The Magnolia Children's Choice Book Award

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is the Magnolia Children's Choice Book Award?

 

The Magnolia Children's Choice Award is an award to be given annually to the book voted by the children of Mississippi as their favorite.

 

What is the purpose of the Magnolia Children's Choice Book Award?

 

The purpose of the Magnolia Children's Choice Book Award is to introduce the children of Mississippi to current literature and to instill a love of reading.

 

How are selections for nominees for the Magnolia Children's Choice Book Award made?

Suggestions can be made by any adult, but the title must have positive reviews in at least two children's literature review journals (SLJ, Horn Book, CBBC, etc.). Each library is limited to five suggestions. The final list from which the children read and select will have at least ten titles chosen by the selection committee from the suggested titles.

 

When will the first selection process begin for the Magnolia Children's Choice Book Award?

The first set of titles for consideration will be available in spring 2009 in time for schools to include them in suggestions for summer reading as well as encourage children to read the books during the 2009-2010 school year. The first voting will take place in April 2010, and the winner announced before the end of the school year.

 

How are the Magnolia Children's Choice Book Award recipients chosen?

Children who vote must have been exposed to at least half, and preferably all, of the nominated titles. Exposure includes reading independently, having the book read to them, or listening to an audio production of the book. Voting will take place electronically each April for two weeks with the winning titles announced in May.

Who can participate in choosing the Magnolia Children's Choice Book Award?

Third through fifth grade children in public, private, and home schools in the state of Mississippi may vote in their public or school libraries. A future goal is to expand the list to awards for other grades.

 

When will the Magnolia Children's Choice Book Award be presented?

The winner will be recognized at the following year's Fay B. Kaigler Children's Book Festival. Reasonable effort will be made to have the author or illustrator present to accept the award, with the intent of having the author visit some of the participating schools. Schools would be responsible for funding for such visits. The first award presentation will be in 2011.