Speculative Fiction takes us to realms of the imagination: places and times and realities where the rules of life may be different than our own and where the impossible and improbable become real. But good science fiction and fantasy does more than that: it asks, “What if?” It makes us think. Along with spells and space rockets, this is the …
2023 CYBILS Judges: Graphic Novel Panels
CHAIR: Kristen HarveyGraphic Novels (aka comics) are not just for reluctant readers. Complex storytelling with a rich combination of illustrations, color choices, and story-telling styles render information in new and interesting ways. They have evolved into a beloved genre of reading format and evolved into a unique form of story-telling. The sub-genres within Graphic Novels has also evolved, and there …
2023 CYBILS Judges: Nonfiction Panels
Children and students of all ages are curious about a variety of subjects. Nonfiction titles can feed their thirst, whether they want to learn about someone’s life, history, math, science, current events, social justice, activism, journalism, and so much more. These books are filled with illustrations, photographs, and accurate back matter to highlight concepts to wow students and adults alike …
2023 CYBILS Judges: Poetry Panels
Poetry category considers verse written for toddlers through young adult audience. It can be illustrated, but may not, just as it can rhyme, or not. Poetry includes anthologies or collections written by multiple authors or a single author, as well as novels and nonfiction in verse. Be sure to click the links to see where our judges post their reviews! …
2023 CYBILS Judges: Fiction for Tweens and Teens
The Middle-Grade and Young Adult Fiction categories comprise books that are grounded in reality. The world as it was or is: contemporary or historical, funny or mysterious, romantic or adventurous, sport-centric or coming of age. These are the stories that nudge readers to self-discovery, open windows to others’ experiences, and let them see the world. It’s pain, its flaws, its …
2023 CYBILS Judges: Books for New Readers Panels
Easy readers are designed for kids to build vocabulary (e.g., “sight words”) and practice their reading. They are leveled, with controlled vocabularies. They are commonly parts of series with reading-related titles, such as “Step into Reading” or “I Can Read” and they can usually be identified by their large type, simple sentence structure, and colorful illustrations on every page. Compared …
2023 CYBILS Judges: Board Book & Fiction Picture Book Panels
Let the parade of announcements begin! We’re starting with the youngest readers … Board books and picture books are our child’s first stories – at playtime, before nap, and as bedtime stories. They are a show-and-tell art form. Colorful. Beautiful. Funny. Poignant. Amazing. Pick your word. These are the stories – with and without words – that can capture our hearts …
It’s Time! It’s Time! #CYBILS2023 Call for Judges
Yes, we did that lovely post with the full calendar of events, but if you’re as busy as we are (and we suspect you are), it probably helps to get a reminder. The CALL FOR JUDGES period has begun. Dates: 8.21.2023 – 9.8.2023 Details: here and here Application: here
Reflections on Turning 18
Thank you. We wouldn’t be the Children’s and Young Adult Book Lovers’ Awards without you. You are what brings us to this, our eighteenth year. The CYBILS began in 2005 with an idea held in common by a small group of bloggers: Why couldn’t children’s book awards be more inclusive, more broadly representative, and thus more meaningful? Why couldn’t readers …
Pro Tips for the Judge Application
One week. The Call for Judges begins on 8/21. Hope you are as excited as we are to get the 2023 CYBILS Awards underway. Whether this is your first application or your 10th, this handy-dandy checklist helps make fast work of the application. [Like 10 minutes or less!] Want to make a good impression? We asked our we asked our …