CBP attends 2009 Jane Addams Award ceremony in NYC

 On October 16th, a chilly Friday afternoon, the Jane Addams Children's Book Award ceremony took place. In a crowded room overlooking the historic United Nations Plaza, CBP author Lucía Gonzalez received an Honor Award on behalf of both herself and illustrator Lulu Delacre for their collaboration on The Storyteller's Candle / La velita de los cuentos. Given annually by the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, the award honors children's books that, per award committee chair Susan C. Griffith, "most effectively and engagingly invite children to think deeply about issues related to peace, social justice, world community and racial and gender equality."

 The Storyteller's Candle was in truly wonderful company at the awards ceremony, which also recognized award winners Margarita Engle and Claire Nivola, and honor book awardees James Rumford, Anne Laurel Carter, Scott Reynolds Nelson, and Marc Aronson. Enjoy these few photos of the ceremony, and be sure to check out The Storyteller's Candle if you haven't already.

 
Each awardee was introduced by a different committee member.

 
Susan C. Griffiths, Chair of the Awards Committee, Margarita Engle, Scott Reynolds Nelson, and Marc Aronson.

 
Lucia González gave a moving acceptance speech on behalf of herself and illustrator Lulu Delacre, in which she acknowledged the important work of New York City's first Latina librarian, Pura Belpré.

The ceremony was following by a book signing and reception. Many thanks to the committee for this wonderful honor and for a delightful afternoon in New York!

Submitted by Childrens Book Press on Thursday, October 22, 2009 3:59pm