Presented for the first time in 2012, the Cook Prize is named in memory of two ground breaking Bank Street educators – Don Cook of the Graduate School of Education, and Michael Cook (no relation) of the School for Children. In naming this award, Bank Street not only honors Michael and Don for their intangible contributions to the world of education, but encourages excellence in publishing informational books on STEM topics for elementary-aged children.
The Cook Prize honors the best science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) picture book for children aged eight to ten. It is the only national children’s choice award honoring a STEM book. The Cook Prize is administered with support from School Library Journal. The award is presented in May.
2022 Cook Prize
 Gold Medal |
 Silver Medal |
 Silver Medal |
 Silver Medal |
Gold Medal
Cougar Crossing: How Hollywood’s Celebrity Cougar Helped Build a Bridge for City Wildlife by Meeg Pincus; illustrated by Alexander Vidal (Beach Lane Books)
Silver Medals
Butterfly for a King by Susan Roth and Cindy Trumbore; illustrated by Susan L. Roth (Lee & Low Books)
The Great Stink: How Joseph Bazalgette Solved London’s Poop Pollution Problem by Colleen Paeff; illustrated by Nancy Carpenter (Margaret K. McElderry/S & S)
Nano: The Spectacular Science of the Very (Very) Small by Dr. Jess Wade, illustrated by Melissa Castrillón (Candlewick) by Jason Chin (Neal Porter Books/Holiday House)
Thousands of children in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, and the United Arab Emirates will participate in the voting process in 2022. We will post acceptance videos from our gold and silver medalists in May.
To learn more about the 2022 Cook Prize winners, read this School Library Journal article
A Comment From a Student:
I picked this book because I loved the illustrations, the pick of words, and it was about helping animals. I was really intrigued by how they started the story but added cool and important facts! I recommend it. (I really enjoyed the others, though! I had to think super hard!) – Scheherazade, Grade 3
Honor Books
This Giving Tuesday, gifts to Bank Street will be matched—dollar for dollar—up to $50,000, helping you make twice the impact on our community and beyond. We hope you’ll join us on this global day of generosity as we celebrate and extend our enduring mission to provide meaningful, high-quality education to all. We appreciate your support!