The Christopher Award (established 1949) is presented to the producers, directors, and writers of books, films and television specials that "affirm the highest values of the human spirit". It is given by

The Christophers The Christophers are a Christian inspirational group that was founded in 1945 by Father James Keller. The name of the group is derived from the Greek word ''christophoros'', which means "Christ-bearer". Although the founders were Maryknoll prie ...

, a Christian organization founded in 1945 by the Maryknoll priest James Keller. The 2016 Christopher Awards were announced on March 30, 2016, and were presented in a ceremony in New York City on May 19.The 67th annual Christopher Awards
, The Christophers, Inc. Retrieved June 27, 2016.

Judging process

Publishers, TV networks, and film directors are asked to submit titles and work that they believe to be award-worthy. Industry professionals and Christopher staff members make the final selections based on: # Artistic and technical proficiency # Significant degree of public acceptance # Affirmation of the highest values of the human spirit

Selection of previous winners/honorees

Christopher Leadership Awards

*2011 Scotty Smiley *2008 Cardinal

John Patrick Foley John Patrick Foley (November 11, 1935 – December 11, 2011) was an American cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church. From 2007 until 2011, he was Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, an order of knighthood u ...

*2005

Sargent Shriver Robert Sargent Shriver Jr. (November 9, 1915 – January 18, 2011) was an American diplomat, politician, and activist. As the husband of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, he was part of the Kennedy family. Shriver was the driving force behind the creatio ...

*2004 Father John T. Catoir *2002

Rudy Giuliani Rudolph William Louis Giuliani (, ; born May 28, 1944) is an American politician and lawyer who served as the 107th Mayor of New York City from 1994 to 2001. He previously served as the United States Associate Attorney General from 1981 to 19 ...

Christopher Life Achievement Award

*2018

Ken Burns Kenneth Lauren Burns (born July 29, 1953) is an American filmmaker known for his documentary films and television series, many of which chronicle American history and culture. His work is often produced in association with WETA-TV and/or th ...

*2016

Ernie Anastos Ernie Anastos (born July 12, 1943) is an American news anchor and the host of the show ''Positively America with Ernie Anastos''. He anchored the news at 6 p.m. on WNYW in New York City. He was also the anchor of the 5 and 10 p.m. newscasts on Fo ...

The 67th annual Christopher Awards Special Awards
, The Christophers, Inc. Retrieved June 27, 2016. *2012 Mother Dolores Hart *2008

David McCullough David Gaub McCullough (; July 7, 1933 – August 7, 2022) was an American popular historian. He was a two-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award. In 2006, he was given the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the United States ...

*2006

Dave Brubeck David Warren Brubeck (; December 6, 1920 – December 5, 2012) was an American jazz pianist and composer. Often regarded as a foremost exponent of cool jazz, Brubeck's work is characterized by unusual time signatures and superimposing contrasti ...

*2005 Robert Coles *2004

Art Linkletter Arthur Gordon Linkletter (born Gordon Arthur Kelly or Arthur Gordon Kelly; sources differ; July 17, 1912 – May 26, 2010) was a Canadian-born American radio and television personality. He was the host of ''House Party'', which ran on CBS radio a ...

*2003

Mary Higgins Clark Mary Higgins Clark (born Mary Theresa Eleanor Higgins (December 24, 1927 – January 31, 2020) was an American author of suspense novels. Each of her 51 books was a bestseller in the United States and various European countries, and all of he ...

Christopher Spirit Award

*2016 ''

When Calls the Heart ''When Calls the Heart'' is an American television drama series, inspired by Janette Oke's book of the same name from her ''Canadian West series'', and developed by Michael Landon Jr. The series began airing on the Hallmark Channel in the Uni ...

James Keller Award

*2012

Marty Lyons Martin Anthony Lyons (born January 15, 1957) is a former American college and professional football player who was a defensive tackle and defensive end in the National Football League (NFL) for 11 seasons during the 1970s and 1980s. Lyons play ...

*2011 Shannon Hickey *2005 Pat LaFontaine *2004

Caroll Spinney Caroll Edwin Spinney (December 26, 1933 – December 8, 2019) was an American puppeteer, cartoonist, author, artist and speaker, most famous for playing Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch on ''Sesame Street'' from its inception in 1969 until 2018. ...

Books for Adults

2016 * ''Five Years in Heaven: The Unlikely Friendship That Answered Life’s Greatest Questions'' by

John Schlimm John Schlimm (born December 1, 1971) is an American author, activist, artist, and educator. His books include ''Five Years in Heaven: The Unlikely Friendship That Answered Life's Greatest Questions'', ''The Ultimate Beer Lover's Happy Hour: Over 3 ...

(Image Books/Crown Publishing) * ''The Gift of Caring: Saving Our Parents from the Perils of Modern Healthcare'' by Marcy Cottrell Houle and Elizabeth Eckstrom (Taylor Trade Publishing/Rowman & Littlefield) * ''One Righteous Man: Samuel Battle and the Shattering of the Color Line in New York'' by Arthur Browne (Beacon Press) * ''Tough As They Come by Travis Mills'' with Marcus Brotherton (Convergent Books/Crown Publishing) * ''Under the Same Sky: From Starvation in North Korea to Salvation in America'' by Joseph Kim with Stephan Talty (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) * ''The Wind in the Reeds: A Storm, a Play, and the City That Would Not Be Broken'' by Wendell Pierce (Riverhead Books/Random House) 2015 * ''The Invisible Front: Love and Loss in an Era of Endless War'' by Yochi Dreazen (Crown Publishers). 2014 * ''American Story: A Lifetime Search for Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things'' by Bob Dotson (Viking Press/Penguin Group) * ''Love and Salt: A Spiritual Friendship Shared in Letters'' by Amy Andrews and Jessica Mesman Griffith (Loyola Press) * ''The Miracle of Father Kapaun: Priest, Soldier, and Korean War Hero'' by Roy Wenzl and Travis Heying (Ignatius Press) * ''On These Courts: A Miracle Season That Changed a City, a Once-Future Star, and a Team Forever'' by Wayne B. Drash (Touchstone Books/Simon and Schuster) * ''Walk In Their Shoes: Can One Person Change the World?'' by Jim Ziolkowski with James S. Hirsch (Simon and Schuster) 2013 * ''Carly’s Voice'' by Arthur Fleischmann and Carly Fleischmann * ''Fearless'' by

Eric Blehm The given name Eric, Erich, Erikk, Erik, Erick, or Eirik is derived from the Old Norse name ''Eiríkr'' (or ''Eríkr'' in Old East Norse due to monophthongization). The first element, ''ei-'' may be derived from the older Proto-Norse ''* ain ...

