Jane Addams Children's Book Award
じぇーん・あだむず じどうしょしょう
An annual literary award given to outstanding works in children's books that promote peace and social equality (social justice). Established in 1953.
- Established
- 1953
- Organizer
- Jane Addams Peace Association (no change)
- Category
- Children's Literature, Fairy Tales, and Picture Books
- Selection Method
- Recommendation
- Target
- Professional
- Frequency
- 1 per year
- Announcement Period
- around September
- Status
- Active
Description
The Jane Addams Children's Book Award is awarded annually to children's books published in the previous year that promote peace and social equality (social justice). Established in 1953, it was previously co-sponsored by Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) and Jane Addams Peace Association, but is now solely organized by Jane Addams Peace Association. Categories were introduced in 1993 (Picture Book / Book for Older Children, renamed to Book for Younger Children / Book for Older Children from 2005 onward), and winners are typically announced in April each year.
Prize
- Main Prize
- Honorary award (no public information on prize money or goods)
Selection
Selection Process
| Stage | Judges | Pass Rate | Announcement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate selection | Jane Addams Peace Association / Selection committee lists candidate books | — | — |
| Selection and final decision | Jane Addams Peace Association selection committee (reviewed by committee members) | — | Winners announced on official website and press release (usually April) |
Criteria
- Must be a children's book published in the previous year
- Actively promotes peace and social equality (social justice)
- Literary quality (writing, structure, suitability for target age)
- Historical and cultural accuracy, expressions avoiding stereotypes
Application Tips
Dos
- 作品が『平和』や『社会的公正・平等』を明確に扱っていることを示す
- 出版年が応募要件（前年）に合致していることを確認する
- 対象年齢に合わせた言葉遣いや表現、挿絵の質を高める
- 主催者の公式サイトで推薦・応募方法や締切を確認する
Don''ts
- 事実確認が不十分な歴史・文化的描写をする
- ステレオタイプや偏見に基づく表現を含める
- 応募条件（出版年や対象）を満たしていないまま提出する
- 主題を宣伝的・一方的に押し付けるような表現
From Judges
- 平和と社会正義のテーマが作品全体に一貫して表れていることを重視します
- 登場人物の視点・声の真実性（authenticity）が重要です
- 文学的完成度（構成・語り口・対象年齢への適合）と読者への影響力を見ます
Related Awards
- Coretta Scott King Book Award
- Caldecott Medal
- Newbery Medal
- Children's Book Council awards