ICCA Committee Handbook, revised 2001

Committee Name: Iowa Children's Choice Award

Subcommittees:
General Chair
Award
Master List
Publicity
Sales
Videotape
Web Page

Purpose of Committee:
To plan and conduct the activities for the annual Iowa Children's Choice Award.

Purpose of Book Award:
- To encourage children to read more and better books.

- To provide an avenue for positive dialogue between teachers, parents, and children
about books and authors.

- To give recognition to those who write books for children.

The award is unique in that it gives children an opportunity to choose the book to receive
the award and to suggest books for the yearly reading list.

Master List Selection Criteria

1. Living author who currently resides in the United States

2. Reading/Interest Level: grade 3 - 6

3. Type of book:

a. Any book appropriate in content, except for texts or readers, of high literary quality and
appealing to children. The list should be well-balanced with a wide range of interests and
reading levels represented.

b. Original work of fiction in English language. This precludes retelling of fables,
folklore, newly-illustrated songs or nursery rhymes.

c. Nonfiction is acceptable if there is a definite story line. The number of nonfiction books
on the list should be kept to a minimum.

d. Newbery award winners excluded but not honor books.

e. In-print titles only.

f. Original book must have been published in hardcover.

g. Picture books, if included, must be illustrated by the author.

h. Books which have appeared on any ICCA master list are excluded.

4. Final master list will reflect titles published within the 4 years previous to the year of
nomination. (See chart in Master List job description.)

5. Number of books on the master list will be flexible with a minimum of fifteen and a
maximum of twenty-five for any one year.

6. Only one title per author is allowed on the master list.

Voting Regulations

1. Students must read at least two titles to be eligible to vote. It is acceptable for students
to read these themselves or have heard them read aloud.

2. Students may vote for only one title and may not vote for any title they have not read
or heard read.

3. Voting will be conducted on ballots produced by each attendance center. Each
participating school will send the results by ground mail unless another method is
designated by the Iowa Children's Choice Award chair.

4. Voting results are to be sent to the Iowa Children's Choice Award chair.