Good books are not hard to find. The more you read, the more you encounter. However, there are those occasions in which we do not want to try a book to see if we like it. Sometimes we want (or need) to get the right book at the right time. Maybe it’s a present for someone special, maybe we are in need of reading something good as soon as possible. The problem is… how do we find a “good” book? Or better, what constitutes a “good” book? Who has the authority to determine the quality of a book?
For those of you who aren’t teachers or librarians, let me introduce you to the ALA Youth Media Awards. What is this? A friend of mine recently referred to them as “the Oscars of children’s literature.” Let me explain, and you’ll probably realize that you already knew it. Have you heard about the “Newbery Medal”? How about the “Caldecott Award”? Have you seen books with a golden or silver circular sticker on the cover, marking that the book is an “award winner”? Well, those are the marks of good literature for children and youth, according to the American Library Association (or more specifically, its division for services to children, ALSC.) Librarians with experience in reviewing books and serving children, and with a vast knowledge of children’s literature, form the “selection committees” that evaluate many, many books each year to select what they decide (after months of deliberation) it is the “best of the best.”
The Newbery and the Caldecott Medals are probably the two most famous awards. But the association selects many other awards each year. There are awards for different types of books, or for books with emphasis on specific topics. There are also awards for non-fiction books, for audiobooks, and for books celebrating specific cultures. I will probably write more posts in the future showcasing the different medals, so next time you go to a bookstore, you will be better prepared. This time, however, I want to present to you a special award for special books:
The Schneider Family Book Award
“Schneider Family Book Awards honor an author or illustrator for a book that embodies an artistic expression of the disability experience for child and adolescent audiences” (Definition from ALSC website).
Somebody, Please Tell Me Who I Am
Ben surprises everyone by enlisting in the army after his high school graduation. When his convoy is caught in an IED explosion, Ben suffers a traumatic brain injury (TBI), resulting in memory loss and other disabilities. His 15-year-old brother Chris, who has autism, becomes a critical catalyst to Ben’s recovery.
For Middle School:
A Dog Called Homeless
A year after her mother’s death, Cally, a fifth grader, has stopped speaking when no one seems to care about what she has to say. When her family moves to a new apartment, Cally meets 11–year-old, Sam who is deaf and blind. Through her friendship with Sam and the mysterious appearance of a dog, Cally finds her voice.
For Younger Children:
Back to Front and Upside Down!
Stan is excited about making a birthday card for his principal, Mr. Slippers, until he discovers that he has to write a message. For him, letters come out back to front and upside down. Stan learns that asking for help, a little coaching, and a lot of practice make for success.
So, roll out the red carpet and start reading!
Your BTS Librarian
Books & Beyond 
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