The Pennsylvania Center for the Book celebrates outstanding books, authors, and literary achievement through four signature awards: The Baker’s Dozen: Thirteen Best Books for Family Literacy, The Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award, The Lynd Ward Graphic Novel Prize, and Pennsylvania Great Reads from Great Places. Together, these programs recognize excellence in family literacy, children’s poetry, graphic novels, and books that reflect Pennsylvania’s rich literary heritage. By honoring exceptional literary works and connecting readers with engaging and meaningful stories, the Pennsylvania Center for the Book promotes lifelong reading, literacy, and a love of literature across the Commonwealth and beyond.
A child, wrapped in winter gear, is going to school in a snowstorm. Every step is tough. It is such a battle, he feels he can’t go on. Is there a rescue? The words in this book are simple and easy to read. The lively pictures tell one aspect of the story and clue the readers to the child’s overactive imagination. This is a perfect read-aloud after a fast sled run or on a snow day.
View Book Activities & Discussion Ideas for Straight to the Pole
In a book that celebrates uniqueness, Mother Dog has ten puppies that are all different from one another. The simple watercolor pictures show that some of the puppies have pointed noses, others have flat ones, some of them have blue eyes, and others have brown ones. With the lively exuberance of a basketful of puppies, this book introduces the concepts of shapes and colors, as well as the different number combinations that make ten.
When a big grumpy dog blocks the way to Hen's and Chicks' favorite breakfast of "sweet itty-bitty beans and potato bugs," it is Little Chick who creatively finds a way into the garden. Little Chick's clever problem-solving skills will entertain audiences and show children that you don’t have to be big and strong to make a difference.
View Book Activities & Discussion Ideas for Tippy-Toe Chick, Go!
A clown’s walk through the circus in search of his puppy partner is playfully told in rhyming couplets. The warm jewel tones of the acrylic paints create a lush backdrop for the circus silliness. A special fold out flap finds pup in a most amazing location.
Take an imaginary journey to the habitats of wild creatures around the world with this picture book that contains very few words. Filling each exciting two-page spread are bold and richly colored illustrations that move the adventure forward. With its large format, this is a perfect book for a group read-aloud.
After a busy day of scaring mice and playing with yarn, Kittycat purrs softly and drifts to sleep. This gentle, lyrical poem is perfect for lulling young readers into a peaceful slumber.
Inspired by her in-laws’ coal country experiences, Susan Campbell Bartoletti weaves the voices of immigrant families in early 1900s Pennsylvania. This powerful story captures their struggles with long hours, low pay, and dangerous work, alongside their resilience, triumphs, and pursuit of the American dream.
The 2001 winner was Liz Rosenberg for the anthology Light-Gathering Poems (Henry Holt & Company, Inc.), a collection featuring authors such as Dickinson, Frost, Stafford and Keats. Rosenberg arranged the poems alphabetically and included biographical notes for those who wish to learn more about a poet or poem in the anthology.
Judges also selected Paul B. Janeczko to receive an honor award for Stone Bench in an Empty Park (Orchard Books)—a collection of haiku poems that celebrate city life, illustrated with black-and-white photos by Henri Silberman.
“I love the clean lines and open spaces of this book, and the subtlety of the haiku and the pristine black and white photos of mostly city scenes. I like the premise of discovering poetry in the ordinary things around us,” wrote one judge about Stone Beach in an Empty Park.
