The Caldecott Medal was named in honor of the 19th century British illustrator Randolph Caldecott. This medal is sponsored and administered by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) which is an extension of the American Library Association (ALA). The Caldecott Medal is given to an illustrator of the most distinguished picture book for children published in the United States. To be eligible the illustrators must be U.S. citizens and residents.
The Coretta Scott King Award was named for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s wife to honor both of their work and dreams. The American Library Association (ALA) sponsors and administers this award. Both an African American author and illustrator are given this award annually for their books published in the proceeding year that celebrate and inspire their culture and young people.
The Theodor Seuss Geisel Award was named after the author of the popular Dr. Seuss books. This is sponsored and administered by the Association for Library Services to Children (ALSC). Multiple authors and illustrators for beginning reader books published in the United States are awarded this medal.
The Newbery Medal was named after the 18th century British publisher John Newbery. This medal is sponsored and administered by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), an extension of the American Library Association (ALA). The Newbery Medal is given to an author with the most distinguished contribution to children's literature published in the United States. Eligible authors must be U.S. citizens and residents.
The Pura Belpré Award was named after the first Latina librarian at the New York Public Library. This award is cosponsored by the Association for Library Services to Children (ALSC), the National Association to Promote Library Services to the Spanish Speaking, and REFORMA. The Pura Belpré Award is given to a Latina/Latino biennially to an author and illustrator that best portrays, affirms, and celebtrates the Latino culture.