What is the Newbery Medal?
The medal is an annual award given by the American Library Association for the best children’s literary book published in the previous year. This means picture books do not qualify for the award. The book must have words or literary merit, to be considered. Newbery Medal The Newbery Medal was named after John Newbery, a British bookseller in the 18th century. The idea of the award was proposed in 1922 Frederic G. Melcher, who believed it to be a good way to emphasize the importance of quality literary books for children. The idea was enthusiastically accepted by the American Library Association, and the Newbery became the world’s first children’s book award. Technically, the Newbery Medal is awarded by the Association for Library Service to Children, a branch of the American Library Association. In addition to the bronze, Newbery Medal given out each year, there are several silver Newbery Honor Book awards handed out to recognize the runner-ups. There is no set number of runner-ups and