* ''A Good Man'' by Mark Shriver * ''My Sisters the Saints'' by Colleen Carroll Campbell * ''Road to Valor'' by Aili and Andres McConnon 2012 * ''A Good and Perfect Gift'' by Julia Becker * ''An Invisible Thread'' by Laura Schroff and Alex Tresniowski * ''I Shall Not Hate'' by

Izzeldin Abuelaish Izzeldin Abuelaish ( ar, عزالدين أبو العيش), is a Canadian-Palestinian medical doctor and author. He was born in Gaza, and was the first Palestinian doctor to work in an Israeli hospital and has been active in promoting Israeli-Pal ...

* ''Kisses from Katie'' by Katie Davis and Beth Clark * ''Little Princes'' by Conor Grennan 2011 * ''Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy'' by

Eric Metaxas Eric Metaxas (born 1963) is an American author, speaker, and conservative radio host. He has written three biographies, ''Amazing Grace: William Wilberforce and the Heroic Campaign to End Slavery'' about William Wilberforce (2007), ''Bonhoeffer: P ...

* ''The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything'' by James Martin * ''Thea's Song: The Life of Thea Bowman'' by Charlene Smith and John Feister * '' Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption'' by

Laura Hillenbrand Laura Hillenbrand (born May 15, 1967) is an American author of books and magazine articles. Her two bestselling nonfiction books, ''Seabiscuit: An American Legend'' (2001) and ''Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redempt ...

* '' Washington: A Life'' by

Ron Chernow Ronald Chernow (; born March 3, 1949) is an American writer, journalist and biographer. He has written bestselling historical non-fiction biographies. He won the 2011 Pulitzer Prize for Biography and the 2011 American History Book Prize for hi ...

2010 * ''A. Lincoln: A Biography'' by Ronald C. White, Jr. * ''

Stones into Schools ''Stones into Schools: Promoting Peace with Books, Not Bombs, in Afghanistan and Pakistan'' is a '' New York Times'' bestselling book by Greg Mortenson published by Viking in 2009. The book is the sequel to the bestselling book ''Three Cups of ...

'' by

Greg Mortenson Greg Mortenson is an American professional speaker, writer, veteran, and former mountaineer. He is a co-founder and former executive director of the non-profit Central Asia Institute and the founder of the educational charity Pennies for Peace. ...

* ''Strength in What Remains'' by Tracy Kidder * ''Wrestling with Moses: How

Jane Jacobs Jane Jacobs (''née'' Butzner; 4 May 1916 – 25 April 2006) was an American-Canadian journalist, author, theorist, and activist who influenced urban studies, sociology, and economics. Her book ''The Death and Life of Great American Cities'' ...

Took on New York's Master Builder and Transformed the American City'' by Anthony Flint 2009 * ''Alex & Me'' by

Irene Pepperberg Irene Maxine Pepperberg (born April 1, 1949) is a scientist noted for her studies in animal cognition, particularly in relation to parrots. She has been a professor, researcher and/or lecturer at multiple universities, and she is currently a res ...

* ''American-Made—The Enduring Legacy of the WPA: When FDR Put the Nation to Work'' by Nick Taylor * ''Final Salute: A Story of Unfinished Lives'' by Jim Sheeler * ''Founding Faith: Providence, Politics, and the Birth of Religious Freedom in America'' by

Steven Waldman Steven Waldman is president and co-founder of Report for America, a national service program that places emerging journalists into local newsrooms. Previously he was Senior Advisor to the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, servi ...

* ''

The Soloist ''The Soloist'' is a 2009 drama film directed by Joe Wright, and starring Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey Jr. The plot is based on the true story of Nathaniel Ayers, a musician who developed schizophrenia and became homeless. The film was released ...

: A Lost Dream, an Unlikely Friendship, and the Redemptive Power of Music'' by Steve Lopez * ''Until Our Last Breath: A Holocaust Story of Love and Partisan Resistance'' by Michael Bart and Laurel Corona 2008 * ''

Brother, I'm Dying ''Brother I'm Dying'', published in 2007 by Alfred A. Knopf, is a family memoir by novelist Edwidge Danticat. In 2007, the title won the National Book Critics Circle Award and was also nominated for the National Book Award. Background Edwid ...

'' by Edwidge Danticat * ''The Florist's Daughter'' by Patricia Hempl * ''The Invisible Wall: A Love Story That Broke Barriers'' by

Harry Bernstein Harry Louis Bernstein (May 30, 1910 – June 3, 2011) was a British-born American writer. Bernstein lived in Brick Township, New Jersey.Rich, Motoko"Successful at 96, Writer Has More to Say" ''The New York Times'', April 7, 2007. Accessed June 22 ...

* ''The Lonely Patient: How We Experience Illness'' by Michael Stein, M.D. * '' A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier'' by

Ishmael Beah Ishmael Beah (born 23 November 1980)UNICEF''Youth leadership profiles'' unicef.org; retrieved 15 February 2007. is a Sierra Leonean author and human rights activist who rose to fame with his acclaimed memoir, '' A Long Way Gone''. His novel ''Rad ...

