Newbery Medal

Eligibility and selection process

Eligible works are typically books published in the United States during the preceding year and intended primarily for children or young adolescents. A committee of librarians and children’s literature experts reads nominated titles throughout the year, discusses their merits during deliberations, and selects a single Medal winner. The committee also names one or more Newbery Honor books to recognize other notable titles; the number of honors varies from year to year.

History and significance

First awarded in the early 1920s, the Newbery Medal helped establish a benchmark for literary quality in children’s publishing. Over decades it has spotlighted a wide range of fiction and nonfiction that contributes to young readers’ intellectual and emotional development. Winning or being named an Honor book often transforms an author’s career and ensures long‑term visibility in schools and libraries.

Notable features and related awards

• Author‑focused: The Newbery emphasizes writing and storytelling, in contrast to awards such as the Caldecott Medal, which honors illustration.
• Presentation: Results are announced during the ALA’s annual awards announcement and the winner receives a medal emblem on editions and in marketing.
• Companion recognitions: Many years also highlight Newbery Honor books, and the landscape of children’s awards includes genre‑specific and diversity‑focused prizes that complement the Newbery.

The award has recognized a broad array of books—from classic animal stories and realist tales to speculative fiction and creative nonfiction—helping to define what constitutes a leading contribution to literature for young readers.

Over time the Newbery process has evolved in response to conversations about representation, accessibility, and the range of voices reflected in children’s publishing. Libraries, educators, and publishers continue to consider Newbery selections when building collections and curricula, making the medal an enduring influence on how young readers discover notable literature.