Guidelines and Deadlines for Submitting Books
to the Jane Addams Children's Book Awards

Submission Information | Submitting Books for 2009 Awards | Official Guidelines

A national committee of WILPF members concerned with children's books and their social values is responsible for making the choices each year.

Books may be submitted by the book publishers or requested by the committee.

Books for preschool through age twelve are eligible, including translations and books published in English in other countries, and subsquently published in the U.S.A. during the preceding year.

Refer to the Award Guidelines for more information on what the committee looks at when evaluating books.

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Submitting Books for the 2010 Awards

The deadline for the 2010 Awards will be December 31, 2009.

There are no formal applications or fees to be considered for the Jane Addams Children's Book Awards. 

There are certain guidelines that must be met in order to be considered.

The books must be published in the U.S. during 2009. 

Publishers and authors may submit books for consideration by mailing one (1) copy of each book to:

Susan C. Griffith
Chair, Jane Addams Children's Book Award
English Department
215 Anspach   
Central Michigan University
Mt. Pleasant, MI 48859

Note, this address has changed from previous years.

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Official Guidelines for the Jane Addams Book Awards

1. Books considered for the Awards should invite answers to one or more of the following questions:

• How can people peaceably settle disputes but with a special emphasis on diverse make-up and outlook?
• How can we begin to think more creatively and humanely about injustice and conflict, past or present, real or fictionalized?
• How can young people participate in creative solutions to the problems of war, social injustice, racism, sexism, homophobia, ageism, and the concerns of the physically challenged?
• How can people of all races, cultures, nations and economic systems live peacefully together?
• Does the book promote an understanding of the role of women in society, gender roles, the need to overcome gender stereotypes, e.g. role models of both genders?

2. Book themes may include:

• Solving problems courageously and non-violently
• Overcoming prejudice
• Breaking cycles of fear
• Approaching life with self-confidence and strength
• Understanding human needs with compassion
• Broadening outlook to appreciate a variety of cultures
• Accepting responsibility for the future of all peoples.

3. Books eligible for this award may be fiction, poetry or nonfiction.

4. Entries should be suitable for ages two through twelve.

5. Entries may be books of any length.

6. Entries should be well-written and well-illustrated (however, illustrations are not required).

--Adopted by the Jane Addams Peace Association, January 1994

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What are the Jane Addams Children's Book Awards?

The Jane Addams Children's Book Awards are given annually to the children's books published the preceding year that effectively promote the cause of peace, social justice, world community, and the equality of the sexes and all races as well as meeting conventional standards for excellence.

The Jane Addams Children's Book Awards have been presented annually since 1953 by the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) and the Jane Addams Peace Association. Beginning in 1993, a Picture Book category was created. Honor books may be chosen in each category.

Authors and artists of award-winning and honor books each receive a certificate and a cash award. Seals designating each recognition are available for purchase by publishers, libraries, schools and others wanting them from the Jane Addams Peace Association.

Between 1963 and 2002, announcement of the awards was made each fall on the September anniversary of Jane Addams' birth date. Beginning in 2003, the award winners are announced on April 28, the anniversary of the founding of WILPF. An awards presentation, open to all, is held each year on the third Friday of October.

The Jane Addams Children's Book Awards are given annually to the children's books published the preceding year that effectively promote the cause of peace, social justice, world community, and the equality of the sexes and all races as well as meeting conventional standards for excellence.