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The NCTE Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children is a prestigious literary award established by the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) in 1977. It was created to recognize and honor a living American poet for their aggregate body of work that demonstrates excellence in poetry written specifically for children aged 3 to 13.

Key Points in its History:

Established in 1977: The award was initiated to promote poetry for children and encourage its inclusion in classroom instruction.

Biennial Presentation: Originally awarded every three years, it shifted to a biennial (every two years) schedule in 1982.

First Recipient: The first winner was David McCord, celebrated for his wit and innovative use of language in children's verse.

Judging Process: A committee of NCTE members—including educators, poets, and librarians—reviews nominations and selects the winner.

Legacy and Influence: The award has helped elevate the profile of children’s poetry, contributing to greater classroom integration and inspiring future poets and educators.

The award continues to spotlight poets whose work makes poetry engaging and meaningful for children, fostering a lifelong love of language and literature.

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Award Eligibility:

The recipient is selected based on their entire body of work, which must exhibit:

High literary quality

Appeal to children

A positive, imaginative use of language

Accessibility for young readers

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Amanda West Lewis. Illus. by Oliver Averill. (2024, Kids Can Press).

Get ready to blast off through our solar system—from the blazing Sun to the icy fringes beyond Pluto—in a truly unique way! A Planet Is a Poem pairs each world with its own poetic form.

Perfect for curious kids age 8–12, this STEAM-infused adventure weaves science and art, offering both wonder and creative inspiration.

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Great Gusts: Winds of the World and the Science Behind Them

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Great Gusts: Winds of the World and the Science Behind Them

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by Melanie Crowder & Megan Benedict; illustrated by Khoa Le (2024, MIT Kids Press)

A breezy, globe-spanning picture book that brings fourteen unique winds to life through lively poems and vibrant illustrations. Each spread marries a poem, with an illustrated map and clear science sidebar explaining how the wind forms, where it blows, and what it means for people and places.

This book is a beautiful STEAM blend—ideal for sparking curiosity in kids aged 6–9 (and older!) through the poetry of nature.

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by Charles R. Smith Jr. (2024, Candlewick)

Get in the game with fast-paced, energetic poems celebrating thirteen current WNBA stars—Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, A’ja Wilson, Brittney Griner, Skylar Diggins-Smith, and more. Each poem bursts with rhythm, wordplay, and form, mirroring the style and swagger of its subject, and is paired with striking action photography. Brief end notes give insight into Smith’s poetic choices and the athletes behind them. A slam-dunk read for middle-grade sports fans and poetry lovers aged 8–12

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by Michelle Schaub; illus. Anne Lambelet (2024, Sleeping Bear Press)

Hop into a family road trip across the United States, where each stop—like California’s ancient Methuselah or the Emancipation Oak in Virginia—gets its own poem and poetic form. Stunning digital illustrations use layered leaves and rich fonts to bring each tree and its landscape to life. You’ll learn bitesize geography, botany, and history alongside the verse—as well as tips for planning your own “leafy” adventure. A verdant blend of STEAM and artistic exploration for kids aged 7–11.

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by Chitra Soundar; illus. Sandhya Prabhat (2024, Candlewick)

Drift into a soothing bedtime ritual framed in lush, rhyming couplets inspired by Indian lullabies and sprinkled with a refraining “Count the stars that twinkle bright… it’s time to hush.” A loving parent guides the child—and young readers—on a gently surreal, animal-filled dream journey from caves and bees to clouds and moonlight. The rich, vibrant nightscapes are a lullaby in themselves, beautifully suited for ages 2–5.

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by JaNay Brown‑Wood; illus. Jacqueline Alcántara (2024, Nancy Paulsen Books)

A sweet and familiar request turns into a warm celebration of family routines and connection. Through simple, rhythmic text and cozy illustrations, we watch a child return to the breakfast table again and again—each time asking, “Jam, too?” As the jar passes around, a special bond grows. It’s a gentle ode to the little moments that become traditions, perfect for ages 3–6.

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by Lisa Fipps (2024, Nancy Paulsen Books)

A burst of energy and self-discovery! Through dynamic free verse, young Samantha navigates big emotions—anger, frustration, and the pressure to stay “in control”—as she blossoms into her own voice. This heartfelt middle-grade debut explores identity, self-expression, and the power of finding your roar. Expect emotional crescendos and tender moments that build to a triumphant finale.

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by Kwame Alexander (2024, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers)

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by Renée Watson; illus. by Ekua Holmes (2024, Kokila)

A soul-stirring poetic journey through Black girlhood and young womanhood. Using a rich mix of forms—from tanka to free‑verse—Watson reflects on childhood memories, family legacies, contemporary social issues, and the resilient beauty of sisterhood. Holmes’ layered collage art deepens each poem, creating a tapestry of love, rebellion, identity, and self-empowerment. This collection celebrates resilience with grace and boundless hope.