By Mona AlvaradoFrazier / Guest contributor
If the Pulitzer Prize is the Oscar of the book world, the American Library Awards for books is up there with the Nickelodeon Awards, sans the green slime. The ALA announced their Youth Media Awards of 2012 on Jan. 25, 2012. These books represent the best of the best. Library and schools should carry these books for your children. After all, you do want them to read the best, right?
The Pura Belpré Award 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.
Author Book Winner
“Under the Mesquite,” written by Guadalupe Garcia McCall. This author also won the William C. Morris Award for first time author writing for teenagers. The winner for best Illustration “Diego Rivera: His World and Ours,” illustrated and written by Duncan Tonatiuh.
The Association for Library Service for Children awards the Newbery Medal annually to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.
Winner
“Dead End in Norvelt,” written by Jack Gantos.
The Caldecott Medal is awarded to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children.
Winner
“A Ball for Daisy,” illustrated and written by Chris Raschka.
Given to African American authors for outstanding inspirational and educational contributions, the Coretta Scott King Book Award titles promote understanding and appreciation of the culture of all peoples and their contribution to the realization of the American dream. The award is designed to commemorate the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and to honor Mrs. Coretta Scott King for her courage and determination to continue the work for peace and world brotherhood.
Author Book Winner
Kadir Nelson, author and illustrator of “Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans.”
Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in literature written for young adults:
“Where Things Come Back,” written by John Corey Whaley.
If your library or school doesn’t carry these books, ask them to do so. Some of these books are only available in hardcover thus the prices may be high for a few months. For more award winning books, in softbacks and lower prices, visit my ‘nano-bookstore.’ For a complete list of ALA awards and winners or to view the Honor Mentions please visit http://ala.org
— Mona AlvaradoFrazier is a writer and proprietor the BookNook in Downtown Sol, 328 W. Third St., Oxnard. To see more of her work, visit www.latinapen.blogspot.com
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