Attention publishers: The Black Caucus of the American Library Association, Inc. (BCALA) is open to book submissions for the current cycle of its Children & Young Adult Literary Awards.

Launched in 2021, the Children & YA Literary Awards are sponsored by School Library Journal (SLJ) and honor outstanding works of fiction and nonfiction for children and young adults by African American authors.

To be eligible for the current awards cycle, titles must be published from September 2021 to December 2022. The submission deadline is January 15.

[Read: “Inaugural BCALA Children and Youth Literary Awards Winners Announced”]

Considered books must:

• Uplift and showcase the Black experience while presenting substantial windows, mirrors, and doors in literature for children & teens.
• Be written and illustrated by a person of color who resides in the United States.
• Fit into the following four categories: Each category will have an award winner and an honor book selection.
  Fiction
  Nonfiction
  First-time Author
  Graphic novel

Books that fit these criteria can be sent to the award committee members. Email youthawards@bcala.org for information.

Winners will be notified in early 2023, with an award presentation to take place at the American Library Association Annual Conference in Chicago in June.