* ''A Slave No More: Two Men Who Escaped to Freedom'' by David W. Blight 2007 * ''Barefootin': Life Lessons from the Road to Freedom'' by Unita Blackwell with JoAnne Prichard Morris * '' Enrique's Journey'' by Sonia Nazario * '' The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief'' by

Francis Collins Francis Sellers Collins (born April 14, 1950) is an American physician-geneticist who discovered the genes associated with a number of diseases and led the Human Genome Project. He is the former director of the National Institutes of Health (N ...

* ''Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust'' by Immaculée Ilibagiza with Steve Erwin * ''The Lemon Tree: An Arab, a Jew, and the Heart of the Middle East'' by Sandy Tolan * ''My Life with the Saints'' by James Martin 2006 * ''The Death of Innocents: An Eyewitness Account of Wrongful Executions'' by Sister Helen Prejean * '' The Glass Castle'' by Jeannette Walls * ''One Soldier's Story: A Memoir'' by

Bob Dole Robert Joseph Dole (July 22, 1923 – December 5, 2021) was an American politician and attorney who represented Kansas in the United States Senate from 1969 to 1996. He was the Republican Leader of the Senate during the final 11 years of his t ...

* ''The Prison Angel: Mother Antonia’s Journey from Beverly Hills to a Life of Service in a Mexican Jail'' by Mary Jordan & Kevin Sullivan * '' They Poured Fire on Us From the Sky'' by Benson Deng, Alephonsion Deng & Benjamin Ajak, with Judy A. Bernstein 2005 * '' Anatomy of Hope'' by Jerome Groopman, M.D. * ''

Blood Done Sign My Name ''Blood Done Sign My Name'' (2004) is a historical memoir written by Timothy B. Tyson. He explores the 1970 murder of Henry D. Marrow, a black man in Tyson's then hometown of Oxford, North Carolina. The murder is described as the result of t ...

'' by

Timothy Tyson Timothy B. Tyson (born 1959) is an American writer and historian who specializes in the issues of culture, religion, and race associated with the Civil Rights Movement. He is a senior research scholar at the Center for Documentary Studies at Duk ...

* ''The Freedom Line'' by Peter Eisner * ''I Am a Pencil: A Teacher, His Kids, and Their World of Stories'' by Sam Swope * ''Love in the Driest Season: A Family Memoir'' by Neely Tucker * '' Mao's Last Dancer: A Memoir'' by Li Cunxin 2004 * ''

A Human Being Died That Night ''A Human Being Died That Night'' is a 2003 book by Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela. The book is Gobodo-Madikizela's account of her interviews with state-sanctioned mass murderer Eugene De Kock from the time of apartheid in South Africa. These intervi ...

'' by

Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela (born 15 February 1955) is the Research Chair in Studies in Historical Trauma and Transformation at Stellenbosch University in South Africa. She graduated from Fort Hare University with a bachelor's degree and an Honours ...

* ''If I Get to Five'' by

Fred Epstein Fred J. Epstein (July 26, 1937 – July 9, 2006) was a pediatric neurosurgeon credited for the development of pioneering neurosurgical techniques to treat children threatened by brain and spinal-cord tumors. Education Born in Yonkers, New York, ...

, M.D., & Joshua Horwitz * ''The Life You Save May Be Your Own: An American Pilgrimage'' by Paul Elie * ''My Heart Will Cross This Ocean: My Story, My Son, Amadou'' by Kadiatou Diallo &

Craig Wolff Craig Wolff is an American journalist and author and a former sports, feature, and news writer for The New York Times. He was a journalism professor at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. He is also a former senior enterprise edit ...

* ''My Path Leads to Tibet'' by

Sabriye Tenberken Sabriye Tenberken (born 1970) is a German tibetologist and co-founder of the organisation Braille Without Borders. Biography Sabriye was born in Cologne, West Germany. She lost her sight slowly as a child due to retinitis pigmentosa, and he ...

* ''Sisters: Catholic Nuns and the Making of America'' by John J. Fialka * ''Triangle: The Fire That Changed America'' by David Von Drehle 2003 * ''Choosing Naia: A Family’s Journey'' by

Mitchell Zuckoff Mitchell S. Zuckoff (born April 18, 1962) is an American professor of journalism at Boston University. His books include ''Lost in Shangri-La'' and '' 13 Hours'' (2014). Mitchell is a graduate of John F Kennedy High School in Bellmore, New Yor ...

* '' The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland'' by Jim DeFede * '' Fatal Passage: The Story of John Rae, The Arctic Hero Time Forgot'' by

Ken McGoogan Kenneth McGoogan (born 1947). is the Canadian author of fifteen books, including ''Flight of the Highlanders'', ''Dead Reckoning'', ''50 Canadians Who Changed the World'', ''How the Scots Invented Canada'', and four biographical narratives focusing ...

* '' Five Past Midnight in Bhopal'' by

Dominique Lapierre Dominique Lapierre (30 July 1931 – 2 December 2022) was a French author. Life Dominique Lapierre was born in Châtelaillon-Plage, Charente-Maritime, France. At the age of thirteen, he travelled to the U.S. with his father who was a diploma ...

& Javier Moro * ''Jim's Last Summer: Lessons on Living from a Dying Priest'' by Teresa Rhodes McGee * ''Standing on Holy Ground: A Triumph Over Hate Crime in the Deep South'' by Sandra E. Johnson 2002 * ''Aging with Grace'' by David Snowdon, PhD * ''Choosing Mercy'' by Antoinette Bosco * ''Freedom's Daughters'' by

Lynne Olson Lynne Olson (born August 19, 1949) is an American author, historian and journalist. She was born on August 19, 1949, and is married to Stanley Cloud, with whom she often writes. In 1969 she graduated from University of Arizona. Before becoming a ...

* ''An Hour Before Daylight'' by

Jimmy Carter James Earl Carter Jr. (born October 1, 1924) is an American politician who served as the 39th president of the United States from 1977 to 1981. A member of the Democratic Party (United States), Democratic Party, he previously served as th ...

* ''

John Adams John Adams (October 30, 1735 – July 4, 1826) was an American statesman, attorney, diplomat, writer, and Founding Fathers of the United States, Founding Father who served as the second president of the United States from 1797 to 1801. Befor ...

