Keep It Real!
Informational books for youth
An AkLA smore report by Caitlin Jacobson, Ketchikan
I served as Chair this year for the ALA Sibert Informational Book award, which gave the 2017 Medal to Congressman John Lewis and his fellow collaborators for March: Book Three. My 8 teammates and I read and evaluated several hundred books from the 2016 calendar year, then met at Midwinter for nearly 26 hours to discuss our titles.
I presented on nonfiction books at the AkLA conference, and would like to share my list of favorites, as well as a few of my favorite resources for titles.
The best in informational books for youth, 2016
Keeping It Real: 2016's Best Nonfiction for Youth
The Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award
"Information books are defined as those written and illustrated to present, organize, and interpret documentable, factual material for children. There are no limitations as to the character of the book, although traditional literature (e.g., folktales) is not eligible. Poetry is not eligible except as a format or vehicle to convey information. Honor books may be named; they shall be books that are truly distinguished. The first award was announced at the Midwinter Meeting in 2001 and then presented at the ALSC Membership Meeting held during the Annual Conference." (From the Sibert page.)