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Award Winners

Newbery Medal

The Newbery Medal is awarded each January to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.  The Newbery is named in honor of 18th-century British bookseller John Newbery.

Past Newbery Medal and Honor books, 1922 – present

Caldecott Medal

The Caldecott Medal is awarded each January to the illustrator of the most distinguished American picture book for children.  The Caldecott is named in honor of 19th-century illustrator Randolph Caldecott.

Past Caldecott Medal and Honor books, 1938 – present

OTTER Award

The OTTER Award stands for Our Time To Enjoy Reading Award is for children ages 6 – 9 who are transitioning from readers to chapter books. Students are challenged to read the nominees and vote on their favorite in the spring. This award is sponsored by the Washington Library Media Association.

Sasquatch Award

Created in 1998 by the Washington Library Media Association, the Sasquatch Award winner is chosen by 4th – 6th grade students in Washington State.  Teachers and librarians nominate their favorite books published within a specific publishing year.  The top twelve titles become the nominees and students are asked to read at least three of the titles on the list. Each spring, students vote for their favorite book from the list of nominees.

Towner Award

Sponsored by the Washington Library Media Association, the Towner Award aims to complement the current slate of Washington State book awards with one devoted to informational text. Children in grades 2 – 6 are challenged to read the nominees and vote on their favorite each spring.

Washington Children’s Choice Picture Book Award

The Washington Children’s Choice Picture Book Award is an award created and maintained by the WLA School Library Division (formerly known as the Washington Library Media Association).  Teachers and elementary school librarians nominate their favorite read-aloud books (fiction or non-fiction) for K-3rd grade students during a specific publishing year.  The twenty most nominated books are voted on by students.

Young Reader’s Choice Award

Sponsored by the Pacific Northwest Library Association, the Young Reader’s Choice Award is the oldest children’s choice award in the Pacific Northwest.  Students, teachers and librarians nominate their favorite titles published within a specific publishing year and specific grade divisions (grades 4-6, 7-9 and 10-12).  The top nominees in each division are announced and students are asked to vote for their favorite.