Newbery Award Books Quality books for children

Newbery Award winners are selected by librarians in the Children’s Division of the American Library Association. Given to the “most distinguished contribution to American literature for children,” the book that is chosen is based on the quality of the text (not on book popularity or illustrations). Requirements for awards: (1) Any children's book published that year is eligible, (2) the book must be first published in America, and (2) the author must currently be a citizen or resident of the United States. The judges consider plot development, theme, accuracy, clarity, organization, uniqueness, character development, setting, and appropriateness for children up to fourteen years old (Licciardo-Musso, 1999).

The Newbery panel consists of fifteen members who read a multitude of books throughout the year. The panel discusses the merits of the books and nominates contenders. After much deliberation, the panel votes. Each individual picks three books – their first choice gets four points, second choice gets three, and third choice gets two (Rowe, 2004). The points are tallied and the winner is announced in January.  One Newbery Medal winner is chosen which receives a gold seal on the book cover; Up to six Newbery Honor books can be chosen and winners receive a silver seal on the book cover.  Educators would benefit from familiarizing themselves with the Medal and Honor books.