The Newbery Medal is awarded annually by the American Library Association for the most distinguished American children's book published the previous year.  The award was named for the eighteenth-century English bookseller, John Newbery. 

The Newbery Award is the first children's book award in the world. Its terms, as well as its long history, continue to make it the best known and most discussed children's book award in this country.

For more information on John Newbery and the Newbery Medal, click on the link below:

http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/newberymedal/aboutnewbery/aboutnewbery

For a list of the Newbery Medal & Honors Books, from 1938 - Present, click on the link below:

http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/newberymedal/newberyhonors/newberymedal