Original picture books, written and illustrated by NYC public school students, grades 3-12.
Meet our stellar jury with professionals from the Studio Museum of Harlem, School of Visual Arts, School Library Journal, representatives from all of NYC’s public library systems, and NYCPS School Library Services.
Over 50 educators from across the country are signed-up!
Your students are the judges and using actual EJK Award protocol based criteria, they pick their own Mock EJK Award winning books!
Virtual and In-Person learning tools
• Book Discussion Guides use EJK Award books for pizzazz
• Mock EJK Award promotes engaged reading
• Read Aloud Guide new tips for old pros
• Keats Author Study tools to inspire kids with EJK classics
EJK Award is given annually to an outstanding new writer and new illustrator by the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation in partnership with the de Grummond Children’s Literature Collection at the University of Southern Mississippi (USM).
• 30 minute Documentary
• Compelling History of Diversity in Children’s Literature
• In-depth Discussion Guide for a Classroom or Group
2023 EJK Awards Announced
Writer Winner: Kari Percival
Illustrator Winner: Doug Salati
Writer Honors: Pauline David-Sax & Juliana Perdomo
Illustrator Honors: Chioma Ebinama & Zahra Marwan
EJK Bookmaking Competition
Make reading, writing and illustrating fun for your students. For public schools (grades 3–12)
About Ezra
Ezra Jack Keats changed children’s literature with the success of his groundbreaking book, The Snowy Day, in 1962. He believed all children should be able to see themselves in books they love.