Readers Awards

2024-2025 Final Nominees | 2024 Denny O’Neil Graphic Novel List | 2024 Dogwood List

2024-2025 Preliminary Nominees | 2023 Summer Reading List | 2023-2024 Final Nominees | 2023 Dogwood List

Nominated Titles & Reading Lists
Voting
Winners
Join Committee
Book Grants
Information for Publishers
Past Nominated Titles

About the Readers Awards

Mission Statement

The librarians of Missouri believe that exposing students to quality literature impacts their future reading habits.  These awards encourage students in grades one through twelve to explore new literary genres, to recognize excellence in writing and illustrating, and to experience the joy of literature.

MASL’s six Readers Awards represent the best current youth literature available to students of different grade levels. View all committee members.

Show Me Readers Award (Grades 1-3)

  • Picture books, easy to read aloud with strong literary value, with interest and appeal to children 6 to 10 years old.
  • Additional Award Information

Mark Twain Readers Award (Grades 4-6)

  • Books should interest children in grades four through six and should be of literary value which may enrich children’s personal lives.
  • Additional Award Information

Truman Readers Award (Grades 6-8)

  • Books should interest students in their early teen years and should be of literary value and enrich readers lives.
  • Additional Award Information

Gateway Readers Award (Grades 9-12)

  • Books of interest to young adults in grades nine through twelve and appeal to their needs, interests and reading levels.
  • Additional Award Information

Dogwood Readers Award (Grades PreK-12)

  • Books of interest to a range of readers in grades PreK-12 and connect young readers in Missouri with quality non-fiction books to broaden their knowledge of the world.
  • Additional Award Information

Denny O’Neil Graphic Novel List (Grades PreK-12)

  • Books will be of interest to a range of readers in grades PreK-12. Books will connect young readers in Missouri with quality graphic novels that will broaden their knowledge of the world and enrich their reading experiences.
  • Additional Award Information – Click here for Denny O’Neil website.

Recommend A Book – Students, teachers, librarians, and parents can recommend a book for Readers Award consideration.

Archived Information – Click here to see information about the prior book trailer & bookmark contests and here for prior winners.