The John Newbery Medal is awarded annually by the American Library Association (ALA) to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. The award is named for John Newbery, an 18th-century English bookseller who is considered to be the father of children's literature.
To be eligible for the Newbery Medal, a book must be published in the United States in the previous calendar year and must be written by an American citizen or resident. The book must also be a work of fiction that is appropriate for children ages 0-14.
A committee of 15 librarians from across the United States selects the Newbery Medal winner. The committee members read and evaluate all of the eligible books and then vote to select the winner. The winner is announced at the ALA Midwinter Meeting each January.
The Newbery Medal is one of the most prestigious awards in children's literature. It is considered to be the "gold standard" for children's books, and it is often used to help parents and educators select the best books for children.
Criteria for the John Newbery Medal
The Newbery Medal is awarded to the book that best meets the following criteria:
* Literary quality: The book should be well-written and should have a strong plot, characters, and themes.
* Originality: The book should be original and should not be a copy of another book.
* Appeal: The book should be appealing to children and should hold their interest.
* Significance: The book should be significant and should make a lasting contribution to children's literature.
The Newbery Medal is a prestigious award that is given to the best of the best in children's literature. It is a valuable resource for parents and educators who want to find the best books for children.