The Nutmeg Children's Book Award

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Nutmeg Children's Book Award?

The Nutmeg Children's Book Award (NCBA) encourages children in grades 4-6 to read quality literature and to choose their favorite from a list of ten nominated titles. The NCBA is jointly sponsored by the Connecticut Library Association (CLA) and the Connecticut Educational Media Association (CEMA). The Nutmeg Committee is comprised of children's librarians, school library media specialists and teachers.

What criteria are used to select the nominees?

All books nominated for the award must be:

A work of fiction, with appeal for readers in grades 4-6;
Written by an author who currently resides in the United States;
Copyrighted in the United States, and first published no more than five years from date of selection;
Currently in print, and available in paper back as well as hard cover;
Well-written, with strong characterization, a vivid setting, striking language, a well-constructed plot, and a plausible conclusion.

What committees and offices comprise the NCBA?

Offices

Chair, Steering Committee
Co-Chair, Steering Committee
Past Chair, Steering Committee
Chair, Book Selection
Treasurer
Promotional Materials - Responsible for the mailing of promotional materials
Historian - Keeps a scrapbook of NCBA information
Webmaster - Updates the NCBA website
Member at Large- assists where needed.

Committees

Book Selection Committee- Selects the nominees for the Nutmeg Award
Steering Committee - Coordinates the NCBA committees
Site Selection Committee- Selects the site for the May award ceremony
Publications Committee - Works as the liaison between the printer and the NCBA
Publicity Committee - Reports all NCBA news to CEMA, CLA, and others

In which areas does the NCBA currently need assistance?

The NCBA Steering Committee currently needs assistance with publicity and site selection. The Nutmeg Children's Book Award offers you an exciting opportunity to network with other professionals. We look forward to your input and support in this worthwhile endeavor.

What commitment is involved in serving on a NCBA Committee?

All NCBA committees meet 2-4 times per year in various places throughout Connecticut. Serving on most NCBA committees does not require a great time commitment, but is very important to the functioning of the Nutmeg Children's Book Award.

The Book Selection Committee requires the largest time commitment. From January through October, members will read approximately 100 titles and decide on a final list of 10 nominees in October. The initial lists of books to be read are compiled by the Book Selection Chair and must meet the required NCBA criteria.

Who should I contact if I want to serve on one of the NCBA committees?

Contact

Pat Pierce 2005 Nutmeg Chair at ppierce@newington.lib.ct.us

How can kids in my school or library participate in the voting?

Students in grades 4, 5 and 6^th grade vote by official NCBA ballot in January for their favorite title at either their school or public library. Each student may vote only once. To receive the NCBA offical ballot and tally forms, please add your name to the mailing list. Ballot and Tally forms are also available by clicking on the Promotional Materials link.

How do I order NCBA promotional materials?

Contact:
Anne Marie Lund
Children's Division
West Hartford Public Library
20 South Main St.
West Hartford, CT. 06107
860-523-3280
860-523-3236 FAX

Last updated on: 14 February, 2007

Webmoiselle: Caitlin Augusta > caitlin@darienlibrary.org

Sponsors and Supporters of the NBA:
CEMA, CLA, Baker and Taylor, BWI (Book Wholesalers Inc.), Bound to Stay Bound Books Inc., Follett