Welcome to the Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal home page!
The Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal is awarded annually to the author(s) and illustrator(s) of the most distinguished informational book published in English during the preceding year. The award is named in honor of Robert F. Sibert, the long-time President of Bound to Stay Bound Books, Inc. of Jacksonville, Illinois. ALSC administers the award.
2010 Medal Winner
Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream, written by Tanya Lee Stone, published by Candlewick Press
Women in space – not a big deal now, but it took more than 20 years for NASA to recognize that women have the Right Stuff. “Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream,” published by Candlewick Press, tells the story of the women aviators and aspiring astronauts known as the “Mercury 13,” who in the early 1960’s repeatedly proved themselves capable but could not overcome prevailing prejudices. Meticulously researched and handsomely illustrated with archival materials, Stone’s insightful, passionately written chronicle is sure to inspire.
“Stone has a less-is-more approach that really packs a wallop,” said Sibert Committee Chair Vicky Smith. “Readers will come away with their blood boiling. It’s a heckuva story.”
2010 Honor Books
The Day-Glo Brothers: The True Story of Bob and Joe Switzer’s Bright Ideas and Brand-New Colors, written by Chris Barton, illustrated by Tony Persiani, published by Charlesbridge
Ketchup bottles, magic tricks, kitchen experiments…and Day-Glo paint? Through an affectionate narration and eye-catching, retro illustrations, Barton and Persiani take readers on the serendipitous journey of “The Day-Glo Brothers,” culminating in practical Bob and entertainer Joe’s invention of these bright colors that have saved lives, changed advertising and become a staple on desks everywhere.
Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11, written and illustrated by Brian Floca, published by Richard Jackson/Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11 brings to life the grandeur, excitement and technological daring of the first lunar landing. This large-format picture book marries poetic text with heart-stopping watercolor, ink, acrylic and gouache illustrations that take readers to the moon and back.
Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice, written by Phillip Hoose, published by Melanie Kroupa Books/Farrar Straus Giroux, an imprint of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group
Hoose tells the long-overlooked story of a teenager who, nine months before Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery bus. This meticulously researched book fuses history with Colvin’s recollections of her experiences as a linchpin in the case that ended the historic boycott. Hoose lives in Portland, Maine.
Information books are defined as those written and illustrated to present, organize, and interpret documentable, factual material for children. There are no limitations as to the character of the book, although poetry and traditional literature are not eligible. Honor books may be named; they shall be books that are truly distinguished. The first award was announced at the Midwinter Meeting in 2001 and then presented at the ALSC Membership Meeting held during the Annual Conference.