Newbery Medal

The John Newbery Medal is the oldest and most prestigious award in American children's literature, presented annually by the American Library Association (ALA) to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. It was first awarded in 1922, making it not only the oldest children's book award in the United States but one of the oldest literary prizes in the world. Named after 18th-century British bookseller John Newbery—regarded as the first publisher to make children's literature a trade specialty—the medal is selected by a fifteen-member committee appointed by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the ALA. The award is restricted to authors who are US citizens or permanent residents, and the winning book must have been originally published in English in the United States during the preceding year. Alongside the Medal, the committee may designate any number of Newbery Honor books that are also considered runners-up of distinguished merit. The Medal and Honor designations are announced each January at the ALA Midwinter Meeting, and the medal is formally presented at the ALA Annual Conference in the summer. The Newbery Medal has recognised an extraordinary range of children's literature across its history, from adventure and historical fiction to poetry and graphic novels. Recent winners have included books exploring diverse American experiences, including works by Jerry Craft, Tae Keller, Meg Medina, and Erin Entrada Kelly, reflecting the award's evolution to honour voices that speak to all American children.