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Parents, publishers await announcements of the best of the best in materials, media for youth

CHICAGO — Parents, children’s and young adult authors, illustrators, and publishing groups are waiting in anticipation for the 2021 ¾«¶«´«Ã½ (ALA) Youth Media Award (YMA) announcements.

Despite the pandemic, ¾«¶«´«Ã½will announce 20 awards, including the coveted Newbery and Caldecott medals, Printz Award, and Coretta Scott King Book Awards, beginning at 8 a.m. CT on Jan. 25, 2021, at . The announcements are part of the ¾«¶«´«Ã½Midwinter Meeting & Exhibits virtual meeting taking place from Jan. 22 - 26, 2021.

Over the last several months, award committees made their way through thousands of award submissions. Meeting virtually, committees debated, examined, and selected this year’s honor and winning titles despite the challenges fueled by COVID-19.

Recognized worldwide for the high quality they represent, the YMAs guide parents, educators, library workers, and others in selecting the best materials and media for youth. Selected by committees composed of librarians and other literature and media experts, the awards encourage original and creative work in children’s and young adult literature and media. Prize-winning titles rarely go out of print and have inspired such major motion pictures as “The Hate U Give,” “Divergent,” “Jumanji,” “The Polar Express,” and “Hugo.”

The excitement surrounding the announcements continues to grow, with thousands of book lovers following results. Virtual spectators from around the globe will follow results via a free web stream at . Fans can also track results by following ¾«¶«´«Ã½social media channels, including Facebook, YouTube, or Twitter, with the hashtag #alayma.

After the announcements, will feature an award wrap release detailing 2021 selections. Also, an encore presentation of the announcements will be available at the same location immediately after the announcements.

Additional information regarding the ¾«¶«´«Ã½Youth Media Award announcements is available at .

Media interested in scheduling interviews with award committee chairs and 2021 winners may contact Macey Morales, deputy director, ¾«¶«´«Ã½Communications and Marketing Office, 312-280-4393, mmorales@ala.org; or Steve Zalusky, communications specialist, ¾«¶«´«Ã½Communications and Marketing Office, 312-280-1546, szalusky@ala.org.

About the ¾«¶«´«Ã½

¾«¶«´«Ã½ (ALA) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, ¾«¶«´«Ã½has been the trusted voice of libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit ala.org.