The world of children's literature contains a variety of genres, all of which have appeal to the diverse interests of children as well as potential for classroom teaching. In recent years, however, nonfiction or information books have emerged as a very attractive, exciting, and popular genre. NCTE, through the Committee on the Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children, has established an annual award for promoting and recognizing excellence in the writing of nonfiction for children. The name Orbis Pictus, commemorates the work of Johannes Amos Comenius, Orbis Pictus—The World in Pictures (1657), considered to be the first book actually planned for children.
The award is presented by the Orbis Pictus Committee Chair during the Books for Children Luncheon at the NCTE Annual Convention each year. Although only one title is singled out for the award, up to five Honor Books are also recognized.
The Secret World of Walter Anderson
by Hester Bass, illustrated by E.B. Lewis
(Candlewick Press)
Honor Books
Recommended Books
- The Boy Who Invented TV: The Story of Philo Farnsworth by Kathleen Krull
(Knopf Books for Young Readers) - Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice by Phillip Hoose
(Farrar Straus and Giroux) - Eleanor, Quiet No More by Doreen Rappaport (Hyperion Books for Children)
- The Grand Mosque of Paris: A Story of How Muslims Rescued Jews during the Holocaust by Karen Gray Ruelle and Deborah Durland Desaix (Holiday House)
- Life in the Boreal Forest by Brenda Z. Guiberson (Henry Holt and Company)
- One Giant Leap by Robert Burleigh (Philomel Books)
- Truce by Jim Murphy (Scholastic)
- Written in Bone: Buried Lives of Jamestown and Colonial Maryland
by Sally M. Walker (Carolrhoda Books)
Award Celebrations
Join the 2010 Orbis Pictus Award celebrations at the NCTE Annual Convention with these sessions:
Each nomination should meet the following literary criteria:
Accuracy—facts current and complete, balance of fact and theory, varying point of view, stereotypes avoided, author's qualifications adequate, appropriate scope, authenticity of detail
Organization—logical development, clear sequence, interrelationships indicated, patterns provided (general-to-specific, simple-to-complex, etc.)
Design—attractive, readable, illustrations complement text, placement of illustrative material appropriate and complementary, appropriate media, format, type
Style—writing is interesting, stimulating, reveals author's enthusiasm for subject; curiosity and wonder encouraged, appropriate terminology, rich language
In addition, each nomination should be useful in classroom teaching grades K-8, should encourage thinking and more reading, model exemplary expository writing and research skills, share interesting and timely subject matter, and appeal to a wide range of ages.
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