Which award is given annually for the most distinguished American children's book published the previous year?

The John Newbery Medal is awarded annually to the author of the most distinguished American children's book published in the previous year. This prestigious recognition has been a hallmark of children's literature since its inception in 1922 and is named after John Newbery, an 18th-century publisher known for promoting children's literature. The criteria for receiving the Newbery Medal focus on the book's literary qualities, including themes, characters, and the overall contribution to children's literature, celebrating works that engage young readers and resonate with them emotionally and intellectually.

The Caldecott Medal, while also a significant award in children's literature, is specifically given for excellence in illustration, rather than authoring a literary work. The Decibel Award and Carnegie Medal focus on different aspects of children's literature, with the Decibel Award being less widely recognized. Thus, the Newbery Medal stands out as the key accolade for distinguishing exemplary children's literature authored by Americans each year.