Handy Topics in the Curriculum Department

The Sydney Taylor Book Award is presented annually to outstanding books for children and teens that authentically portray the Jewish experience. Presented by the Association of Jewish Libraries (AJL) since 1968, the Award encourages the publication and widespread use of quality Judaic literature. Gold medals are presented in three categories: Younger Readers, Older Readers, and Teen Readers. Honor Books are awarded silver medals, and Notable Books are named in each category. 

Occasionally, a Body of Work Award has been presented.  For information on those recipients, please see the award website.

Please note:  From 1968-2004, the dates reflect the publication date.  This dating policy changed in 2006, when the date listed started to reflect the year the award was presented, not the publication date (i.e. the books listed under 2004 were published in 2004, the books listed under 2006 were published in 2005).

Also:  The "Teen Readers" category did not start until 2007.  Despite this, some books prior to this date were listed in the Teen category in the 1968-Present list consulted on the award website when this guide was created.  Due to the knowledge of when the Teen category was created, all Teen notations on this guide and in the records have been adjusted to "Older Readers."

"Dating system changed this year to reflect year in which award is announced instead of year of publication. Award-giving did NOT skip a year." -- note on complete list provided on award website