The Ezra Jack Keats Award was created to nurture illustrators and writers, early in their careers, who create extraordinary books that reflect our diverse population, the universal experience of childhood, and the strength of family. This year, Delaware County Libraries will be awarding a Mock Ezra Jack Keats Award and we need your vote!
Here’s how to be a judge:
1. Get your official ballot and instructions here (PDF) or at your local library.
2. Read/listen to at least three of the nominated titles by February 28th. Print versions of the books are available through our local libraries or click here to find eBook editions of most titles.
3. Evaluate each book using the judge’s questions as a guide.
4. Vote for your favorite book by dropping off your ballot to any local library or cast your vote online using the link below by February 28th.
Voting has ended. We will be announcing the winner shortly.
The nominated titles include:
Playing With Lanterns by Wang Yage
Amah Faraway by Margaret Chiu Greanias
Big Problems Little Problems by Ben Feller
Emile and the Field by Kevin Young
Hot Dog by Doug Salati
Magic by Mirelle Ortega
The Notebook Keeper by Stephen Briseño
Poppy's House by Karla Courtney
Where Butterflies Fill the Sky by Zahra Marwan
Alone Like Me by Rebecca Evans
6 Questions for Evaluation:
Did the book celebrate all types of people or characters?
Did the book celebrate families or friends?
Did the book excite your brain and make you want to read & learn more?
Did the book hug your heart and make you care about the characters?
Did the characters in the book help each other or others in the community?
Did the words and pictures go together? Are they interesting to you?
To see previous winners of the Ezra Jack Keats Award, click here (PDF).
