We envision a future where people actively work to dismantle injustices and build a more peaceful, equitable world.
JAPA Award Winners collage
Deepening understanding of peace and justice for children and their adults through reflection, dialogue and social action.

All children deserve the opportunity to see themselves reflected in books, as well as learn about those who are different from them. We believe books open our minds, our hearts, and our worlds. Jane Addams Children’s Book Award commended titles are books in which young people feel seen, celebrated, valued, and empowered to question, discuss, and act. – With gratitude for the work of Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop

2023 Jane Addams Children’s Book Awards

Winner

Choosing Brave: How Mamie Till-Mobley and Emmett Till Sparked the Civil Rights Movement

Books for Younger Children by Angela Joy, illustrated by Janelle Washington

Winner

Undercover Latina

Books for Older Children by Aya De León

Honor

Sanctuary: Kip Tiernan and Rosie’s Place

Books for Younger Children
Honor

Yonder

Books for Older Children
Honor

Swim Team

Books for Older Children

Jane Addams Peace Association 70th Anniversary Children’s Literature Awards

2022 Jane Addams Children’s Book Awards

Winner

Shirley Chisholm Dared: The Story of the First Black Woman in Congress

Books for Younger Children by Alicia D. Williams, illustrated by April Harrison

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Winner

How to Find What You’re Not Looking For

Books for Older Children by Veera Hiranandani

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Honor

Strong as Fire, Fierce as Flame

Books for Older Children Book Feature
Honor

Rez Dogs

Books for Older Children Book Feature
Honor

Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre

Books for Younger Children Book Feature

About the Jane Addams Children's Book Award

The Jane Addams Children’s Book Award annually recognizes children’s books of literary and aesthetic excellence that effectively engage children in thinking about peace, social justice, global community, and equity for all people. A national committee of members with passion for and expertise in children’s literature and social justice is responsible for making the choices each year.

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Help Support Our Mission

Your gift of any size to the Jane Addams Peace Association will help support and promote social justice narratives for today’s children and their adults as well as the reflection, dialogue, and social action that such narratives inspire.

Jane Addams

(1860-1935)

Jane Addams was a social activist who struck at the roots of social injustice through astute, persistent, thoughtful action during the first decades of the twentieth century. Addams worked tirelessly for reforms in child labor law, sanitation, housing conditions and work conditions for nearly four decades. Firmly grounded in the Chicago immigrant neighborhood surrounding Hull House–the settlement house she founded with Ellen Gates Starr in 1889–her vision went far beyond its boundaries.

Jane Addams and the White Supremacy of Her Time

Jane Addams Peace Association