1. 2017-2018 William Allen White Children’s Book Awards

2. What is the WAW Book Award?
It is a Children’s Book Award for the state of Kansas.
This award is directed by Emporia State University.
Source:

3. Who was William Allen White?
He was the editor of the Emporia Gazette newspaper in Emporia, Kansas.
In 1896, he became well known because of an editorial he wrote in that newspaper about a political issue of the time.
He was NOT the author of these books.
Source:

4. History of the Award
The book award was began in by the late Ruth Garver Gagliardo, to honor the memory of William Allen White.
It was established to encourage the boys and girls of Kansas to read and enjoy good books.
A lot has changed since Ruth Garver Gagliardo created the award and served as its first selection committee chairperson…but the structure she developed remains.
c ESU Archives

5. How does it work?
Each year books are selected for 2 groups: 3rd – 5th grades & 6th –8th grades.
There is one winner for each group.
Students across the state are encouraged to read as many books as possible from the list.

6. Who can vote?
Students who have read at least two books from the Master List for their grade level are eligible to vote for their favorite.
Ballots are sent to all Kansas schools in February or March.
Schools turn their voting results in to Emporia State University in April.

7. Then what happens?
The authors of the winning books are invited to a reception in the fall where they’ll receive a bronze “White Award Medal” at an awards ceremony.
Students and teachers are encouraged to attend the award ceremony to meet the authors and listen to their acceptance speeches.
This year’s celebration will be Saturday, October 7, 2017,
at Emporia State University.

8. Who selects the books?
There is a selection committee who represents Kansas educational and professional organizations concerned with children.
They create a master list of titles.
Books can be fiction, non-fiction, or poetry and were published during the previous year.
Anyone can nominate a book and submit it to the committee.

9. Grades 3 - 5

10. CRENSHAW by Katherine Applegate
In her first novel since The One and Only Ivan, winner of the Newbery Medal, Katherine Applegate delivers an unforgettable and magical story about family, friendship, and resilience.
Jackson and his family have fallen on hard times. There's no more money for rent. And not much for food, either. His parents, his little sister, and their dog may have to live in their minivan. Again.
Crenshaw is a cat. He's large, he's outspoken, and he's imaginary. He has come back into Jackson's life to help him. But is an imaginary friend enough to save this family from losing everything?
Beloved author Katherine Applegate proves in unexpected ways that friends matter, whether real or imaginary.
Reprinted by permission of publisher, Feiwel & Friends. Copyright 2015
Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate
In her first novel since The One and Only Ivan, winner of the Newbery Medal, Katherine Applegate delivers an unforgettable and magical story about family, friendship, and resilience.
Jackson and his family have fallen on hard times. There's no more money for rent. And not much for food, either. His parents, his little sister, and their dog may have to live in their minivan. Again.
Crenshaw is a cat. He's large, he's outspoken, and he's imaginary. He has come back into Jackson's life to help him. But is an imaginary friend enough to save this family from losing everything?
Beloved author Katherine Applegate proves in unexpected ways that friends matter, whether real or imaginary.
Book Trailer 1:39

11. THE AMAZING AGE OF JOHN ROY LYNCH by Chris Barton
John Roy Lynch spent most of his childhood as a slave in Mississippi, but all of that changed with the Emancipation Proclamation. Suddenly people like John Roy could have paying jobs and attend school. While many people in the South were unhappy with the social change, John Roy thrived in the new era. He was appointed to serve as justice of the peace and was eventually elected into the United States Congress.
This biography, with its informative back matter and splendid illustrations, gives readers an in-depth look at the Reconstruction period through the life of one of the first African-American congressmen.
Reprinted by permission of publisher, Eerdmans Books for Young Readers. Copyright 2015
The Amazing Age of John Roy Lynch by Chris Barton
John Roy Lynch spent most of his childhood as a slave in Mississippi, but all of that changed with the Emancipation Proclamation. Suddenly people like John Roy could have paying jobs and attend school. While many people in the South were unhappy with the social change, John Roy thrived in the new era. He was appointed to serve as justice of the peace and was eventually elected into the United States Congress.
This biography, with its informative back matter and splendid illustrations, gives readers an in-depth look at the Reconstruction period through the life of one of the first African-American congressmen.
Book Trailer 1:17

