Selection and Criteria Annually, a committee of the Children’s Literature and Reading Special Interest Group (CL/R SIG) of the International Literacy Association selects 25 outstanding trade books for enhancing student understanding of people and cultures throughout the world. The committee reviews books representing all genres intended for students K-12. Information on the NBGS project, criteria for selection, committee roster, and lists of previously selected books are available on the SIG website.
Criteria To be eligible for selection, a trade book must have been published in the United States for the first time during the year preceding a list’s publication. For example, to be eligible for the 2017 list, a book must have been published in the United States for the first time during 2016.
Part One (Must meet one or more criteria from this section.)
Portray cultural accuracy and authenticity of characters in terms of (a) physical characteristics, (b) intellectual abilities and problem solving capabilities, (c) leadership and cooperative dimensions, and (d) social and economic status;
Be rich in cultural details;
Honor and celebrate diversity as well as common bonds in humanity;
Provide in-depth treatment of cultural issues;
Include characters within a cultural group or between two or more cultural groups who interact substantively and authentically;
Include members of a “minority” group for a purpose other than filling a “quota.”
Part Two (Must meet ALL criteria from this section.)
Invite reflection, critical analysis, and response;
Demonstrate unique language or style;
Meet generally-accepted criteria of quality for the genre in which they are written;
Have an appealing format and be of enduring quality.