Supporting Excellence in Literature for Children Ages 9-12 Year Olds
The Judy Lopez Memorial Award is granted annually, and is in remembrance of Judy Lopez, a bookseller and founding member of the Los Angeles Chapter of the Women’s National Book Association. When Judy passed away, her family wished to honor her memory by continuing the goal of encouraging reading in children. The Judy Lopez Foundation was formed by Judy’s parents, Ralph and Desda Slottow, with her brother, Jeff Slottow, Santa Monica Library Children’s Librarian Ami Kirby, and volunteer Hadassa K. Gilbert. The first award was presented in 1986, and each year it is given to the author of the medal-winning book.
The award is granted for works of literary excellence, and is judged by a panel of librarians, educators, and publishing professionals. The winning author receives a signature engraved bronze medal, originally sculpted by Alex Shagin and modeled after Judy Lopez’ daughter, who was then 9 years old.
The Judy Lopez Memorial Award Committee is proud to administer this prestigious national award, and invites you to consider donating to support children’s literature. If you are interested in serving on the Award Committee, or would like more information, please email Cynthia: judylopezmemorialaward@gmail.com.
SELECTION COMMITTEE
Gail Kim is a career children’s librarian working at Los Angeles Public Library. Her mother made sure that she had access to diverse books as far back as she can remember.
Brien Lopez is the general manager of Children’s Book World in Los Angeles, a Pannell Award - winning bookstore whose mission is that every child sees themselves and each other reflected on bookshelves. He has been a bookseller for three decades, having previously served at legendary Los Angeles bookstores Book Soup and Every Picture Tells a Story. Lopez is an advocate for BIPOC, LGBTQIA2+, and Disability representation and inclusion in all aspects of the children’s book industry. Lopez was the chairperson of the 2024 Young People’s Literature judging panel for the 75th National Book Awards.
Nikki Broderick is a Los Angeles native and has worked as a television writer. She holds her MLIS from San Jose State University and works at the Los Angeles Public Library.
Melanie Pentecost was either bitten by a radioactive reading bug as a child or simply had the good luck for a supportive mom who recognized reading comic books counted as “real reading”. By day she works as a children’s librarian for the Los Angeles Public Library and by night she sleeps because kids have way more energy than she does.
Marcy Drexler retired from LAUSD after 10 years as a Teacher Librarian. She is currently writing a memoir of her experience.
Yvette Vasquez holds a B.A. in Psychology from California State University, Los Angeles, and works as an assistant librarian at an elementary school, where she loves helping young readers discover stories that spark their imagination. A lifelong book lover whose childhood favorite was A Wrinkle in Time, she continues to find joy in the worlds books can open. She enjoys traveling, spending time with loved ones, and looks forward to pursuing her Master’s in Library Science to further her passion for connecting people with books.
SELECTION PROCESS
SELECTION COMMITTEE:
The Judy Lopez Memorial Award Selection Committee is comprised of educators, teachers, librarians, booksellers, authors, and other book professionals who work with children or have knowledge in children’s literature (for ages 9–12.)
The committee is comprised of six to twelve individuals, who read widely January through May, communicate via online platform, and meet virtually, and in person. If you are interested in serving on the Selection Committee, or would like more information, please email Gail: kidzlib@gmail.com.
SUBMISSIONS:
The selection process opens October 15, and closes January 15. Winners are announced in May. For further information, or to submit your work, please email your name, email address, submission title, and format to: jlasubmissions@gmail.com.
GUIDELINES:
The Judy Lopez Memorial Award for Children’s Literature is granted for a work of literary excellence for nine to twelve year-olds, written by a citizen or resident of the United States, or North America, published in the United States or Canada in the calendar year that precedes the award year.
ELEGITIBLITY:
- Should be suitable for children ages nine through twelve.
- May be books of any length, genre, or format
- “Citizen or resident of the United States” – citizens may reside outside of the borders of the United States or U.S. Territories.
- Canadian citizens have been recognized, provided the publication has been initially or simultaneously published in the
United States.
- “Published in the United States” – initially or simultaneously published in the United States.
- Once an author has received the Medal, all future works are ineligible for consideration.
- The Newbery Medalist is the only award which is ineligible.
- Newbery Honor and all other awards may be considered.
- No self-publications
- Stand-alone sequels are acceptable for consideration; dependent sequels are not.
The Judy Lopez memorial award is part of WNBA- LA, a 501 C3 non profit. All donations are tax-deductible.