12. CIRCUS MIRANDUS by Cassie Beasley
Even though his awful Great-Aunt Gertrudis doesn’t approve, Micah believes in the stories his dying Grandpa Ephraim tells him of the magical Circus Mirandus: the invisible tiger guarding the gates, the beautiful flying birdwoman, and the magician more powerful than any other—the Man Who Bends Light. Finally, Grandpa Ephraim offers proof. The Circus is real. And the Lightbender owes Ephraim a miracle. With his friend Jenny Mendoza in tow, Micah sets out to find the Circus and the man he believes will save his grandfather.
The only problem is, the Lightbender doesn't want to keep his promise. And now it's up to Micah to get the miracle he came for.
Reprinted by permission of publisher, Puffin Books. Copyright 2015
Circus Mirandus by Cassie Beasley
Even though his awful Great-Aunt Gertrudis doesn’t approve, Micah believes in the stories his dying Grandpa Ephraim tells him of the magical Circus Mirandus: the invisible tiger guarding the gates, the beautiful flying birdwoman, and the magician more powerful than any other—the Man Who Bends Light.
Finally, Grandpa Ephraim offers proof. The Circus is real. And the Lightbender owes Ephraim a miracle. With his friend Jenny Mendoza in tow, Micah sets out to find the Circus and the man he believes will save his grandfather.
The only problem is, the Lightbender doesn't want to keep his promise. And now it's up to Micah to get the miracle he came for.
Book Trailer 1:14

13. FISH IN A TREE by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
The author of the beloved One for the Murphys gives readers an emotionally-charged, uplifting novel that will speak to anyone who’s ever thought there was something wrong with them because they didn’t fit in.
“Everybody is smart in different ways. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its life believing it is stupid.”
Ally has been smart enough to fool a lot of smart people. Every time she lands in a new school, she is able to hide her inability to read by creating clever yet disruptive distractions. She is afraid to ask for help; after all, how can you cure dumb? However, her newest teacher Mr. Daniels sees the bright, creative kid underneath the trouble maker. With his help, Ally learns not to be so hard on herself and that dyslexia is nothing to be ashamed of.
As her confidence grows, Ally feels free to be herself and the world starts opening up with possibilities. She discovers that there’s a lot more to her—and to everyone—than a label, and that great minds don’t always think alike.
Reprinted by permission of publisher, Scholastic. Copyright 2015
Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
The author of the beloved One for the Murphys gives readers an emotionally-charged, uplifting novel that will speak to anyone who’s ever thought there was something wrong with them because they didn’t fit in.
“Everybody is smart in different ways. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its life believing it is stupid.”
Ally has been smart enough to fool a lot of smart people. Every time she lands in a new school, she is able to hide her inability to read by creating clever yet disruptive distractions. She is afraid to ask for help; after all, how can you cure dumb? However, her newest teacher Mr. Daniels sees the bright, creative kid underneath the trouble maker. With his help, Ally learns not to be so hard on herself and that dyslexia is nothing to be ashamed of.
As her confidence grows, Ally feels free to be herself and the world starts opening up with possibilities. She discovers that there’s a lot more to her—and to everyone—than a label, and that great minds don’t always think alike.
Book Trailer 3:20

