The Amelia Elizabeth Walden Book Award is something I truly believe in. The winners of this award are not only examples of high literary merit, but they have widespread appeal and promote a positive approach to life. This is criteria I can get behind! Too often, I have found that books that win book awards are hard to get into the hands of kids and difficult to promote. The Walden Award ensures that the books that are honored are books that will not only reach kid, but will send a positive message.
Over the past three years, I have been lucky enough to be an active member on the committee (next year, I will be Past Chair which is more of a advisory and passive role). I am sad to think that it is almost over. I have read approximately 450 books while considering which novels should be honored. I have met some amazing colleagues (including Ricki! She was Chair during my first year on the committee), publishers, and authors. I have had experiences that I would have never had without the committee. It has been a phenomenal experience.
Here are some other blog posts about the committee
Unleashing Readers: Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award (Kellee & Ricki’s Experiences)
Teach Mentor Texts (Kellee): The 2012 Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award
Unleashing Readers: 2013 Amelia Elizabeth Walden Book Award Finalists Announced
Unleashing Readers: Walden Award Finalists Reviews (2013)
Unleashing Readers: Walden Award Winner Review (2013)
Unleashing Readers: 2014 Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award Finalists Announcement
Unleashing Readers: 2014 Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award Winner Announcement
Unleashing Readers: 2015 Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award Finalists Announcement
Nerdy Book Club: What Sets the Amelia Elizabeth Walden Book Awards Apart by Kellee Moye
Unleashing Readers: 2016 Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award Winner and Finalists Announcement
Unleashing Readers: 2017 Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award Winner and Finalists Announcement
Unleashing Readers: 2018 Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award Finalists Announcement
Unleashing Readers: 2018 Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award Winner Announcement
As my time as an active member on the committee comes to a close, I reminisce and realize just how lucky I am to have been part of this book award’s history. It is an experience that I definitely wish on others.
For more information on the Walden Award, visit http://www.alan-ya.org/awards/walden-award/.
Kellee, I’m assuming this is not open to specialists/district people since it specifies teacher, librarian, professor. Is this something I have to wait until I’m back in the classroom to apply for?
Unfortunately, that is correct Lee. But if/when you go back, this is definitely right up your alley!
It does sound like a great experience, Kellee. I know you’ve acquired an amazing background in kid lit because of this. I hope you find some good members for next year!
Thank you for your well wishes Linda! It is a wonderful experience!