Children's Literature Legacy Award facts for kids

The Children's Literature Legacy Award is a special prize given to authors or illustrators of children's books. These books must be published in the United States. The award celebrates people who have made a big and lasting difference in children's literature over many years. The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), which is part of the American Library Association (ALA), gives out this bronze medal.

This award was first given in 1954. It was originally named the Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal. This was in honor of Laura Ingalls Wilder, who wrote the "Little House" books. She was also the first person to win the award. In 2018, the award's name was changed to the Children's Literature Legacy Award.

The award used to be given out every few years. From 1955 to 1980, it was given every five years. Then, from 1980 to 2001, it was given every three years. After that, until 2015, it was given every two years. Now, it is given out every single year. The most recent person to receive this award was Pam Muñoz Ryan in 2024.

Who Can Win the Award?

To win the Children's Literature Legacy Award, authors and illustrators must meet certain rules:

• The award can go to one author, one illustrator, or even a team of writers or artists. Someone can even receive the award after they have passed away.
• The person must have been actively creating children's books within the last 25 years before being nominated.
• It does not matter where the person lives or what country they are from.
• Their books must be published in the United States. However, the very first time the book was published does not have to be in the U.S.
• Some of their books must have been available for children to read for at least ten years.
• The books must be important to American children's literature. Children must have read them, and they should still be popular and requested by kids.
• The award committee only looks at the books the person created for children up to 14 years old.

Why the Name Changed

In February 2018, the ALSC decided to look at the award's name again. They formed a special group to study it. This group included people from the American Indian Library Association. This review happened because some people had concerns about how Laura Ingalls Wilder's books showed Native Americans and African Americans.

On June 23, 2018, the group suggested changing the name. The ALSC board found that some parts of Wilder's work showed old-fashioned ideas. These ideas did not match the ALSC's main values. These values include being welcoming to everyone, being honest, and showing respect. So, the award's name was officially changed to the Children's Literature Legacy Award.

Award Winners

See also

• List of ALA awards
• Caldecott Medal
• Newbery Medal
• Margaret Edwards Award