'' by

* '' Nickel and Dimed'' by

Barbara Ehrenreich Barbara Ehrenreich (, ; ; August 26, 1941 – September 1, 2022) was an American author and political activist. During the 1980s and early 1990s, she was a prominent figure in the Democratic Socialists of America. She was a widely read and awa ...

2001 * Aging with Grace, by David Snowdon, PhD (Bantam Books) * Choosing Mercy, by Antoinette Bosco (Orbis Books) * Freedom's Daughters, by Lynne Olson (Scribner) * An Hour Before Daylight, by Jimmy Carter (Simon & Schuster) * John Adams, by David McCullough (Simon & Schuster) * Nickel and Dimed, by Barbara Ehrenreich (Metropolitan Books/Henry Holt and Company, LLC) 1987 * Kaffir Boy: The True Story of a Black Youth's Coming of Age in Apartheid South Africa

Books for Young People

2016 * Preschool and up: ''One Good Deed'' by Terri Fields, illustrated by Deborah Melmon (Kar-Ben Publishing) * Kindergarten and up: ''An Invisible Thread Christmas Story'' by Laura Schroff and Alex Tresniowski, illustrated by Barry Root (Little Simon/Simon & Schuster) * Ages 6 and up: ''Poet: The Remarkable Story of George Moses Horton'' by Don Tate (Peachtree Publishers) * Ages 8 and up: ''Katie’s Cabbage'' by Katie Stagliano with Michelle H. Martin, illustrated by Karen Heid (Young Palmetto Books/University of South Carolina Press) * Ages 10 and up: ''Firefly Hollow'' by Alison McGhee, illustrated by Christopher Denise (Atheneum Books for Young Readers/Simon & Schuster) * Young Adult: ''Paper Hearts'' by Meg Wiviott (Margaret K. McElderry Books/Simon & Schuster) 2014 * Preschool and up: ''Maya Was Grumpy'' written and illustrated by Courtney Pippin-Mathur (Flashlight Press) * Kindergarten and up: ''Year of the Jungle: Memories from the Home Front'' by

Suzanne Collins Suzanne Collins (born August 10, 1962) is an American author and television writer. She is known as the author of the book series '' The Underland Chronicles'' and ''The Hunger Games''. Early life Suzanne Collins was born on August 10, 1962, i ...

, illustrated by James Proimos (Scholastic Press) * Ages 6 and up: ''The Matchbox Diary'' by

Paul Fleischman Paul Fleischman (born 1952) is an American writer of children's books. He and his father Sid Fleischman have both won the Newbery Medal from the American Library Association recognizing the year's "most distinguished contribution to American lit ...

, illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline (Candlewick Press) * Ages 8 and up: '' Flora & Ulysses'' by

Kate DiCamillo Katrina Elizabeth DiCamillo (born March 25, 1964) is an American children's fiction author. She has published over 25 novels, including '' Because of Winn-Dixie'', ''The Tiger Rising'', ''The Tale of Despereaux'', ''The Miraculous Journey ...

, illustrated by K.G. Campbell (Candlewick Press) * Ages 10 and up: ''The Boy On the Wooden Box'' by Leon Leyson with Marilyn J. Harran and Elisabeth B. Leyson (Atheneum Books for Young Readers/Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing) 2013 * ''Forever You: A Book About Your Soul and Body'' by Nicole Lataif with illustrations by Mary Rojas * ''The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore'' by

William Joyce William Brooke Joyce (24 April 1906 – 3 January 1946), nicknamed Lord Haw-Haw, was an American-born fascist and Nazi propaganda broadcaster during the Second World War. After moving from New York to Ireland and subsequently to England, ...

with illustrations by Joe Bluhm * ''The House on Dirty-Third Street'' by Jo S. Kittinger with illustrations by Thomas Gonzalez * '' The One and Only Ivan'' by Katherine Applegate with illustrations by Patricia Castelao * '' Wonder'' by R.J. Palacio * ''Outcasts United'' by Warren St. John 2012 * ''Shine: Choices to Make God Smile'' by Genny Monchamp with illustrations by Karol Kaminski * ''Waiting for the Biblioburro'' by Monica Brown with illustrations by John Parra * ''You Can Be a Friend'' by

Tony Dungy Anthony Kevin Dungy ( ; born October 6, 1955) is an American former football safety and coach who served as a head coach in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Indianapolis Colts. Dungy's teams be ...

and Lauren Dungy with illustrations by Ron Mazellan * ''Hooper Finds a Family'' by Jane Paley * ''Words in the Dust'' by Trent Reedy * ''Close to Famous'' by Joan Bauer 2011 * '' Knuffle Bunny Free: An Unexpected Diversion'' by

Mo Willems Mo Willems (born February 11, 1968) is an American writer, animator, voice actor, and children's book author. His work includes creating the animated television series ''Sheep in the Big City'' for Cartoon Network, working on ''Sesame Street'' a ...

* ''Would You Still Love Me If...'' by Wendy LaGuardia with illustrations by Patricia Keeler * ''Brother Jerome and the Angels in the Bakery'' by Father Dominic Garramone * ''Lafayette and the American Revolution'' by

Russell Freedman Russell A. Freedman (October 11, 1929 – March 16, 2018) was an American biographer and the author of nearly 50 books for young people. He may be known best for winning the 1988 Newbery Medal with his work '' Lincoln: A Photobiography''. B ...

2010 * Preschool: ''Ten Days and Nine Nights: An Adoption Story'' by Yumi Heo * Ages 6–8: ''Nubs: The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine & a Miracle'' by Major Brian Dennis,

Kirby Larson Kirby Lane Larson from Kenmore, Washington is an American writer of children's books including Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award-winner ''The Magic Kerchief'', illustrated by Rosanne Litzinger. Her book, '' Hattie Big Sky'', was a finalist fo ...