14. A HANDFUL OF STARS by Cynthia Lord
This novel explores a friendship between a small-town girl and the daughter of migrant workers.
When Lily's blind dog, Lucky, slips his collar and runs away across the wide-open blueberry barrens of eastern Maine, it's Salma Santiago who manages to catch him. Salma, the daughter of migrant workers, is in the small town with her family for the blueberry-picking season.
After their initial chance meeting, Salma and Lily bond over painting bee boxes for Lily's grandfather, and Salma's friendship transforms Lily's summer. But when Salma decides to run in the upcoming Blueberry Queen pageant, they'll have to face some tough truths about friendship and belonging. Should an outsider like Salma really participate in the pageant-and possibly win?
Set amongst the blueberry barrens and by the sea, this is a gorgeous new novel by Newbery Honor author Cynthia Lord that tackles themes of prejudice and friendship, loss and love.
Reprinted by permission of publisher, Scholastic Press. Copyright 2015
A Handful of Stars by Cynthia Lord
This powerful middle-grade novel from the Newbery Honor author of RULES explores a friendship between a small-town girl and the daughter of migrant workers.
When Lily's blind dog, Lucky, slips his collar and runs away across the wide-open blueberry barrens of eastern Maine, it's Salma Santiago who manages to catch him. Salma, the daughter of migrant workers, is in the small town with her family for the blueberry-picking season.
After their initial chance meeting, Salma and Lily bond over painting bee boxes for Lily's grandfather, and Salma's friendship transforms Lily's summer. But when Salma decides to run in the upcoming Blueberry Queen pageant, they'll have to face some tough truths about friendship and belonging. Should an outsider like Salma really participate in the pageant-and possibly win?
Set amongst the blueberry barrens and by the sea, this is a gorgeous new novel by Newbery Honor author Cynthia Lord that tackles themes of prejudice and friendship, loss and love.
Review 1:23
Book Trailer :54

15. THE BOOK ITCH: Freedom, Truth & Harlem’s Greatest Bookstore by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson
In the 1930s, Lewis's dad, Lewis Michaux Sr., had an itch he needed to scratch a book itch. How to scratch it? He started a bookstore in Harlem and named it the National Memorial African Bookstore.
And as far as Lewis Michaux Jr. could tell, his father's bookstore was one of a kind. People from all over came to visit the store, even famous people Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X, to name a few. In his father's bookstore people bought and read books, and they also learned from each other. People swapped and traded ideas and talked about how things could change. They came together here all because of his father's book itch. Read the story of how Lewis Michaux Sr. and his bookstore fostered new ideas and helped people stand up for what they believed in.
Reprinted by permission of publisher, Carolrhoda Books. Copyright 2015
The Book Itch: Freedom, Truth, & Harlem’s Greatest Bookstore by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson
In the 1930s, Lewis's dad, Lewis Michaux Sr., had an itch he needed to scratch a book itch. How to scratch it? He started a bookstore in Harlem and named it the National Memorial African Bookstore.
And as far as Lewis Michaux Jr. could tell, his father's bookstore was one of a kind. People from all over came to visit the store, even famous people Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X, to name a few. In his father's bookstore people bought and read books, and they also learned from each other. People swapped and traded ideas and talked about how things could change. They came together here all because of his father's book itch.
Read the story of how Lewis Michaux Sr. and his bookstore fostered new ideas and helped people stand up for what they believed in.
No Book Trailer. Author is a librarian in New Mexico and the grand-niece of Lewis Sr.

