In July of 1987 Frederic G. Melcher would propose an idea to a section of the American Library Association known at that time as the Children’s Librarians Section. The result would be the first children’s book award in the world known as the John Newberry Medal (Newberry Award Manuel). The Newberry Medal was first awarded in 1922 to an author of children’s literature. In 1937 Frederic G. Melcher would suggest that they Illustrators of children’s book should also be recognized. In 1938 the first Randolph Caldecott Medal was awarded to an illustrator of children’s literature (Caldecott Medal Manuel). The process of how to award the winners has evolved over the years. Both medals were awarded by the same committee until 1980 when a separate committee awarded each medal. Today both committees consist of 15 members of the Association for Library Service to Children. The committees consist of eight elected members, six appointed members and one appointed chairperson (Caldecott Medal Manuel). The basic criteria for consideration of both the Newberry and Caldecott Medals are the same. The committees are only to consider notable and original works. The works must be in the English language fist published in the United States by an American publisher. The author or illustrator must a United States citizen or resident (Caldecott Medal Manual). Each committee will award annually one winner and may give out honors to a few other notable works. Winners will be awarded a [physical medal and a gold seal will be placed on copies of the books. Honor recipients receive certificates and silver seals are placed on the copies of the books (Caldecott Medal Manuel).
The Newbery Medal was named in honor of John Newbery a man known as the “...
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...ze to the public that contributions to literature for children deserve similar recognition for poetry, plays or novels. To give those librarians who make it their life work to serve children’s reading interest an opportunity to encourage good writing in this field.” Decades later the heart behind The Newbery and Caldecott Medals has been well established with numerous Medals and Honors awarded to different authors and illustrators.
"Caldecott Medal & Honor Books, 1938-Present." American Library Association. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Jan. 2014.
"John Newbery Award Committee Manual." American Library Association. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Jan. 2014.
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"Newbery Medal and Honor Books, 1922-Present." American Library Association. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Jan. 2014.
"Randolph Caldecott Medal Committee Manual." American Library Association. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Jan. 2014.
PDF file.
Michael Chabon author and Pulitzer Prize winner for fiction, writes a short keynote speech called “Kid’s Stuff.”
The Norton Anthology: American Literature, Volume A: Beginning to 1820. New York City: Norton & Comany, 2007.
In conclusion, critical evaluation of what makes a book good or bad depends on the selection criteria and agenda of those making the evaluation. The prizes have been criticised through the years and the selection committees have risen to this by changing the selection process, even if this change has been slow. Children’s Literature is in flux due to the ever-changing ideas and perceptions of childhood. Children’s books seen as prestigious today may become, like Blyton, unpalatable to the critics of tomorrow.
Meyer, Michael. The Bedford Introduction to Literature. Ed. 8th ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2008. 2189.
Loeffelholz, Mary et al. (2011). The Norton Anthology of American Litterature: New York, W. W. Norton & Company. pp 3-20
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Lowry, Lois. "Newbery Medal Acceptance." The Horn Book Magazine 70.4 (July-Aug. 1994): 414-422. Rpt. in Children's Literature Review. Ed. Linda R. Andres. Vol. 46. Detroit: Gale Research, 1998. Literature Resource Center. Web. 13 Feb. 2011.
Schilb, John, and John Clifford, eds. Making Literature Matter: An Anthology for Readers and Writers. 5th ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2012. 866. Print.
Perkins, Geroge, and Barbara Perkins. The American Tradition in Literature. 12th ed. Vol. 2. New York: McGraw Hill, 2009. Print
Perkins George, Barbara. The American Tradition in Literature, 12th ed. New York: McGraw Hill, 2009. Print
Works Cited “American Literature 1865-1914.” Baym 1271. Baym, Nina et al. Ed. The Norton Anthology of American Literature.
Bambara, Toni C. "The Lesson." Making Literature Matter: An Anthology for Readers and Writers. 5th ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2012. 1142-147. Print.
Belasco, Susan, and Linck Johnson, eds. The Bedford Anthology of American Literature. Vol. 1, 2nd Ed., Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2014. 1190-1203. Print.
“The Pulitzer Prize is an idea; it's a vote of confidence. Like literature, it exists purely in the mind. The Pulitzer isn't a physical object. You can't hold it in your hand. You get some money ($7,500 in my d...