, & Mary Nethery * Ages 8–10: ''Most Loved in All the World'' by Tonya Cherie Hegamin with illustrations by Cozbi A. Cabrera * Ages 10–12: ''

Extra Credit Extra credit is a way to gain points, particularly used in schools. Reasons for extra credit Teachers employ extra credit for a variety of reasons. For example, it may be felt that students who are highly capable may benefit from an additional ch ...

'' by

Andrew Clements Andrew Elborn Clements (May 29, 1949 – November 28, 2019) was an American author of children's literature. His debut novel ''Frindle'' won an award determined by the vote of U.S. schoolchildren in about 20 different U.S. states. In June 2015, ...

with illustrations by Mark Elliott * Young Adult: ''A Pearl in the Storm: How I Found My Heart in the Middle of the Ocean'' by

Tori Murden Victoria Murden McClure (born March 6, 1963) is an athlete, adventurer, chaplain, lawyer, and university administrator who was the first woman and the first American to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean, which she did in 1999. She was also the fir ...

2009 * Preschool: ''Close to You: How Animals Bond'' by Kimiko Kajikawa * Ages 6–8: ''That Book Woman'' by Heather Henson with illustrations by

David Small David Small (born February 12, 1945) is an American writer and illustrator who is best known for children's picture books. His books have been awarded a Caldecott Medal and two Caldecott Honors, among other recognition. Biography David Small ...

* Ages 8–10: ''Clementine's Letter'' by Sara Pennypacker with illustrations by

Marla Frazee Marla Frazee (born January 16, 1958) is an American author and illustrator of children's literature. She has won two Caldecott Honors for picture book illustration. Early life and college Frazee was born in Los Angeles, California and moved to ...

* Ages 10–12: ''Shooting the Moon'' by Frances O’Roark Dowell * Young Adult: ''Sunrise Over Fallujah'' by Walter Dean Myers 2008 * Preschool: ''Taking a Bath with the Dog and Other Things That Make Me Happy'' by Scott Menchin * Ages 6–8: ''How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin?'' by Margaret McNamara with illustrations by

G. Brian Karas G is the seventh letter of the Latin alphabet. G may also refer to: Places * Gabon, international license plate code G * Glasgow, UK postal code G * Eastern Quebec, Canadian postal prefix G * Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia, g ...

* Ages 8–10: ''Owen & Mzee: The Language of Friendship'' by Isabella Hatkoff,

Craig Hatkoff Craig M. Hatkoff (born March 19, 1954) is an American real estate investor from New York City. Along with his now ex-wife Jane Rosenthal, and Robert De Niro, he co-founded the Tribeca Film Festival and the Tribeca Film Institute in 2002. The ...

, and Dr. Paula Kahumbu with photographs by Peter Greste * Ages 10–12: ''

The Wild Girls ''The Wild Girls'' is a children's novel written by Pat Murphy. It won the Christopher Award The Christopher Award (established 1949) is presented to the producers, directors, and writers of books, films and television specials that "affirm ...

'' by Pat Murphy * Young Adult: ''Diamonds in the Shadow'' by Caroline B. Cooney 2007 * Preschool: ''Hero Cat'' by

Eileen Spinelli Eileen Spinelli (née Mesi; born August 16, 1942) is an American author of children's books and poetry. Biography She was born in Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She wanted to be a writer from a young age. She grew up in Secane, Penns ...

with illustrations by Jo Ellen McAllister Stammen * Ages 6–8: ''How We Are Smart'' by W. Nikola-Lisa with illustrations by Sean Qualls * Ages 8–10: ''

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane ''The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane'' is a 2006 novel by Kate DiCamillo and illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline. Following the life of a china rabbit, the book won the 2006 Boston Globe-Horn Book Award in Fiction category. Plot Edward Tulane i ...

'' by

with illustrations by Bagram Ibatoulline * Ages 10–12: ''Listen!'' by Stephanie S. Tolan * Young Adult: '' Bread and Roses, Too'' by Katherine Paterson 2006 * Preschool: ''Am I a Color Too?'' by Heidi Cole & Nancy Vogl with illustrations by Gerald Purnell (Preschool) * Ages 6–8: ''I Could Do That! Esther Morris Gets Women the Vote'' by Linda Arms White with illustrations by

Nancy Carpenter Nancy may refer to: Places France * Nancy, France, a city in the northeastern French department of Meurthe-et-Moselle and formerly the capital of the duchy of Lorraine ** Arrondissement of Nancy, surrounding and including the city of Nancy ...

* Ages 8–10: ''Game Day'' by

Tiki Barber Atiim Kiambu "Tiki" Barber (; born April 7, 1975) is an American former football running back who played for the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL) for ten seasons. He played college football for the University of Virgi ...

and

Ronde Barber Jamael Orondé "Rondé" Barber (born April 7, 1975) is an American former football cornerback who spent his entire 16-year professional career playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League (NFL). He is the identical twin ...

with

Robert Burleigh The name Robert is an ancient Germanic given name, from Proto-Germanic "fame" and "bright" (''Hrōþiberhtaz''). Compare Old Dutch ''Robrecht'' and Old High German ''Hrodebert'' (a compound of '' Hruod'' ( non, Hróðr) "fame, glory, honou ...

, illustrations by Barry Root * Ages 10–12: ''Friendship According to Humphrey'' by Betty G. Birney * Young Adult: ''Hitch'' by Jeanette Ingold 2005 * Preschool: ''Never, Ever Shout in a Zoo'' by Karma Wilson with illustrations by

Doug Cushman Doug Cushman (born May 4, 1953) is an artist who has worked as a cartoonist and a book illustrator. He is also the author of a series of children's books. Life and career Doug Cushman was born in Springfield, Ohio, and moved to Connecticut with h ...

* Ages 6–8: ''The Hungry Coat: A Tale from Turkey'' written and illustrated by

Demi Demi is a feminine given name with Greek and Latin roots. It was originally a nickname of Demetria, the feminine form of the masculine name Demetrius, which is itself the Latin and English spelling of the Greek name Demetrios. It is also an Alb ...

