ED00225_.WMF (5690 bytes)   History of the Newbery Award

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    The Newbery award originated June 21, 1921 when Fredric G. Melcher proposed to the American Library Association that a medal be awarded to the distinguished children's book of the year. He suggested naming it after the English bookseller John Newbery. The idea was enthusiastically accepted in 1922. The medal thus became the first award for children's books. The Newbery medal was originally awarded to " Encourage original creative work in the field of books for children." The medal is engraved with the name of the winner and the year when awarded. Each year there is also a runner up who receives the Newbery Honor.

 

TERMS FOR THE NEWBERY MEDAL

  1. The Medal will be awarded annually to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children published in the United States in the last year. There are no limitations as for the character of the book considered except that it is original work.
  2. The Award is restricted to authors who are citizens or residents of the United States.
  3. The committee in its judging is to consider only the books eligible for the award, as specified in the terms.

    4. CRITERIA

    1. In identifying "Distinguished Writing" in a book for children,

    1. Committee members need to consider the following:

      2.  

      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


      Note: Because the literary qualities to be considered will vary depending on content, the committee need not expect to find excellence in each of the named elements. The book should, however, have distinguished qualities in all of the elements pertinent to it.

    2. Committee members must consider excellence of presentation for a child audience.
  1. Each book is to be considered as a contribution to literature. The committee is to make its decision primarily on the text. Other aspects of a book are to be considered only if they distract from the text. Such other aspects might include illustrations, overall design of the book, etc.

    3.The book must be a self-contained entity, not dependent on other media (i.e., sound or film equipment) for its enjoyment.

Note: The committee should keep in mind that the award is for literary quality and quality presentation for children. The award is not for didactic intent or for popularity.

 

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