Multicultural Literature for Children & Young Adults: Award Winning Books

Given to an African American author and illustrator for outstanding inspirational and educational contributions to encourage the artistic expression of the African American experience via literature and the graphic arts, including biographical, historical and social history treatments by African American authors and illustrators.

Presented to a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth.

CLASP, Consortium of Latin American Studies Programs, founded the Américas Award in 1993 to encourage and commend authors, illustrators and publishers who produce quality children’s and young adult books that portray Latin America, the Caribbean, or Latinx in the United States, and to provide teachers with recommendations for classroom use.

Honor an author or illustrator for a book that embodies an artistic expression of the disability experience for child and adolescent audiences.

Outstanding K-12 trade books for enhancing student understanding of people and cultures throughout the world. Selected annually by a committee of the Children's Literature and Reading Special Interest Group of the International Literacy Association. 

Given annually to recognize children’s books of literary and aesthetic excellence that effectively engage children in thinking about peace, social justice, global community, and equity for all people. 

Awarded annually to LGBTQIA+ books of exceptional merit. Awards include the Mike Morgan and Larry Romans Children's and Young Adult Literature Award. 

An annual annotated booklist of the best books with significant feminist content intended for young readers, ages birth through 18.

Presented annually to outstanding books for children and teens that authentically portray the Jewish experience. Presented by the Association of Jewish Libraries.

Awarded biennially, the AIYLA identifies and honors the very best writing and illustrations by Native Americans and indigenous peoples of North America. Books selected to receive the award present indigenous North American peoples in the fullness of their humanity. 

Recognizes books for children and young adults that contribute meaningfully to understanding of the Middle East. Books are judged on the authenticity of their portrayal of a Middle Eastern subject, as well as on their characterization, plot, and appeal for the intended audience.

Awarded to an American publisher for a children's book considered to be the most outstanding of those books originating in a country other than the United States and in a language other than English, and subsequently translated into English for publication in the United States.