What is the John Newberry Medal?

The John Newbery Medal is a literary award given by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. The medal is named after John Newbery, an 18th-century English publisher who is considered to be the father of children's literature.

The Newbery Medal was established in 1922 and is awarded annually. It is one of the most prestigious awards for children's literature in the United States. The medal is given to a book that is judged to be "the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children" by a committee of children's librarians. The committee considers a variety of factors, including the book's literary quality, originality, and appeal to children.

The Newbery Medal is a highly coveted award, and it has been won by some of the most famous children's authors of all time, including Laura Ingalls Wilder, E.B. White, Beverly Cleary, and J.K. Rowling. The medal is a testament to the author's skill and dedication to writing for children.

In addition to the Newbery Medal, the ALSC also awards the Caldecott Medal, which is given to the illustrator of the most distinguished picture book for children. The Newbery and Caldecott Medals are considered to be the two most prestigious awards for children's literature in the United States.