The John and Patricia Beatty Award

About this program

The California Library Association’s John and Patricia Beatty Award recognizes distinguished children’s and young adult books that promote awareness of California, its people, heritage, or future. Winners in the Children’s and Young Adult categories receive a $500 prize and certificate, presented at the CLA annual conference. Eligible submissions are books published in the United States during the preceding calendar year, featuring children ages 0–12 or young adults ages 13–18, and set in California with a focus on its cultural heritage or people. For the 2027 award, books published in 2026 may be submitted from April 1, 2026, through February 28, 2027.