The Children’s Africana Book Awards (CABA) are presented annually to the authors and illustrators of the best children’s and young adult books on Africa published or republished in the U.S. The awards were created by Africa Access and the Outreach Council of the African Studies Association (ASA) to encourage the publication and use of accurate, balanced children’s materials about Africa.  CABA has three major objectives (1) to encourage the publication of children’s and young adult books that contribute to a better understanding of African societies and issues, (2) to recognize literary excellence, and (3) to acknowledge the research achievements of outstanding authors and illustrators. The awards are presented in two categories: Young Children and Older Readers.

The National Consortium for Teaching about Asia (NCTA), the Committee on Teaching about Asia (CTA) of the Association for Asian Studies (AAS), and Asia for Educators (AFE) at Columbia University sponsor the annual Freeman Book Awards for new young adult and children’s literature. The awards recognize quality books for children and young adults that contribute meaningfully to an understanding of East and Southeast Asia. Awards are given in two categories: Children’s and Young Adult Literature on the several countries of East and Southeast Asia. Titles are vetted by content specialists for historical and cultural accuracy, and by classroom teachers, librarians, and teacher trainers for age-appropriate use.

Winners for 2025 are: My Mother, the Mermaid Chaser by Jamie Jo Hoang (young adult high school); Space Walking with You Volume 1 written and illustrated by Inuhiko Doronoda (young adult graphic novel); The Beasts Beneath the Winds: Tales of Southeast Asia’s Mythical Creatures edited by Hanna Alkaf and illustrated by Jes and Cin Wibowo (young adult middle school); and Sarang Saves the School by Korena Di Roma Howley and illustrated by Joowon Oh (children’s literature).  Information about Honorable Mention and Of Note Titles as well as past winners are detailed on the Freeman Book Awards website.  FREE curriculum connections, culture notes, and other teaching resources for selected titles are posted there as well.

Established in 1999 by the Middle East Outreach Council, the Middle East Book Award recognizes quality books for children and young adults that contribute meaningfully to an understanding of the Middle East and its component societies and cultures. Books are judged on the authenticity of their portrayal of a Middle Eastern subject, as well as on characterization, plot, and appeal for the intended audience. For the purposes of this award, the Middle East is defined as: Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, the Palestinian Territories, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.Your content goes here.

Each year an increasing number of high-quality children’s and young adult books are published that portray South Asia or South Asians living abroad.  To encourage and commend authors and publishers who produce such books, and to provide librarians and teachers with recommendations for educational use, the South Asia National Outreach Consortium (SANOC) offers a yearly book award to call attention to outstanding works on South Asia.