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.
Cook Prize 2024
 Gold Medal |
 Silver Medal |
 Silver Medal |
 Silver Medal |
Gold Medal
The Book of Turtles by Sy Montgomery, illustrated by Matt Patterson (Clarion)
Silver Medals
Great Carrier Reef by Jessica Stremer, illustrated by Gordy Wright (Holiday House)
Santiago Saw Things Differently: Santiago Ramón y Cajal, Artist, Doctor, Father of Neuroscience by Christine Iverson, illustrated by Luciano Lozano (Mit Kids Press an imprint of Candlewick Press)
We Go Way Back by Idan Ben-Barak, illustrated by Philip Bunting (Roaring Brook)
Honor Books