William Allen White Children's Book Award facts for kids

The William Allen White Children's Book Award is a special honor given to books chosen by kids in Kansas. Each year, students vote for their favorite books from lists picked by a committee. This award started in 1952. It was created by Ruth Garver Gagliardo, who loved children's books and worked at Emporia State University. The university still runs the program today.

The award is named after William Allen White (1868–1944). He was a famous newspaper publisher and editor for The Emporia Gazette. This award is the oldest one in the United States where children across an entire state get to choose the winning books.

Since 2001, two books win each year. One winner is chosen by students in grades 3 to 5. The other winner is picked by students in grades 6 to 8. Each age group votes from its own list of books. The award's website has a full list of all the books that have been nominated since 1952. They also have special guides to help teachers use these books in their classrooms.

Every October, there's a fun celebration at Emporia State University. It includes "Read-Ins and Sleepovers" on Friday night. On Saturday morning, students give medals to the winning authors at an awards ceremony. Some schools even encourage students to read more by offering a trip to this celebration!

Award Winners: 1953–2000

From 1953 to 2000, there was usually one winner for the William Allen White Children's Book Award each year. In 1974, two books won the award. Here are the amazing books and authors who won during these years:

Award Winners: 2001–Present

Since 2001, the William Allen White Children's Book Award has honored two books each year. One book is chosen by younger readers (grades 3-5), and another by older readers (grades 6-8). Here are the winners from 2001 to the present: