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 (CYALA).

Launched in 2021, the CYALA program is sponsored by School Library Journal and honors 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 between January 2024 and January 2025. Award categories are Fiction, Non-Fiction, First-time/Debut Author, and Graphic Novel. A winner and an honor book will be named in each category.

The submission deadline is December 15, 2024.

Winners will be notified in early 2025, with an awards presentation to be held in conjunction with the ALA Annual Conference.

CYALA submission criteria:

• Celebrate and honor the diversity of the Black experience (cultural traditions/customs)
• Reflect the triumphs of well and lesser-known African American leaders
• Uplift and showcase the Black experience while presenting substantial windows, mirrors, and doors in literature for children & teens.
• Cover topics relevant to the Black experience (social justice, self-esteem, etc.)

Indies are welcome if there are adequate purchasing options. To get an idea of the books considered, see BCALA's Best of the Best Booklist.

For more information about the award and submissions, email dgray19@schools.nyc.gov.