The We Lit Hungry Minds Book Awards
The We Lit Hungry Minds Book Awards
Celebrating Children's Books. Amplifying Young Readers. Recognizing Literary Excellence.
The We Lit Hungry Minds Book Awards celebrate the creativity, dedication, and hard work of independent children's book authors, illustrators, and publishers while encouraging recreational reading among young people.
Founded in 2017 by LaDonna N. Smith, the Hungry Minds Book Club was created to give young readers a voice and encourage meaningful connections between children and books. Now revamped as part of We Lit Academy, the Hungry Minds Book Awards continue this mission by celebrating books that inspire imagination, encourage learning, promote representation, and nurture a lifelong love of reading.
At the heart of these awards is a simple belief: **children deserve a voice in the books we celebrate.** Through the Hungry Minds book review program, young readers have opportunities to share their honest opinions, express their preferences, and help shine a spotlight on books that resonate with them.
The We Lit Hungry Minds Book Awards are open to independent children's book authors and publishers, whether or not they are members of the We Lit Author Partnership Service.
Every eligible book entered into the awards will be read as part of the review and consideration process. Authors may choose to submit a physical copy or a digital copy, according to the submission instructions.
The awards culminate in a virtual celebration featuring an online announcement of the winners. Each winning author or publisher will receive a digital award certificate recognizing their achievement.
We are proud to recognize the people who create stories that entertain, educate, empower, and inspire the next generation of readers.
2027 Award Schedule
Mark your calendar for the 2027 We Lit Hungry Minds Book Awards!
- January 1, 2027: Entries open
- August 1, 2027: Entry deadline
- September 30, 2027: Winners announced online
All entries and applicable entry fees must be submitted by the deadline to be considered
for the 2027 awards. Please allow sufficient time for book delivery when submitting physical review copies.
Award Categories
The We Lit Hungry Minds Book Awards recognize excellence across a variety of children's literature categories.
1. Children's Book of the Year — Primary (Grades K–3)
2. Children's Book of the Year — Intermediate (Grades 3–6)
3. Children's Book of the Year — Middle School/Junior High (Grades 6–9)
4. Children's Book of the Year — Young Adult (Grades 9–12)
5. Picture Book of the Year for Older Readers (Grade 4 and up)
6. Comic Book (Graphic Novel) of the Year
7. Diversity Matters Award
8. Independent Children's Publisher of the Year
9. Kid Author of the Year
10. Children's Book Author of the Year
11. Children's E-book of the Year
12. Children's Financial Literacy Book of the Year
13. Parent's Choice Award
14. Kid's Choice Award
15. Health and Wellness Children's Book of the Year
16. Bullying Prevention Award
Suggest a Category
We welcome suggestions for additional award categories that reflect the interests, experiences, and
reading needs of today's young people. Proposed categories may be considered for future award cycles.
Important Information
Award Format: Virtual
Entry Period: January 1–August 1, 2027
Winner Announcement: September 30, 2027
Winner Recognition: Digital award certificate and online announcement
Who Can Enter: Independent children's book authors and publishers. We Lit Author Partnership membership is not required.
Entry Fees
The We Lit Hungry Minds Book Awards offer accessible entry options for independent authors and publishers, with discounted pricing for members of the We Lit Author Partnership Service.
- Independent authors and publishers: $40 per book, including one award category.
- We Lit Author Partners: $25 per book, including one award category.
- Additional eligible categories: $10 per additional category for the same book.
The entry fee covers participation in the awards program, including submission processing, book review coordination, award consideration, and winner recognition.
Important: Every eligible book entered into the awards will be read. However, entering the awards does not automatically include a dedicated spotlight review post on the We Lit Hungry Minds blog.
Authors who wish to receive a spotlight book review post must purchase a separate book review package.
Purchasing a book review package does not increase a book's chances of winning an award. Award consideration and selection are separate from paid book review and promotional services.
Submitting a book does not guarantee an award. All entries must meet the eligibility requirements for the applicable award cycle.
Book Submission Options
Authors may choose one of the following options for their award entry:
- Physical copy: Mail a printed copy of the book according to the submission instructions provided by the awards coordinator.
- Digital copy: Submit a digital version of the book in an accepted format according to the submission instructions.
Authors are responsible for any applicable shipping costs associated with physical submissions. Physical review copies will not be returned unless other arrangements have been confirmed in advance.
Book Review and Blog Spotlight Options
Every eligible book entered into the Hungry Minds Book Awards will be read as part of the review and consideration process.
Authors who want additional visibility through a dedicated spotlight review post on the We Lit Hungry Minds blog may purchase a separate book review package.
A spotlight review post is a separate service and is not required to enter the awards. Purchasing a review package does not influence the judging process, improve the likelihood of winning, or guarantee an award.
Please contact the awards coordinator for information about available review packages and pricing.
Virtual Awards Celebration
The Hungry Minds Book Awards celebrate winners through an online announcement rather than an in-person ceremony.
Winning authors and publishers will receive a digital award certificate recognizing their achievement. Winners may share their recognition with readers, families, educators, booksellers, and their wider communities.
There is no requirement to travel to or attend an in-person event.
Contact Information
For complete submission guidelines, payment instructions, eligibility requirements, or questions about the awards, please contact:
LaDonna N. Smith
We Lit Hungry Minds Book Awards Coordinator
We Lit Academy
Email: welitreads@gmail.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can enter the We Lit Hungry Minds Book Awards?
Independent children's book authors and publishers may enter eligible titles for consideration. We welcome both emerging and established independent authors.
