The Newberry Medal was designed in 1921. It is an award that is given every year for the most distinguished American Chhildren's book published the year before. The American Library Association gave the responsibility for choosing the winner to the Children's Librarians Section. The newberry Award became the first children's book award in the world. To read more about the Newberry award visit the Amercian Library Association's web site on the Newberry Medal.