Be a judge at this year's Mock Ezra Jack Keat's Award in Delaware County.  All libraries will host a display of the nominated titles for you to read or you can read select titles in the Libby app.  

The Ezra Jack Keats Award was created to nurture illustrators and writers, early in their careers, who create extraordinary books that reflect our diverse population, the universal experience of childhood, and the strength of family. This year, Delaware County Libraries will be awarding a Mock Ezra Jack Keats Award and we need your vote!

Here’s how to be a judge:

1. Get your bookmark to vote here (PDF) or at your local library. 

2. Read/listen to at least three of the nominated titles by February 29th. Print versions of the books are available through our local libraries and eBook editions of most titles can be found in the Libby app. 

3. After reading each book, discuss the questions below.

4. Vote for your favorite book by circling it on your bookmark and turning it in to any local library or cast your vote online using the link below by February 29th.

Vote online here.

The nominated titles include:

Papá’s Magical Water-Jug Clock by Jesús Trejo
A Bed of Stars by Jessica Love
Laolao's Dumplings by Dane Liu
Lonely Bird by Ruth Whiting
Maribel's Year by Michelle Sterling
Ode to a Bad Day by Chelsea Lin Wallace
Sora's Seashells by Helena Ku Rhee
Walter Finds His Voice by Ann Kim Ha
When You Can Swim by Jack Wong
Wintergarden by Janet Fox

6 Questions for Evaluation:

Did the book celebrate all types of people or characters?

Did the book celebrate families or friends?

Did the book excite your brain and make you want to read & learn more?

Did the book hug your heart and make you care about the characters?

Did the characters in the book help each other or others in the community?

Did the words and pictures go together? Are they interesting to you?

To see previous winners of the Ezra Jack Keats Award, click here (PDF