Literary Merit (art and craft of aggregate work—as poet or anthologist). Creating poetry books that demonstrate imagination, authenticity of voice, evidence of a strong persona, and universality or timelessness is essential. In short, the Committee is looking for a poet who creates poetry books that contain clean, spare lines; use language and form in fresh ways; surprise the reader by using syntax artistically; excite the reader’s imagination with keen perceptions and sharp images; and touch the reader’s emotions. A maker of word events is what the Committee is looking for.

Poet’s or Anthologist’s Contributions. Aggregate work, evident potential for growth and evolution in terms of craft, and excellence are considered. Multimedia poetic work such as spoken word poetry or videos or any other high-quality poetic media are considered alongside written work. “[C]hildren’s oral language is the basis for their acquisition of literacy, so listening to . . . poems provides a natural introduction to literature” (Short & Cueto, 2022, p. 106).

Evolution of the Poet’s or Anthologist’s Work. Technical and artistic development as evidenced in the poetry; evidence of risk, change, and artistic stamina; and evidence of different styles and modes of expression will be considered.

Appeal to Children. Although the appeal to children of a poet’s or anthologist’s work is an important consideration, the art and craft must be the primary criteria for evaluation. Evidence of students’ excitement about the poetry and evidence of childlike quality are important, yet the poems’ potential for stirring fresh insights and feelings should also be apparent. Strong poems often present the world through a child’s perspective and life experiences, capturing the emotional honesty, curiosity, and wonder that resonate deeply with readers.

The award is presented in every other year by the chair of the NCTE Children’s Poetry Award Committee at the Children’s Book Awards Luncheon during the NCTE Annual Convention. The award recipient receives a plaque, is a featured speaker at the Luncheon, and is invited to present at a poetry session during the NCTE Annual Convention. The Notable Children’s Poetry Books and Verse Novels list is also announced annually at the Convention.

The award was given annually until 1982 and every three years until 2009. In 2008, the criteria were updated and the time frame was changed to every other year.

The annual Notable Children’s Poetry Books and Verse Novels list for ages three to fourteen (preK–grade 8) shall include books by authors of the most outstanding contributions to poetry books and verse novels for children published or distributed in the United States or its territories during the preceding year. Dual-language books published in English and an additional language are permitted. Adaptations of adult texts and reissued books are not eligible.

^*Individual poems demonstrate

• content that is engaging and understandable by intended readers;
• language that is innovative, authentic, fresh, and imaginative, with careful word choices, and uses poetic devices to evoke depth of feeling and offer new insights and ideas;
• form or structure that enhances readers’ understanding of the poem’s subject, content, or mood; and
• illustrations or visual elements that thoughtfully reflect and enhance the poem’s content, tone, and mood, supporting readers’ emotional and interpretive experience.

^*Collections and anthologies demonstrate

• purposeful selection of high-quality poetry;
• arrangement that is logical and coherently organized around themes and topics; and
• inclusiveness of a range of poetry and perspectives around a specific theme.
• In addition, if an old collection or anthology has been recently published or reissued, it must have a new perspective or fresh approach, and/or be newly illustrated in order to be considered as a new collection.
• Picturebooks, including illustrated versions of poems, must incorporate poetic language that exemplifies figurative language and demonstrates depth of imagery and meanings, rather than simply using rhymed couplets.

^*Some criteria in this and the following section are excerpted from these sources:

Galda, L., Cullinan, B. E., & Sipe, L. R. (2010). Literature and the Child (7th ed.). Wadsworth/Cengage Learning.

Short, K. G., & Cueto, D. W. (2022). Essentials of Children’s Literature (10th ed.). Pearson.

• Novel-length narratives told through poetic language, instead of prose, usually in free verse” (Short & Cueto, 2022, p. 106)
• Excellence in writing and emotional impact: Does the poetry “create images, express feelings, and stir emotions”? (Galda, Cullinan, & Sipe, 2010)
• Format that enriches a story, character development, and setting and establishes a strong voice (Short & Cueto, 2022, p. 106)

Nominations for the Notable Children’s Poetry Books and Verse Novels List must be submitted to the Award Committee by October 15.

We request early submission whenever possible to give the committee enough time to review all submissions. One copy of each nominated book  should be sent to the committee members for examination. Digital copies are welcome and can be emailed directly to the committee members. Advance copies or galley proofs are acceptable and encouraged, especially for books published in October due to their proximity to the deadline. Hard copies are still requested in addition to the digital versions so that the committee can fully evaluate each work. Books published in November or December have the option to be considered for the next Award cycle instead. Publishers or authors should contact NCTE as soon as possible to confirm submission details.

Contact bookawards@ncte.org  with the title(s), author(s), and publication date(s) of the books you are nominating, as well as the award for which you would like to be considered. We will give you the award committee contact information to send the books to the members directly. No other forms are required. NCTE members should use the submission form on the Children’s Book Award homepage.

2026 Notable Children’s Poetry Books and Verse Novels

2025 Notable Children’s Poetry Books and Verse Novels

2024 Notable Children’s Poetry Books and Verse Novels

2023 Notable Children’s Poetry Books and Verse Novels

2022 Notable Children’s Poetry Books and Verse Novels

2021 Notable Children’s Poetry Books and Verse Novels

2020 Notable Children’s Poetry Books and Verse Novels

2019 Notable Poetry Books

2018 Notable Poetry Books

2017 Notable Poetry Books

2017 Notable Verse Novels

2016 Notable Poetry Books

2016 Notable Verse Novels

2015 Notable Poetry Books

2014 Notable Poetry Books

2013 Notable Poetry Books

2012 Notable Poetry Books

2011 Notable Poetry Books