Comparative Study on International Youth Book Awards

BookCity Institute launches the first edition of the Sand Fox Book Award with a focus on meaningful youth participation.

As part of its initiative to design and organize the inaugural Sand Fox Book Award, the Children and Youth Department of BookCity Institute conducted a comparative benchmark study on major international book awards selected by children and teenagers. Completed in June 2025, this research marks an essential first step in understanding how various award mechanisms around the world elevate the voices of young readers in cultural decision-making.

The study reviewed long-standing programs such as the Children’s Choices Reading List (USA), the Hackmatack Children’s Choice Book Award (Canada), the Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis (Germany), and the Children’s Book Award UK—some of which date back as far as 70 years. Key components of the study included judging structures, nomination processes, age groups, voting procedures, the role of supporting institutions, and methods of engaging children with literature.

Key Components Identified in International Youth Book Awards

1. Age Range of Participants

Most awards include voters between the ages of 4 and 18. Programs like Hackmatack and Children’s Choices often divide participants by age group to allow more tailored engagement.

2. Nomination Process

In some awards, publishers submit initial lists of nominees.
Others, such as Hackmatack and U.S. state-level awards (e.g., WCCPBA), rely on committees of librarians and educators to curate the initial selection.
In several cases, nominations come directly from children and teens involved in reading clubs or school groups.

3. Voting Procedures

Many awards combine both paper-based and digital voting systems.
Some awards use a two-stage process: one round for narrowing down finalists, and a second to determine the winners (e.g., Kids’ Book Choice Awards).
Age verification policies vary. In some programs, children vote independently; in others, only teachers or librarians can submit student votes. Some awards require children to read at least two of the shortlisted books before voting.

4. Role of Supporting Institutions

Most awards are backed by library associations, cultural federations, or government bodies such as ministries of culture. In many instances, non-profits and literacy organizations play key roles.

5. Child Engagement and Literary Interaction

Programs often include activities like read-aloud sessions, group discussions, Q&A creation, and participation in final deliberation events.
Some, like the Children’s Book Award UK, also arrange author meetups and collect children’s artwork and reflections.

Cultural Participation, Confidence, and Critical Thinking

The findings from BookCity’s study underscore that meaningful inclusion of children in literary award processes requires transparent, reliable, and engaging systems. Designing opportunities for dialogue, play, and exploration around books—and integrating digital platforms—can significantly enrich reading cultures among young generations.

As a nonprofit cultural organization deeply invested in child development and inclusive participation, BookCity Institute aligns its efforts with global values of cultural equity, creativity, and intergenerational learning. From literary festivals and book clubs to research-based initiatives like this one, BookCity advocates for children’s right to be seen not only as readers but as active cultural agents.

About the Sand Fox Book Award

The Sand Fox Book Award is BookCity’s flagship youth literary award, celebrating the best book for teenagers, chosen by teenagers. Drawing from global best practices and local needs, this program empowers young readers to become judges of the literature that speaks to their lives, aspirations, and imagination.

The first edition of the award will run for ten weeks during summer 2025 on Behkhaan, the social network for Iranian readers. It features two parallel tracks: one for original Persian works and one for translated titles.

Officially endorsed by UNICEF, the award reflects a shared commitment to child empowerment, cultural engagement, and the right of young people to participate in shaping their cultural environment.

For more information:
https://behkhaan.ir/profile/sandfoxbookaward