About the Awards 

The Nutmeg Children's Book Award encourages children in grades 4-6 to read quality books and
choose their favorite from a list of 10 titles nominated by a committee of children's reading professionals. The project is jointly sponsored by the Connecticut Library Association (CLA) and the Connecticut Educational Media Association (CEMA).

Books nominated for the award must be:

1. A work of fiction with appeal for readers in grades 4-6.
2. Written by an author currently living in the U.S.
3. Copyrighted in the U.S. & published within 5 years of the presentation year.
4. Currently in print and available in paperback and hardcover.
5. Well-written, with strong characterization, a vivid setting, striking language, a well- constructed plot, and a plausible conclusion.

Starting in January children VOTE for their favorite book from the list. The winner is announced in February, and the award is presented in the Spring.

The library has multiple copies of each title. Children need not read all ten books in order to vote, although they should be encouraged to read and/or listen to as many books on the list as possible.