The Schneider Family Book Award is an award given by the

American Library Association The American Library Association (ALA) is a nonprofit organization based in the United States that promotes libraries and library education internationally. It is the oldest and largest library association in the world. History 19th century ...

(ALA) recognizing authors and illustrators for the excellence of portrayal of the disability experience in literature for youth. There is a category for

children's books A child () is a human being between the stages of birth and puberty, or between the developmental period of infancy and puberty. The term may also refer to an unborn human being. In English-speaking countries, the legal definition of ''chi ...

, books appealing to middle grade readers and for

young adult literature Young adult literature (YA) is typically written for readers aged 12 to 18 and includes most of the themes found in adult fiction, such as family dysfunction, substance abuse, alcoholism, and sexuality. It is characterized by simpler world build ...

. The award has been given since 2004. The award was founded by Dr. Katherine Schneider, who was the first blind student to graduate from the Kalamazoo Public School system. Schneider had been helped through school as a child by a

librarian A librarian is a person who professionally works managing information. Librarians' common activities include providing access to information, conducting research, creating and managing information systems, creating, leading, and evaluating educat ...

at the Michigan Library for the Blind who provided books in

Braille Braille ( , ) is a Tactile alphabet, tactile writing system used by blindness, blind or visually impaired people. It can be read either on embossed paper or by using refreshable braille displays that connect to computers and smartphone device ...

to her. The award is given out annually and the winners are announced at the ALA Midwinter Meeting.

Criteria

* The person with the disability may be the protagonist or a secondary character. * Definition of disability: Dr. Schneider has intentionally allowed for a broad interpretation by her wording, the book "must portray some aspect of living with a disability, whether the disability is physical, mental, or emotional." This allows each committee to decide on the qualifications of particular titles. * Books with death as the main theme are generally disqualified. * The books must be published in English. * The award may be given posthumously. * Term of eligibility extends to publications from the preceding year. * Books previously discussed and voted on are not eligible again.

Winners

References

External links

Official site
{{ALA(library) American children's literary awards Young adult literature awards American Library Association awards Awards established in 2004 2004 establishments in the United States English-language literary awards Lists of books