The E.B. White Read Aloud Awards, established in 2004, honor books that reflect the universal read aloud standards that were created by the work of the author E.B. White in his classic books for children: Charlotte’s Web, Stuart Little, and The Trumpet of the Swan. In the first two years of the award, a single book was selected.
In 2006, in recognition of the fact that reading aloud is a pleasure at any age, the award was expanded into two categories: Picture Books, and Older Readers.
Books are nominated for their universal appeal as a “terrific” books to read aloud.
After a list of nominations is gathered from ABC booksellers, a shortlist of four books in each category is determined by a committee of booksellers chaired by an ABC Board member.
After a formal announcement on the first Monday in April, ABC booksellers vote online to determine the winners. The shortlisted books that remain receive an E.B. White Read Aloud Honor.
The awards are announced live during ABC programming at Book Expo America.
Read more about the criteria and selection process here.
Download a copy of the 2009 Short List
The 2009 E.B. White Read Aloud Award for Picture Books
A Visitor for Bear
by Bonny Becker, illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton
Candlewick / 978-0763628079
$16.99 HC / Ages: 4-8
The 2009 E.B. White Read Aloud Award for Older Readers
Masterpiece
by Elise Broach, illustrated by Kelly Murphy
Henry Holt / 978-0805082708
$16.99 HC / Ages: 8-12
The 2009 E.B. White Picture Book Honors
Louise, The Adventures of a Chicken
by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Harry Bliss
HarperCollins / 978-0060755546
One
by Kathryn Otoshi
KO Kids Books / 978-0972394642
Too Many Toys
by David Shannon
Scholastic / 978-0439490290
The 2009 E.B. White Older Reader Honors
The Magic Thief
by Sarah Prineas
HarperCollins / 978-0061375873
The Willoughbys
by Lois Lowry
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt / 978-0618979745
Zorgamazoo
by Robert Paul Weston, illustrated by Victor Rivas
Penguin / 978-1595141996
Many thanks to the 2009 E.B. White Award Committee
Carol Stoltz (Chair) from Porter Square Books in Cambridge, MA; Heather Lyon from Lyon Books in Chino, CA; Karlene Rearick from The Alphabet Garden in Cheshire, CT; and Cathy Berner from Blue Willow Bookshop in Houston, TX.
For media inquiries about the award, please contact Kristen McLean, ABC Executive Director, at 617-390-7759 or via email.
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