Land Of Enchantment Book Award

If you would like to submit a book for consideration, please email your suggestions to: loebookaward@yahoo.com 

Books on the Land of Enchantment Book Award Master List are chosen each year by a committee from the New Mexico Library Association and the New Mexico Council of the International Reading Association. Committee members are library and education professionals working with children and young adults who volunteer their time to read and discuss over 100 titles annually. Criteria for selection of the master list(s) include the following:

• Written by an author living in the United States.
• Copyright within five years prior to award date.
• Literary quality and favorable reviews.
• Interest, appeal, and developmental levels for students in grades 3 through 9.

The Land of Enchantment Book Award is an exciting program designed to encourage the youth of New Mexico to read outstanding books of literary quality. A committee sponsored by the New Mexico Library Association, the New Mexico Council of the International Reading Association, and the New Mexico State Library selects three lists of books--Picture Books, Children's, and Young Adult. Then, New Mexico's young people read at least three books from one of these lists and vote on their favorite. The final selectors of this award are students in grades 3 through 9.

Teachers and librarians are encouraged to promote the Land of Enchantment Book Award program. Successful promotions have included book talking, displays, and "reader's theater."

Any New Mexico child, provided they have read (or had read to them) three or more books from the current list appropriate to him/her. Of course, we encourage reading as many books from the list as possible. The more books read, the more meaningful the winner will be.

The traditional time to vote is National Library Week, but all of  April is voting time. Ballots must be in to the land of Enchantment Book Award Committee before April 30th for the votes to count towards selecting the winners. All libraries and schools are eligible as voting venues. Check with one near you for details.

Committee members are New Mexico teachers or librarians committed to encouraging literacy, reading and a love of literature in our state's children. Committee members select the Land of Enchantment annual lists by reading, evaluating and discussing children's and young adult books throughout the year.

Additionally there are organizational tasks such as booktalks at conferences, publicity and liaison work performed by committee chairs.

If you are interested in joining us or have questions, please email us at: loebookaward@yahoo.com