MITTEN AWARDThe Mitten Award recognizes and promotes quality literature for youth in picture book format. First given in 1999 by the Children’s Services Division of the Michigan Library Association, the award is given annually to one children’s book originally published in the United States during the calendar year that has captured the attention of youth librarians throughout the State of Michigan for its ability to communicate through literature to an intended audience. The award selection work group is comprised of Michigan librarians who consider hundreds of children’s books annually to determine a winner. Submit a nomination for the 2023 Mitten Award using the online form:
|
Chair: Adrienne Baker |
Vice-Chair: Lisa Rodkey |
|
Nellie Danke |
Holly Kirsten |
Jamie Klos |
Kathy Merucci |
Dena Moscheck |
Everett Pine |
Carolyn Sherrill |
Jeanette Smith |
Leigh Verburg |
Loni Wetherell |
|
The winner of the 2022 Mitten Award is Milo Imagines the World written by Matt de la Peña, illustrated by Christian Robinson, and published by Putnam Publishers.
Milo Imagines the World brings the reader on a gentle journey that examines the way we see the world, with illustrations that shift from broad views of scenes to what we might see through Milo’s eyes as he sketches imagined scenes in his journal. The story can hold appeal for various ages of children. The illustrations and text complement one another to allow for a broad range and depth of interpretation that ultimately invites the reader to consider their own notions about Milo and his destination. Things are not always as they seem, and our diverse world will benefit from this beautiful, contemplative story.
"The Mitten Award Committee engaged in rigorous and thoughtful conversation surrounding a broad range of picture books with fresh perspectives on our country and world, including many impressive works of fiction, biographies, and engaging styles of storytelling. Milo Imagines the World, which landed on our consideration list at the beginning of our service term, was a story that kept creeping back into our conversation throughout the year," said Adrienne Baker, 2022 Mitten Award Workgroup Chair.
“Its well-rounded and fresh take on one boy’s physical and mental journey placed it at the top of our lists time and time again and was even deemed, “perfect,” by many committee members. We are grateful to Matt de la Peña and Christian Robinson for bringing this important tale to life in our libraries, bookshelves, and ultimately, the hands of our young Michiganders.”
MLA announced the winners and honor books of the 2022 Mitten, YouPer and Thumbs Up! Awards on Friday, May 27 at the MLA 2022 Youth Literary Awards. The awards selection group members worked throughout the year spending thousands of hours reading, reviewing and ranking hundreds of books to determine the top titles published in 2021. Watch the announcement below!
2022 Mitten Award WinnerMilo Imagines the World |
2022 YouPer Award WinnerOphie’s Ghosts |
2022 Thumbs Up! Award WinnerIn the Wild Light |
(Listed in random order)
Milo Imagines the World
Author: Matt de la Peña
Illustrator: Christian Robinson
Publisher: Putnam Publishers
Out of Nowhere
Author: Chris Naylor-Ballesteros
Illustrator: Chris Naylor-Ballesteros
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Time for Bed, Old House
Author: Janet Costa Bates
Illustrator: A.G. Ford
Publisher: Candlewick
We All Play
Author: Julie Flett
Illustrator: Julie Flett
Publisher: Greystone Books
Best Day Ever!
Author: Marilyn Singer
Illustrator: Leah Nixon
Publisher: Clarion
Dumplings for Lili
Author: Melissa Iwai
Illustrator: Melissa Iwai
Publisher: Norton Young Readers
Looking for a Jumbie
Author: Tracey Baptiste
Illustrator: Amber Ren
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Areli is a Dreamer: A True Story by Areli Morales, a DACA Recipient
Author: Areli Morales
Illustrator: Luisa Uribe
Publisher: Random House Studio
The Midnight Fair
Author: Gideon Sterer
Illustrator: Mariachiara Di Giorgio
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Dad Bakes
Author: Katie Yamasaki
Illustrator: Katie Yamasaki
Publisher: Norton Young Readers
2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021