Awards : Newbery Medal

The Newbery Medal was named for eighteenth-century British bookseller John Newbery. It is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.

The Medal shall be awarded annually to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children published in English in the United States during the preceding year. There are no limitations as to the character of the book considered except that it be original work. Honor Books may be named. These shall be books that are also truly distinguished.

Committee members need to consider the following:

• Interpretation of the theme or concept
  
• Presentation of information including accuracy, clarity, and organization
  
• Development of a plot
  
• Delineation of characters
  
• Delineation of setting
• Appropriateness of style