Spotlight On: The Sibert Award

Year Founded: 2001

Most Recent Winner (2011): 

Kakapo Rescue: Saving the World's Strangest Parrot

                                               by Sy Montgomery

Criteria: 

1. ·      Non-Fiction/Informational Book
2. ·      Published the year prior
3. ·      No folktales or poetry
4. ·      English language
5. ·      Published in America
6. ·      Author must be American citizen or U.S. resident

Background: The Sibert Informational Book Medal, named after Robert F. Sibert, celebrates excellence in non-fiction children’s literature. Robert F. Sibert was a longtime member of the publishing industry and supporter of quality children’s books. Each year the award is given to a book the committee feels exemplifies high-quality, interesting, and informative work. The award was actually created by Sibert’s son who first suggested it be named after Benjamin Franklin, then Thomas Jefferson. When both names were vetoed (there are already awards for children’s books named after Franklin and Jefferson) the founding committee decided upon Robert F. Sibert.