ALA to announce youth media awards from virtual conference

For Immediate Release
Tue, 01/19/2021

Contact:

Communications and Marketing Office

ALA Media Relations

CMO

cmo@ala.org

Parents, publishers await announcements of the best of the best in materials, media for youth

CHICAGO — Parents, children’s and young adult authors, illustrators, and publishing groups are waiting in anticipation for the 2021 American Library Association (ALA) Youth Media Award (YMA) announcements.

Despite the pandemic, ALA will announce 20 awards, including the coveted Newbery and Caldecott medals, Printz Award, and Coretta Scott King Book Awards, beginning at 8 a.m. CT on Jan. 25, 2021, at ala.unikron.com. The announcements are part of the ALA Midwinter Meeting & Exhibits virtual meeting taking place from Jan. 22 - 26, 2021.

Over the last several months, award committees made their way through thousands of award submissions. Meeting virtually, committees debated, examined, and selected this year’s honor and winning titles despite the challenges fueled by COVID-19.

Recognized worldwide for the high quality they represent, the YMAs guide parents, educators, library workers, and others in selecting the best materials and media for youth. Selected by committees composed of librarians and other literature and media experts, the awards encourage original and creative work in children’s and young adult literature and media. Prize-winning titles rarely go out of print and have inspired such major motion pictures as “The Hate U Give,” “Divergent,” “Jumanji,” “The Polar Express,” and “Hugo.” 

The excitement surrounding the announcements continues to grow, with thousands of book lovers following results. Virtual spectators from around the globe will follow results via a free web stream at ala.unikron.com.  Fans can also track results by following ALA social media channels, including Facebook, YouTube, or Twitter, with the hashtag #alayma.

After the announcements, ala.unikron.com will feature an award wrap release detailing 2021 selections. Also, an encore presentation of the announcements will be available at the same location immediately after the announcements.

Additional information regarding the ALA Youth Media Award announcements is available at ala.org/yma.

Media interested in scheduling interviews with award committee chairs and 2021 winners may contact Macey Morales, deputy director, ALA Communications and Marketing Office, 312-280-4393, mmorales@ala.org; or Steve Zalusky, communications specialist, ALA Communications and Marketing Office, 312-280-1546, szalusky@ala.org

About the American Library Association
American Library Association (ALA) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, ALA has been the trusted voice of libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit ala.org.