* Ages 8–10: ''Shredderman: Secret Identity'' by Wendelin Van Draanen with illustrations by Brian Biggs * Ages 10–12: ''The Teacher's Funeral: A Comedy in Three Parts'' by Richard Peck * Young Adult: ''Thura’s Diary: My Life in Wartime Iraq'' by Thura Al Windawi 2004 * Preschool: ''Little Bear’s Little Boat'' by

Eve Bunting Anne Evelyn Bunting (née Bolton) (born December 19, 1928), also known as Eve Bunting, is a Northern Ireland-born American writer of more than 250 books. Her work covers a broad array of subjects and includes fiction and non-fiction books. Her n ...

with illustrations by

* Ages 6–8: '' The Dot'' written and illustrated by

Peter H. Reynolds Peter Hamilton Reynolds is a Canadian author and illustrator of children's books and is the founder of the educational media company FableVision. Life Reynolds was born in 1961 in Canada with his identical twin brother, Paul, who collaborates as ...

* Ages 8–10: ''Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez'' by

Kathleen Krull Kathleen Krull (July 29, 1952 – January 15, 2021) was an author of children's books and a former book editor. Early life and education Krull was born in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, in 1952 and grew up in Wilmette, Illinois. She graduated fr ...

with illustrations by Yuyi Morales * Ages 10–12: ''Iqbal'' by Francesco D’Adamo * Young Adult: ''

The Silent Boy ''The Silent Boy'' is a 2003 book written by Lois Lowry Lois Ann Lowry (; née Hammersberg; March 20, 1937) is an American writer. She is the author of several books for children and young adults, including ''The Giver Quartet,'' '' Number th ...

'' by

Lois Lowry Lois Ann Lowry (; née Hammersberg; March 20, 1937) is an American writer. She is the author of several books for children and young adults, including '' The Giver Quartet,'' ''Number the Stars'', and '' Rabble Starkey.'' She is known for writing ...

2003 * ''People Mole and the Baby Bird'' by Marjorie Newman with illustrations by Patrick Benson * Ages 6–8: ''Dear Mrs. Larue: Letters from Obedience School'' written and illustrated by Mark Teague * Ages 8–10: ''The Ugly Princess and the Wise Fool'' by Margaret Gray with illustrations by Randy Cecil * Ages 10–12: ''

Pictures of Hollis Woods ''Pictures of Hollis Woods'' is a 2002 young adult novel by Patricia Reilly Giff. The novel received a Newbery Honor Award in 2003. It was adapted for television in 2007. Plot summary The adventures of a 12 year-old foster girl with a talent for ...

'' by

Patricia Reilly Giff Patricia Reilly Giff (April 26, 1935 – June 22, 2021) was an American author and teacher born in Brooklyn, New York, United States. She was educated at Marymount Manhattan College, where she was awarded a B.A. degree, and St. John's Univers ...

* Young Adult: ''Left for Dead'' by Pete Nelson 2002 * ''Kiss Good Night'' by Amy Hest with illustrations by

Anita Jeram Anita Jeram (born 1965) is an English author and illustrator of picture books for children. Life and career Growing up in Portsmouth, England, Jeram always enjoyed drawing, but worked a variety of jobs before pursuing a degree course in ill ...

* Ages 6–8: '' Beatrice's Goat'' by

Page McBrier Page most commonly refers to: * Page (paper), one side of a leaf of paper, as in a book Page, PAGE, pages, or paging may also refer to: Roles * Page (assistance occupation), a professional occupation * Page (servant), traditionally a young ma ...

with illustrations by

Lori Lohstoeter Lori may refer to: *Lori (given name) *Lori Province, Armenia *Lori Fortress, a fortress in Armenia *Lori Berd, a village in Armenia *Kingdom of Tashir-Dzoraget, a historical Armenian kingdom from c. 980 to 1240, sometimes known as the Kingdom of L ...

* Ages 8–10: '' Love That Dog'' by

Sharon Creech Sharon Creech (born July 29, 1945) is an American writer of children's novels. She was the first American winner of the Carnegie Medal for British children's books and the first person to win both the American Newbery Medal and the British C ...

* Ages 10–12: '' Uncle Daddy'' by Ralph Fletcher * Young Adult: ''

Soldier X ''Soldier X'' is a young adult war drama book written by Don Wulffson about a half-German and half-Russian boy named Erik Brandt who joins the Wehrmacht, Hitler's army, during World War II. The book tells about the war from the perspective of ...

'' by

Don L. Wulffson Don L. Wulffson (born 1943 in Los Angeles, California) is the author of the books ''Soldier X ''Soldier X'' is a young adult war drama book written by Don Wulffson about a half-German and half-Russian boy named Erik Brandt who joins the Wehrma ...

and ''

Witness In law, a witness is someone who has knowledge about a matter, whether they have sensed it or are testifying on another witnesses' behalf. In law a witness is someone who, either voluntarily or under compulsion, provides testimonial evidence, e ...

'' by

Karen Hesse Karen S. Hesse (born August 29, 1952) is an American author of children's literature and literature for young adults, often with historical settings. She won the Newbery Medal for ''Out of the Dust'' (1997). Early years and education Karen Hesse ...

2001 * Ages 6–8: ''How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night?'' by

Jane Yolen Jane Hyatt Yolen (born February 11, 1939) is an American writer of fantasy, science fiction, and children's books. She is the author or editor of more than 350 books, of which the best known is '' The Devil's Arithmetic'', a Holocaust novella. H ...

, illustrated by Mark Teague (The Blue Sky Press/Scholastic Inc.) * Ages 9–10: ''The Mousery'' by Charlotte Pomerantz, illustrated by Kurt Cyrus (Gulliver Books/Harcourt, Inc.) * Ages 11–12: ''The Yellow Star'' by Carmen Agra Deedy, illustrated by Henri Sørensen (Peachtree Publishers, Ltd.) * Ages 11–12: ''Hope Was Here'' by Joan Bauer (G. P. Putnam's Sons) * Young Adult: ''The Wanderer'' by

(Joanna Cotler Books/HarperCollins Publishers)

Feature films

2019 * Ben is Back * Instant Family *

Paul, Apostle of Christ ''Paul, Apostle of Christ'' is a 2018 American biblical drama film written and directed by Andrew Hyatt. It stars James Faulkner as Paul the Apostle and Jim Caviezel (who portrayed Jesus in the 2004 film '' The Passion of the Christ'') as ...

