This year marks 100 years since the Newbery Medal—the world’s first children’s book award—was instituted. To celebrate this centennial, American Libraries covers the history of the award, offers a timeline of events, and talks with previous Newbery winners.
- In “100 Years of the Newbery Medal,” we look at the legacy, challenges, and future of this distinguished award for children’s books. Taylor Hartz talks with former and current Newbery Award Selection Committee members about the honor and responsibility of picking a winner.
- In “Newbery Firsts,” we explore important milestones—and archival photographs—from the award’s first century. Hartz presents a timeline that spans from 1922 to present day.
- In “Winner’s Circle,” American Libraries Associate Editor Diana Panuncial interviews four authors about their momentous Newbery Medal wins. She speaks with Jerry Craft (2020 recipient for New Kid), Cynthia Kadohata (2005 recipient for Kira-Kira), Tae Keller (2021 recipient for When You Trap a Tiger), and Lois Lowry (1990 recipient for Number the Stars and 1994 recipient for The Giver).