Kentucky school librarians, from left, Renee Hale of Warren County, Amanda Hurley of Fayette County, Lori Hancock of The Lexington School and Tara Griffith of Barren County attend the Youth Media Awards announcements at the American Library Association's Midwinter Meeting in Atlanta. Submitted photo by Kathy Mansfield, Jan. 23, 2017

Kentucky school librarians, from left, Renee Hale of Warren County, Amanda Hurley of Fayette County, Lori Hancock of The Lexington School and Tara Griffith of Barren County attend the Youth Media Awards announcements at the American Library Association’s Midwinter Meeting in Atlanta.
Submitted photo by Kathy Mansfield, Jan. 23, 2017

Every year in January, school librarians anxiously await the announcement of their equivalent to the Oscars: the Youth Media Awards, presented by the American Library Association (ALA).

This year’s announcements were made in Atlanta during the annual ALA Midwinter Meeting. Book awards include the prestigious John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children’s literature, the Randolph Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture book for children, and the Coretta Scott King (Author) Book Award recognizing an African-American author and illustrator of outstanding books for children and young adults.

Read about the 2017 medal and honor winners for these and other awards at this link.