Children’s Book Committee

Awards

The Josette Frank Award

This award for fiction honors a book or books of outstanding literary merit in which children or young people deal in a positive and realistic way with difficulties in their world and grow emotionally and morally. The award has been given annually since 1943. Josette Frank, the editor of anthologies for children, served for many years as the Executive Director of the Child Study Association of America of which this committee was a part.

The Flora Stieglitz Straus Award

Established in 1994 to honor Flora Straus, who led the Children’s Book Committee for many years, this award is presented annually for a distinguished work of nonfiction that serves as an inspiration to young people. Flora Straus stood for the values of courage, hard work, truth, and beauty while adapting to a changing world. She believed that books about varying cultures enrich and help all children in their growth. She championed diverse opinions and points of view and was a person of high principles, unfailing courtesy, and deep understanding.

The Claudia Lewis Award

The Claudia Lewis Award, given for the first time in 1998, honors the best poetry book of the year. The award commemorates the late Claudia Lewis, distinguished children’s book expert and longtime member of the Bank Street College faculty and Children’s Book Committee. She conveyed her love and understanding of poetry with humor and grace.

Children’s Book Committee Awards 2021


Josette Frank
2021
Flora Stieglitz Straus
(older readers)
2021
Flora Stieglitz Straus
(younger readers)
2021
Claudia Lewis
(older readers) 2021
Claudia Lewis
(younger readers)
2021

Josette Frank Award
Winner

  • When Stars Are Scattered
    by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed; illustrations by Victoria Jamieson and color by Imam Geddy/ Dial BFYR

Flora Stieglitz Straus
Winner for Older Readers

  • All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys’ Soccer Team
    by Christina Soontornvat/Candlewick Press

Winner for Younger Readers

  • Lizzie Demands a Seat!: Elizabeth Jennings Fights for Streetcar Rights
    by Beth Anderson with illustrations by E.B. Lewis/Calkins Creek

Claudia Lewis
Winner for Older Readers

  • Flooded: Requiem for Johnstown
    by Ann E. Burg/Scholastic Press

Winner for Younger Readers

  • I Am Every Good Thing
    by Derrick Barnes; illustrations by Gordon C. James from Penguin/Nancy Paulsen