Josette Frank Award facts for kids

The Josette Frank Award is a special prize for children's books in America. It's given out every year by the Children's Book Committee at Bank Street College of Education. This award celebrates books that show kids or young people dealing with tough situations in a positive and real way. It also honors stories where characters grow emotionally and learn important lessons.

This award used to be called the Children's Book Award from 1943 until 1997. It was renamed to honor Josette Frank. She was a well-known editor of many children's books and a leader at the Child Study Association of America. The money for the award comes from the Florence L. Miller Memorial Fund.

The Josette Frank Award is one of several important awards given by the Children's Book Committee each year. The Flora Stieglitz Straus Award, started in 1994, honors amazing nonfiction books that inspire young people. The Claudia Lewis Award, first given in 1998, celebrates the best poetry book of the year. There's also the Margaret Wise Brown Board Book Award, which is given every two years for board books.

What is the Josette Frank Award?

The Josette Frank Award looks for books that are really well-written. These stories often feature young characters who face challenges. The books show how these characters handle difficulties and become stronger and wiser. It's all about positive and realistic ways to grow.

A Look Back: The Children's Book Award

Before 1997, this award was simply known as the Children's Book Award. It has a long history of recognizing great books for young readers. Many famous authors and illustrators have won this prize over the years. The award has always focused on stories that help young people understand themselves and the world around them.

Other Cool Awards from Bank Street College

The Children's Book Committee gives out more than just the Josette Frank Award. They also recognize other types of books:

• The Flora Stieglitz Straus Award is for nonfiction books. These are books that teach you about real things and can make you feel inspired.
• The Claudia Lewis Award celebrates poetry. It honors the best book of poems for young readers each year.
• The Margaret Wise Brown Board Book Award is for books made for very young children, like toddlers. These are often sturdy books with thick pages.

Who Has Won This Award?

Many amazing books have received this award throughout its history. Here are just a few examples of the kinds of stories that have been honored:

• In 1945, The Moved-Outers by Florence Crannell Means won. This book tells a story about dealing with tough times.
• The Big Wave by Pearl S. Buck won in 1948. It's a powerful story about courage and recovery.
• In 1956, The House of Sixty Fathers by Meindert DeJong was recognized. This book shares a moving story of a boy's journey.
• The Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare won in 1983. It's an adventure story about friendship and survival.
• The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis received a special citation in 1995. This book explores important historical events through a family's eyes.
• In 2001, Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo won the Josette Frank Award. It's a heartwarming story about a girl and her dog.
• Wonder by R. J. Palacio won in 2013. This popular book teaches about kindness and acceptance.
• In 2016, The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley was honored. It's a story of resilience during wartime.
• When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed won in 2021. This graphic novel shares a true story of hope.
• In 2023, I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys won. This book tells a gripping story set in a challenging historical period.

These are just a few of the many wonderful books that have been recognized by this important award. They all share stories of young people facing challenges and growing stronger.