Through the Mock EJK program students enjoy analyzing picture books and in the process incorporate the concepts of equity, justice and diversity into their world view.
Sign up in October, run the Mock, send us your results, and receive a $200 book gift certificate!
Read about the Mock Program Children & Libraries, The Journal of ALSC *
Celebrating the 2025 EJK Mock Awards All Across the Country
View this list of all participating schools and the books they chose.
What Students are Saying
“The thing I liked best about the EJK was getting to vote on what books I liked best. I felt like my thoughts were important.” Azi T. Galloway Elementary, TX (3rd-5th Grade)
“Now I pay more attention to small little details like in the illustrations because they can give you hints about what happens in the end and it helps me understand the story better. I never really paid attention to that before.” – Aaron R., Cornerstone Academy, Rochester, NY (3rd-5th Grade)
“It was fun when I talked to my classmates about some of the books I read because they really listened and it was fun for them too.” – Charity R. Elkins Elementary, Arkansas (3rd-5th Grade)
What Educators are Saying
“We used this opportunity to meet not only reading standards but also social studies, art, and even science. As an educator, I absolutely loved it! I look forward to participating again next year. ” Cecilia Archer, Choctaw Elementary, OK
“I am committed to adding the Mock EJK to my library programming, because I love watching my students grow as readers.” Shelly Porter, Elkins Elementary, Elkins, Arkansas
“We’re already planning for next year and are excited to continue using the Ezra Jack Keats Mock Award as a way to grow, learn, and connect.” Jennifer Lindner, Lindenhurst UFSD, Lindenhurst, NY
The 2026 Mock EJK form goes live in October – Mark your calendar to sign up to participate!
$200 Bookshop Gift Certificate Offer RENEWED! Run the Mock, send us your results, and get new books for your classroom!
Toolkit
(Based on the actual Ezra Jack Keats Award process)
The toolkit provides the information needed to run a successful EJK Mock and is easily modified to best serve the needs of your students.
Toolkit (Printable pdf) Contains:
- Lesson Plans – mapping out every step of the way
- Slides of the Criteria – easy for kids to understand
Give your students (grades K-12) a vote…and a chance to choose the picture book they feel best:
- Celebrates Diversity
- Hugs their heart
- Shows change and growth are possible
- Highlights the importance of community and family
To receive our newsletter or ask questions, email Jocelyn McCarthy, at jmccarthy@ejkf.org
Special thanks to those who made these toolkits possible:
- Dr. Ramona Caponegro, University of Alabama
- Caroline Ward, Youth Literature Consultant
- Chris Carter, Teacher, NYC Public Schools
- John Scott, School Librarian, Powhatan Elementary, Baltimore, MD
From the Friends School of Baltimore:
- Andy Hanes
- Mary Kelly
- Frances Morrissey
- Diana White
And to our kit reviewers:
- Matthew Bower
- Anna Brannin
- Josie Bustos
- Wendy Clark
- Maria Estrella
- Catherine Mangan
- Christine Nassar
- Montana Rindahl
- Anjie Trusty
- Ally Watkins
- Roberta Woodruff
*Reprinted with permission from Children and Libraries: The Journal of the Association for Library Service to Children (Vol. 22, No. 2, Summer 2024), a division of the American Library Association.