| CHARLIE MAY SIMON CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARD |
|
THE MIRACULOUS JOURNEY OF EDWARD TULANE by Kate DiCamillo is the winner of
the 2008-2009
|
ONE-HANDED CATCH by Mary Jane Auch is the Honor Book for 2008-2009. |
Reading Lists: 1970-2008 Award Books: 1970-2008
Ballots & Current Reading List 2009/2010
Note: 2009 award will be determined from this list in Spring 2010.
Arkansas Diamond Primary Book Award Link
The Charlie May Simon Children's Book Award for children's literature has been presented annually since 1971 to an author whose book has been selected through a vote taken by Arkansas school children in grades four, five and six. The purpose of the award is to promote better reading for children and to recognize Mrs. John Gould Fletcher, an outstanding Arkansas author who wrote under the pen name Charlie May Simon.
Charlie May Simon was born August 17, 1897, at Monticello, Arkansas, but moved to Memphis at an early age. She attended Memphis State University, Stanford University and the Chicago Art Institute. She returned to Arkansas after she married John Gould Fletcher in 1936. Throughout her lifetime, Mrs. Fletcher traveled extensively, gathering information for her many prize winning biographies. She lived at Johnswood, her home in Little Rock, until her death in 1977.
During her distinguished career, Charlie May
Simon wrote over 27 books for children and young adults. Her first work, ROBIN ON THE
MOUNTAIN, was published in 1934 and is considered a classic in children's literature.
Other works include STRAW IN THE SUN, ALL MEN ARE BROTHERS, and FAITH HAS NEED OF ALL THE
TRUTH.
If you have any questions about the reading lists or the award, contact Cathy Howser, chowser@asl.lib.ar.us, Arkansas State Library, Extension Services, One Capitol Mall, Little Rock, AR 72201.
