Do books inspire you? Do you get lost in stories of magic and adventure, vampires and corrupt societies? America's annual Children's Book Week celebrates all of this and more from May 13th -19th, 2013. So get involved!
It's been nearly a century since Children's Book Week began encouraging literacy in youth. Established in 1919, this annual event celebrates reading and literature written for kids and teens. Reading is an experience unlike any other. It takes you away from your everyday life, and delivers you into a different world. You blend the author's words with your imagination to create a place that is uniquely your own. If you're someone who cherishes this experience, then participate in Children's Book Week with those who share your passion for books.
Get Involved
Children's Book Week is celebrated at so many venues across America, including schools, bookstores, libraries and participating websites. Check out the CBW's website for giveaways, contests, festivals and other events near you. Or ask your teacher to plan a day to celebrate this annual event. You could share quotes or create skits based on your favorite books, dress up like your favorite literary characters, or have a potluck lunch where each of your classmates brings a food from a book, such as Hagrid's famous rock cakes in Harry Potter.
Children's Choice Book Awards
Another interactive component to Children's Book Week is the Children's Choice Book Awards. These awards allow kids and teens to vote for their favorite books in all age groups, as well as their favorite authors and illustrators. Each year, CBW hosts a charity gala honoring the winners and nominees. Unfortunately, the polls are closed for this year, but you can always vote next year! Here are the 2013 finalists:
Book of the Year: Kindergarten to Second Grade
- Big Mean Mike by Michelle Knudsen
- The Duckling Gets a Cookie!? by Mo Willems
- I'll Save You Bobo! by Eileen Rosenthal
- Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons by James Dean and Eric Litwin
- Nighttime Ninja by Barbara DaCosta
Book of the Year: Third to Fourth Grade
- Bad Kitty for President by Nick Bruel
- Get the Scoop on Animal Poop! by Dawn Cusick
- Homer by Shelley Rotner
- Just Joking by National Geographic Kids
- Pluto Visits Earth! by Steve Metzger
Book of the Year: Fifth to Sixth Grade
- Dork Diaries 4: Tales from a Not-So-Graceful Ice Princess by Rachel Renee Russell
- Liar & Spy by Rebecca Stead
- Pickle: The (Formerly) Anonymous Prank Club of Fountain Point Middle School by Kim Baker
- Rebel McKenzie by Candice Ransom
- Stickman Odyssey, Book 2: The Wrath of Zozimos by Christopher Ford
Teen Book of the Year
- Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles, Book 1) by Marissa Meyer
- City of Lost Souls (Mortal Instruments) by Cassandra Clare
- The Fault In Our Stars by John Green
- Insurgent by Veronica Roth
- Rapture: A Fallen Novel by Lauren Kate
Author of the Year
- John Green for The Fault in Our Stars
- Jeff Kinney for Diary of a Wimpy Kid 7: The Third Wheel
- R. J. Palacio for Wonder
- Rick Riordan for The Mark of Athena (Heroes of Olympus, Book 3)
- Veronica Roth for Insurgent
Illustrator of the Year
- James Dean for Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons
- Anna Dewdney for Llama Llama Time to Share
- Ian Falconer for Olivia and the Fairy Princesses
- Robin Preiss Glasser for Fancy Nancy and the Mermaid Ballet
- Mo Willems for The Duckling Gets a Cookie!?
Have Your Say
How will you spend Children's Book Week? And which books, authors and illustrators would you have voted for? Tell us in our comment section below!
