So You Think You Know About Kids' Books? Enter the Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards!
Ever get stuck in the children's section of the library, surrounded by a sea of brightly colored spines, wondering, "Is any of this actually good?" Well, fret no more, fellow literature explorer! Because today, we're diving into the world of the Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards, a compass for navigating the thrilling (and sometimes confusing) terrain of children's and young adult lit.
A Match Made in Book Heaven: The History of the Awards
This prestigious award ceremony is basically the Oscars of the children's book world (except with less red carpet drama, and hopefully, a lot less crying acceptance speeches). Established in 1967, it's a collaboration between The Boston Globe, a newspaper that's been around since like, forever, and The Horn Book Magazine, a publication dedicated entirely to children's literature – basically the ultimate tastemakers in this realm.
**Fun Fact Alert! **Originally, there were only two categories: Fiction and Picture Book. But fear not, nonfiction fans! The Nonfiction award arrived in 1976, a glorious day for factual tales everywhere.
So, What Books Get the Recognition?
Now, you might be wondering, what kind of stories win this coveted prize? Well, the Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards celebrate exceptional writing and illustration in children's and young adult literature. These are the books that not only entertain but also spark imaginations, challenge perspectives, and maybe even make you shed a tear (or two, we won't judge).
They basically separate the wheat from the chaff (though hopefully no actual chaff is involved in the judging process).
The awards are divided into three main categories:
- Picture Book: For the captivating stories told through stunning illustrations (think the perfect blend of words and pictures).
- Fiction and Poetry: From laugh-out-loud adventures to heart-wrenching tales, this category honors the best in written storytelling for young readers.
- Nonfiction: Because hey, learning can be thrilling too! This category recognizes outstanding books that bring the world to life in a factual and engaging way.
There's even a special "Special Citation" awarded occasionally for books that go above and beyond in their overall creative excellence. Basically, it's the award's way of saying, "Wow, this book is just phenomenal!"
How to Spot a Boston Globe-Horn Book Award Winner?
So, you're at the bookstore, overwhelmed by choices. How can you tell if a book is award-winning? Here's a nifty trick: Look for a shiny gold sticker with the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award emblem. It's your instant "go-to" signal, letting you know this book has been deemed exceptional by the experts.
Now go forth and conquer that children's section!
Burning Questions about the Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards (FAQ Style!)
- How to Nominate a Book? Unfortunately, publishers typically handle nominations. But hey, you can always recommend a fantastic book to your local librarian and maybe they'll spread the word!
- How Many Books Win Each Year? One book gets chosen in each of the three main categories (Picture Book, Fiction & Poetry, Nonfiction). The Special Citation is an extra bonus awarded sporadically.
- How Do They Decide the Winners? A dedicated committee of librarians, educators, and booksellers pore over the submissions, reading their way through countless stories to pick the very best.
- How Much Does the Award Matter? A LOT! Winning a Boston Globe-Horn Book Award is a huge honor in the children's literature world. It can boost sales, critical acclaim, and most importantly, get amazing books into the hands of more young readers.
- How Can I Learn More About the Awards? Check out The Horn Book Magazine's website (
https://www.hbook.com/page/boston-globe-horn-book-awards-landing-page
