The Black Authors Matter Children’s Book Awards
were established to honor
excellence in African-American literature
. The 2022
award winners
were
announced during the Children’s Festival at the annual
National Black Book Festival, which was
held Oct.
28, 2023
in Houston, Texas. View the 2023 winners
HERE.
For 2023, one grand prize winner
was selected for best overall book
and content. The remaining awards
were bestowed based on the
best
overall book
in
several
categories of children’s books.
Eligibility for the 2024 Awards:
Children’s book written by an
African-American author or with an African-American
theme. Books can be for children of any age—from
toddlers to teens. Books may be independently published or
through a traditional publisher.
For the 2024 awards process, the book must have a copyright
date in either 2023
or 2024.
Books may be submitted in multiple
categories, if desired, as long as they are applicable and
germane to the category.
Categories (separate awards for best
overall book
will be granted for each):
- African Diaspora
- Coloring Books/Workbooks/Activity Books
- Comic Books/Graphic Novels
- Educational
- Motivational
- Religious/faith
- Social Commentary/Justice
- Best Illustrator
Entry Fee
The entry fee will be $59/book per category.
For multiple category entries, only ONE book needs to be
submitted. An author can self-nominate or a publishing company
can nominate one or more of its signed authors. One entry
form per title. A copy of the confirmation email must be mailed with the
books. The mailing address will be provided once payment and the
entry form are submitted. All entry fees are non-refundable.
The transaction will be from "Cushcity.com."
Pay your entry fee per book/per category by selecting "Add to
Cart" below. For example, if you are entering one title in
one category, the quantity should be 1. If you are entering one
title in three different categories, the quantity should be 3.
Complete your book entry form and submit it
HERE.
_____________
There will be five (5) finalists in each category.
All finalists
will receive recognition in a national press release and a set
of 50 gold foil stickers designating “Black Authors Matter
Children’s Book Award Finalist.”
View the video featuring the 2023 finalists
here.
What Winners Receive
Grand Prize: $250 for best overall book
The grand prize winner and the winners in each category will
be selected from among the finalists and there will be a winner
for best
overall book.
Winners in individual categories receive the following
benefits:
- Black Authors Matter Children's Book Award - Acrylic award,
ideal for display on desk or mantle
- Black Authors Matter Mug and Playing Cards (view items
here)
- Recognition in a national press release announcing the
Black Authors Matter Children's Book Award winners
- Set of 100 gold foil stickers designating "Black Authors
Matter
Children's Book Award Winner." Winners may purchase
additional gold foil stickers in batches of 100 by
contacting our office.
Judges
A panel of award-winning and/or award-nominated authors will
evaluate each of the entries, select the finalists and,
ultimately, the winners in each category. The panel will be
comprised primarily of children’s authors, but authors of other
genres
may also
be
included.
Milestones/Deadlines for 2024:
January 1, 2024: Black Authors Matter Children's Book Award
submissions open.June
3, 2024: Deadline for receipt of book
submissions and entry fee payments. All books must be
postmarked by June 3,
2024,
without exception. Authors/publishers will be notified when books are received
by NBBF.August 13, 2024: The five finalists in each category will be announced on Black
Authors Matter TV, live-streamed on Facebook at 8 pm CST/9
pm EST. Finalists will also be announced on our Facebook and
Instagram pages.October 19, 2024: The winners for best
overall book in each category will be announced at the 2024
National Black Book Festival immediately before the Children's Festival on
Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024 at 10:45 a.m. in Houston, Texas.
Winners will also be announced on our Facebook and
Instagram pages.
Book Donations
At the end of the award evaluation process, all books submitted
will be donated to the Shepherd-Acres Home Public Library in
Houston, Texas, which serves an African-American community. Book
submissions will not be returned to authors.
Prohibitions
Staff and managers of the National Black Book Festival
and/or Cushcity.com
are
prohibited from entering the award competition.
If you have any questions, please contact Gwen Richardson, NBBF
National Coordinator, toll-free at 1-800-340-5454.
