National Council for the Social Studies is pleased to announce its call for nominations of books eligible to receive the Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray Book Award. This award is presented to the most distinguished young reader non-fiction books that provide insight into experiences and historical events representing diverse gender expressions and gender identities.

2024 Awards

Submissions for this award will open July 16, 2024.

Eligibility Criteria:

This year the Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray Committee will recognize books that celebrate Murray’s compassionate spirit based on the following criteria: 

(1) nonfiction works that allow for author creativity to tell hard stories,

(2) demonstrate respect for the worth and importance of individual(s)/group(s) presented,

(3) accurately reflect the cultures, experiences, perspectives, and values of individuals and their identities, and

(4) written for children or young people.

How are books evaluated?

Generally, nominated books are evaluated for the following traits:

• Books with a copyright of 2023

• (Non)fiction that may include, but not limited to fictionalized accounts, narrative, lyrical, poetic, expository, hybrid, dual-purpose text, and including author creativity to tell hard stories.*

• Respect for the worth and importance of individual(s)/group(s) presented. 

• Focus on individuals and issues that provide insight into experiences and historical events representing diverse gender expressions/gender identities.

• Avoid distorting, patronizing, and stereotyping in text and illustrations. 

• The books should accurately reflect the cultures, experiences, perspectives, and values of individuals and their identities.

• Well written and reflect originality in presentation and theme.

• Written for children or young people (standard terms with specific meaning used by American Library Association and librarians).

• They should be primarily trade or supplementary books rather than encyclopedias or textbooks.

In addition, elementary books (grades K-6) are also evaluated for:

• Readability
• Suitability to age level
• Curriculum enhancement
• Illustrations
• Pluralistic values

Middle school books (grades 5-8) are also evaluated for:

• Stylistic excellence
• Suitability to middle-level students
• Curriculum enhancement
• Illustrations
• Exploration of pluralistic values

Secondary books (grades 7-12) are also evaluated for:

• Stylistic excellence
• Suitability
• Scholarship
• Illustrations
• Pluralistic values

Submission Process:

1. Complete the NCSS Book Awards Publisher Information Form.
2. E-mail/mail a cover letter to each selection subcommittee member. Cover letters must include your name, e-mail address, phone number, and the grade level of each title you are submitting: elementary (grades K-6), middle (grades 5-8), or secondary (grades 7-12).
3. Mail your nominated book to all members of the selection subcommittee. All books must be clearly labeled to indicate the award(s) for which they are being submitted.