That is exactly what the California Young Reader Medal does. Since 1974, this program has handed the power to the readers themselves, letting California students pick the books they think deserve a medal. I have spent weeks reading through the … Read more
The Alex Award exists because some of the best books for teen readers are written for adults. Each year the American Library Association, through its Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), honors ten adult titles with special appeal to young adults ages 12 through 18. I have followed this list for years as a parent, … Read more