The California Young Reader Medal was established in 1974 to encourage recreational reading of popular literature among the young residents of California.

 

The CYRM committee collects book nominations from young people, teachers, and librarians throughout the state before coming up with a list of nominees in five categories: Primary (picture books for grades K through 3), Intermediate (chapter books for grades 3 through 6), Picture Books for Older Readers (grades 4 and up), Middle School/Junior High (chapter books for grades 6 through 9), and Young Adult (chapter books for grades 9 through 12).

 

Students are encouraged to read books in their appropriate grade-level categories. They may vote for their favorite book in each category as long as they read every book in that category.