Membership in the We Lit Author Partnership Service is not required. However, partnership members receive a discounted entry fee.
Do I have to be a member of the We Lit Author Partnership Service to participate?
No. The awards are open to all eligible independent children's book authors and publishers.
The standard entry fee is $40 per book, while We Lit Author Partners receive a discounted rate of $25 per book.
How much does it cost to enter?
The entry fee is $40 per book for independent authors and publishers or $25 per book for We Lit Author Partners. Both rates include one award category.
An additional eligible category costs $10 for the same book.
A separate book review package may be purchased by authors who want a dedicated spotlight review post on the We Lit Hungry Minds blog. Review packages are optional and do not increase a book's chances of winning an award.
Will my book actually be read?
Yes. Every eligible book entered into the awards will be read as part of the review and consideration process.
However, a dedicated spotlight review post on the We Lit Hungry Minds blog is not included automatically with the award entry fee. Authors must purchase a separate book review package to receive that service.
Can I submit a digital copy instead of mailing my book?
Yes. Authors may choose to submit either a physical copy or a digital copy, following the submission instructions provided by the awards coordinator.
If you choose a physical copy, you are responsible for applicable shipping costs. Physical review copies will not be returned unless other arrangements have been confirmed in advance.
How will the winning books be selected?
Young readers are central to the mission of We Lit Hungry Minds. Through our book review program, children share their honest opinions about the books they read and identify titles that capture their interest.
Books will be considered according to the eligibility criteria and selection procedures established for the applicable award cycle. Additional input from designated reviewers may be incorporated when appropriate.
Purchasing a book review package does not influence award consideration or selection.
Does purchasing a book review package improve my chances of winning?
No. Book reviews and award judging are separate processes.
Every eligible book entered into the awards will be read, regardless of whether the author purchases a separate review package. Purchasing a review package provides the additional service of a dedicated spotlight review post on the We Lit Hungry Minds blog, but it does not increase the likelihood of winning an award.
Are there any eligibility requirements?
Books must meet the eligibility requirements established for the applicable award cycle. Requirements may include intended age group, publication status, book format, publication date, and category-specific criteria.
Authors should contact the awards coordinator with questions about eligibility before submitting an entry.
Can I enter my book in more than one category?
Yes. A book may be entered in multiple eligible categories when it meets the criteria for each.
The initial entry fee includes one category. Each additional eligible category costs $10.
The awards program reserves the right to determine the most appropriate category placement in accordance with its published guidelines.
How many winners will be selected?
The number of winners will depend on the award categories offered and the eligible entries received during the award cycle.
The awards program reserves the right to determine the number of awards presented and to reassign entries to more appropriate categories when necessary. Applicable selection procedures will be communicated as part of the award guidelines.
When will the 2027 winners be announced?
The 2027 winners will be announced online on September 30, 2027.
Entries open January 1, 2027, and the entry deadline is August 1, 2027. Entries and applicable entry fees must be received by the deadline to be considered.
What will winners receive?
Each winning author or publisher will receive a digital award certificate recognizing their achievement.
Winners may share their recognition with readers, families, educators, booksellers, and their wider communities. Use of official award logos, seals, or promotional materials must follow the program's guidelines.
What happens to physical review copies after the review process?
Physical review copies will not be returned unless other arrangements have been confirmed in advance.
Books may be used in the Hungry Minds book review program and, when appropriate, donated to children, libraries, literacy initiatives, or community programs.
Authors are responsible for applicable shipping costs associated with physical submissions.
What do the entry fees cover?
Entry fees support the administration and coordination of the awards program, including submission processing, review coordination, award consideration, and winner recognition.
The awards are conducted virtually, and winners receive digital certificates rather than physical trophies or awards shipped by mail.
A dedicated blog spotlight review is a separate service available through the purchase of a book review package.
What are the benefits of entering the awards?
Entering the We Lit Hungry Minds Book Awards gives independent children's book authors and publishers an opportunity to have their work considered for recognition through a program that values young readers' perspectives.
Participation may provide opportunities to:
- Have a book read as part of the awards review and consideration process.
- Be considered for recognition in an eligible award category.
- Celebrate achievements in children's literature.
- Share award results with readers, families, educators, booksellers, and professional contacts.
- Receive a digital award certificate if selected as a winner.
Authors who want additional visibility may purchase a separate book review package for a dedicated spotlight review post on the We Lit Hungry Minds blog.
Award participation does not guarantee a win, sales, media coverage, or additional promotional opportunities.
Can I use the Hungry Minds Book Awards name or logo to promote my book?
Confirmed winners may identify their books as award winners and share their digital certificates. Use of official logos, seals, or branded award artwork must follow the program's guidelines.
Only confirmed winners may represent their books as winners of the We Lit Hungry Minds Book Awards.
Join the Celebration!
Do you have a children's book that deserves to be discovered and celebrated?
The We Lit Hungry Minds Book Awards welcome independent children's book authors and publishers who share our commitment to meaningful stories and young readers.
Whether you are an emerging author or an established independent publisher, we invite you to submit your eligible book for consideration.
Entries open January 1, 2027.
Entry deadline: August 1, 2027.
Winners announced online: September 30, 2027.
Submit your book. Celebrate young readers. Help make reading lit again.
For submission guidelines, entry instructions, or information about book review packages, contact:
LaDonna N. Smith
We Lit Hungry Minds Book Awards Coordinator
Award categories, eligibility requirements, entry procedures, and selection guidelines may be updated for future award cycles. Please refer to the current guidelines before submitting an entry.