* Won't You Be My Neighbor? 2018 * Darkest Hour * Lady Bird * The Star * Wonder 2017 * Hacksaw Ridge * Hidden Figures * The Hollars * Queen of Katwe 2016 *

Creed A creed, also known as a confession of faith, a symbol, or a statement of faith, is a statement of the shared beliefs of a community (often a religious community) in a form which is structured by subjects which summarize its core tenets. The ea ...

* The Drop Box * The Martian *

Room In a building or large vehicle, like a ship, a room is any enclosed space within a number of walls to which entry is possible only via a door or other dividing structure that connects it to either a passageway, another room, or the outdoors, that ...

2015 * The American Nurse * Selma * St. Vincent 2014"Heroism, Hope and Selflessness Highlighted in 65th Annual Christopher Award Winners"
. Release April 2, 2014. The Christophers. Retrieved July 25, 2014. * 42 * Frozen * Gimme Shelter * Gravity 2013 *

Lincoln Lincoln most commonly refers to: * Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865), the sixteenth president of the United States * Lincoln, England, cathedral city and county town of Lincolnshire, England * Lincoln, Nebraska, the capital of Nebraska, U.S. * Lincol ...

Les Misérables ''Les Misérables'' ( , ) is a French historical novel by Victor Hugo, first published in 1862, that is considered one of the greatest novels of the 19th century. In the English-speaking world, the novel is usually referred to by its origin ...

* Undefeated 2012 *

Buck Buck may refer to: Common meanings * A colloquialism for a dollar or similar currency * An adult male in some animal species - see List of animal names * Derby shoes, nicknamed "bucks" for the common use of buckskin in their making People * Buck ...

* The Help *

The Muppets The Muppets are an American ensemble cast of puppet characters known for an absurdist, burlesque, and self-referential style of variety- sketch comedy. Created by Jim Henson in 1955, they are the focus of a media franchise that encompas ...

* Of Gods and Men * War Horse * The Way 2011 * The Human Experience *

The King's Speech ''The King's Speech'' is a 2010 British historical drama film directed by Tom Hooper and written by David Seidler. Colin Firth plays the future King George VI who, to cope with a stammer, sees Lionel Logue, an Australian speech and language ...

Toy Story 3 ''Toy Story 3'' is a 2010 American computer-animated comedy-drama film produced by Pixar Animation Studios for Walt Disney Pictures. It is the third installment in the ''Toy Story'' series and the sequel to '' Toy Story 2'' (1999). It wa ...

Secretariat Secretariat may refer to: * Secretariat (administrative office) * Secretariat (horse) Secretariat (March 30, 1970 – October 4, 1989), also known as Big Red, was a champion American thoroughbred racehorse who is the ninth winner of the Ame ...

2010 * The Blind Side *

Invictus "Invictus" is a short poem by the Victorian era British poet William Ernest Henley (1849–1903). It was written in 1875 and published in 1888 in his first volume of poems, ''Book of Verses'', in the section ''Life and Death (Echoes)''. Backgr ...

* Up 2009 *

Changeling A changeling, also historically referred to as an auf or oaf, is a human-like creature found in folklore throughout Europe. A changeling was believed to be a fairy that had been left in place of a human (typically a child) stolen by other fairi ...

* The Secret Life of Bees *

Slumdog Millionaire ''Slumdog Millionaire'' is a 2008 British drama film that is a loose adaptation of the novel '' Q & A'' (2005) by Indian author Vikas Swarup. It narrates the story of 18-year-old Jamal Malik from the Juhu slums of Mumbai. Starring Dev Pa ...

* The Visitor *

WALL-E ''WALL-E'' (stylized with an interpunct as ''WALL·E'') is a 2008 American computer-animated science fiction film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures. It was directed and co-written by Andrew Stanton, pro ...

Young@Heart Young@Heart, also Young@Heart Chorus, is an entertainment group created by and for the elderly, comprised at present of people at least 70 years of age. Some have prior professional theater or music experience, others have performed at amateur lev ...

2008 *

Amazing Grace "Amazing Grace" is a Christian hymn published in 1779 with words written in 1772 by English Anglican clergyman and poet John Newton (1725–1807). It is an immensely popular hymn, particularly in the United States, where it is used for both ...

* The Diving Bell and the Butterfly *

The Great Debaters ''The Great Debaters'' is a 2007 American biographical drama film directed by and starring Denzel Washington. It is based on an article written about the Wiley College debate team by Tony Scherman for the spring 1997 issue of ''American Legacy'' ...

* Juno *

The Kite Runner ''The Kite Runner'' is the first novel by Afghan-American author Khaled Hosseini. Published in 2003 by Riverhead Books, it tells the story of Amir, a young boy from the Wazir Akbar Khan district of Kabul. The story is set against a backdrop of ...

Ratatouille Ratatouille ( , ), oc, ratatolha , is a French Provençal dish of stewed vegetables which originated in Nice, and is sometimes referred to as ''ratatouille niçoise'' (). Recipes and cooking times differ widely, but common ingredients include ...

2007 * Akeelah and the Bee *

Charlotte's Web ''Charlotte's Web'' is a book of children's literature by American author E. B. White and illustrated by Garth Williams; it was published on October 15, 1952, by Harper & Brothers. The novel tells the story of a livestock pig named Wilbur and hi ...

* Miss Potter * The Nativity Story *

Sophie Scholl – The Final Days ''Sophie Scholl – The Final Days'' (german: Sophie Scholl – Die letzten Tage) is a 2005 German historical drama film directed by Marc Rothemund and written by Fred Breinersdorfer. It is about the last days in the life of Sophie Scholl, a 21-y ...