16. LUCKY STRIKE by Bobbie Pyron
He'd like to win a prize, get picked first, call a coin toss right, even! But his best friend, Genesis Beam (aka Gen), believes in science and logic, and she doesn't think for one second that there's such a thing as luck, good or bad. She doesn't care what names the other kids call them. She cares about being right, about saving the turtles of Paradise Beach, and she cares about Nate.
Then, on his birthday, at the Goofy Golf mini-golf course, Nate is struck by lightning -- and survives! Suddenly baseballs are drawn to his bat -- popular kids want HIM on their side. It seems the whole town of Paradise Beach thinks Nate has the magic touch.
But is there room for Gen in Nate's lucky new world?
Lucky Strike tells the unforgettable story of two vulnerable outsiders and what luck is really all about.
Reprinted by permission of publisher, Scholastic Inc. Copyright 2015
Lucky Strike by Bobbie Pyron
He'd like to win a prize, get picked first, call a coin toss right, even! But his best friend, Genesis Beam (aka Gen), believes in science and logic, and she doesn't think for one second that there's such a thing as luck, good or bad. She doesn't care what names the other kids call them. She cares about being right, about saving the turtles of Paradise Beach, and she cares about Nate.
Then, on his birthday, at the Goofy Golf mini-golf course, Nate is struck by lightning -- and survives! Suddenly baseballs are drawn to his bat -- popular kids want HIM on their side. It seems the whole town of Paradise Beach thinks Nate has the magic touch.
But is there room for Gen in Nate's lucky new world?
Lucky Strike tells the unforgettable story of two vulnerable outsiders and what luck is really all about.
Book Trailer 1:25

17. POET: The Remarkable Story of George Moses Horton by Don Tate
In the nineteenth century, North Carolina slave George Moses Horton taught himself to read and earned money to purchase his time though not his freedom. Horton became the first African American to be published in the South, protesting slavery in the form of verse.
Reprinted by permission of publisher, Peachtree Publishers. Copyright 2015
Poet: The Remarkable Story of George Moses Horton by Don Tate
In the nineteenth century, North Carolina slave George Moses Horton taught himself to read and earned money to purchase his time though not his freedom. Horton became the first African American to be published in the South, protesting slavery in the form of verse.
Book Trailer 2:59

18. FUNNY BONES: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras by Duncan Tonatiuh
Funny Bones tells the story of how the amusing calaveras—skeletons performing various every day or festive activities—came to be. They are the creation of Mexican artist José Guadalupe (Lupe) Posada (1852–1913). In a country that was not known for freedom of speech, he first drew political cartoons, much to the amusement of the local population but not the politicians. He continued to draw cartoons throughout much of his life, but he is best known today for his calavera drawings. They have become synonymous with Mexico’s Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) festival. Juxtaposing his own art with that of Lupe’s, author Duncan Tonatiuh brings to light the remarkable life and work of a man whose art is beloved by many but whose name has remained in obscurity.
Reprinted by permission of publisher, Abrams. Copyright 2015
Funny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras by Duncan Tonatiuh
Funny Bones tells the story of how the amusing calaveras—skeletons performing various every day or festive activities—came to be. They are the creation of Mexican artist José Guadalupe (Lupe) Posada (1852–1913).
In a country that was not known for freedom of speech, he first drew political cartoons, much to the amusement of the local population but not the politicians. He continued to draw cartoons throughout much of his life, but he is best known today for his calavera drawings. They have become synonymous with Mexico’s Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) festival.
Juxtaposing his own art with that of Lupe’s, author Duncan Tonatiuh brings to light the remarkable life and work of a man whose art is beloved by many but whose name has remained in obscurity.
Book Trailer 1:24

19. Life on Mars Jennifer Brown
LAST YEAR’S WINNER
Life on Mars Jennifer Brown
Reprinted by permission of publisher, Bloomsbury. Copyright 2014

20. https://jenniferbrownauthor.com/
LAST YEAR’S WINNER

21. William Allen White Award
What is the WAW Book Award?
Who was William Allen White?
How does it work?
Who selects the books?
Who votes?
Then what happens?
History of the Award
Book List

22. Selection committee process
Members must read at least 50% of nominated books to participate in selection. Executive director & secretary & committee chair do not vote.
Only books read by at least 60% of those present at the meeting can be considered.
For a title to be placed on the list following discussion of it, at least 60% of those who read it must vote for its placement.
Titles are first chosen for the list without regard for age division. Once nominations cease, the lists are divided into grades 3 to 5 & grades 6 to 8.
Before we finalize the lists, there is opportunity to reconsider any titles chosen.