Water Water (chemical formula ) is an inorganic, transparent, tasteless, odorless, and nearly colorless chemical substance, which is the main constituent of Earth's hydrosphere and the fluids of all known living organisms (in which it acts as ...

* World Trade Center 2006 * Good Night, and Good Luck *

Mad Hot Ballroom ''Mad Hot Ballroom'' is a 2005 American documentary film directed and co-produced by Marilyn Agrelo and written and co-produced by Amy Sewell, about a ballroom dance program in the New York City Department of Education, the New York City publi ...

* Millions * An Unfinished Life *

The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill ''The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill'' is a 2003 documentary film directed, produced, and edited by Judy Irving. It chronicles the relationship between Mark Bittner, an unemployed musician who lives rent-free in a cabin in the Telegraph Hill-ne ...

2005 * Finding Neverland *

Hotel Rwanda ''Hotel Rwanda'' is a 2004 drama film directed by Terry George. It was adapted from a screenplay co-written by George and Keir Pearson, and stars Don Cheadle and Sophie Okonedo as hotelier Paul Rusesabagina and his wife Tatiana. Based on th ...

The Incredibles ''The Incredibles'' is a 2004 American computer-animated superhero film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures. Written and directed by Brad Bird, it stars the voices of Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, ...

Miracle A miracle is an event that is inexplicable by natural or scientific lawsOne dictionary define"Miracle"as: "A surprising and welcome event that is not explicable by natural or scientific laws and is therefore considered to be the work of a divi ...

2004 * In America * Seabiscuit * Secret Lives: Hidden Children and Their Rescuers During WWII *

The Station Agent ''The Station Agent'' is a 2003 American independent psychological comedy-drama film written and directed by Tom McCarthy in his directorial debut. It stars Peter Dinklage as a man who seeks solitude in an abandoned train station in the Newfound ...

Whale Rider ''Whale Rider'' is a 2002 New Zealand drama film written and directed by Niki Caro. Based on the 1987 novel ''The Whale Rider'' by Witi Ihimaera, the film stars Keisha Castle-Hughes as Kahu Paikea Apirana, a twelve-year-old Māori girl whose a ...

2003 About a Boy * Antwone Fisher * Evelyn *

Rabbit-Proof Fence The State Barrier Fence of Western Australia, formerly known as the Rabbit-Proof Fence, the State Vermin Fence, and the Emu Fence, is a pest-exclusion fence constructed between 1901 and 1907 to keep rabbits, and other agricultural pests from th ...

* Signs *

Spirited Away is a 2001 Japanese animated fantasy film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki, animated by Studio Ghibli for Tokuma Shoten, Nippon Television Network, Dentsu, Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Tohokushinsha Film, and Mitsubishi and distrib ...

2002 * A Beautiful Mind *

Iris Iris most often refers to: *Iris (anatomy), part of the eye *Iris (mythology), a Greek goddess * ''Iris'' (plant), a genus of flowering plants * Iris (color), an ambiguous color term Iris or IRIS may also refer to: Arts and media Fictional ent ...

Shrek ''Shrek'' is a 2001 American computer-animated comedy film loosely based on the 1990 book of the same name by William Steig. It is the first installment in the ''Shrek'' franchise. The film was directed by Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jen ...

* The Widow of Saint-Pierre 2001"The 52nd Annual Christopher Award Winners"
. The Christophers (christophers.org). Retrieved July 25, 2014. * Billy Elliot *

Cast Away ''Cast Away'' is a 2000 American survival drama film directed and produced by Robert Zemeckis and starring Tom Hanks, Helen Hunt, and Nick Searcy. Hanks plays a FedEx troubleshooter stranded on an uninhabited island after his plane crashes in ...

* Finding Forrester *

My Dog Skip {{Refimprove, date=March 2009 ''My Dog Skip'' is a memoir by Willie Morris published by Random House in 1995. ''My Dog Skip'' is the story about nine-year-old Willie Morris growing up in Yazoo City, Mississippi, a tale of a boy and his dog in ...

Remember the Titans ''Remember the Titans'' is a 2000 American biographical sports film produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and directed by Boaz Yakin. The screenplay, written by Gregory Allen Howard, is based on the true story of coach Herman Boone, portrayed by Denze ...

1953 *Peter Pan

Television and Cable

2016 * ABC News 20/20: Escaping ISIS (

ABC News ABC News is the news division of the American broadcast network ABC. Its flagship program is the daily evening newscast '' ABC World News Tonight with David Muir''; other programs include morning news-talk show '' Good Morning America'', '' ...

) * America ReFramed: If You Build It (

World Channel WORLD Channel, also branded as WORLD, is an American digital multicast public television network owned and operated by the WGBH Educational Foundation. It is distributed by American Public Television and the National Educational Telecommunica ...

/ PBS) *

Dolly Parton's Coat of Many Colors ''Dolly Parton's Coat of Many Colors'' is a 2015 American made-for-television drama film based on a true story by Dolly Parton, written by Pamela K. Long and directed by Stephen Herek. The film premiered on NBC on December 10, 2015. The film rec ...

(

NBC The National Broadcasting Company (NBC) is an American English-language commercial broadcast television and radio network. The flagship property of the NBC Entertainment division of NBCUniversal, a division of Comcast, its headquarters are l ...

) * The Jim Gaffigan Show: My Friend the Priest (

TV Land TV Land is an American pay television channel owned by Paramount Global through its networks division. Originally a spinoff of Nick at Nite consisting exclusively of classic television shows, the channel now airs a combination of recent and cl ...

) * Tashi and the Monk ( HBO)

References

{{reflist

External links

Official website
American film awards American television awards American literary awards Awards established in 1949

Judging process

Categories

Selection of previous winners/honorees

Christopher Leadership Awards

Christopher Life Achievement Award

Christopher Spirit Award

James Keller Award

Books for Adults

Books for Young People

Feature films

Television and Cable

References

External links