The William Allen White Children’s Book Award is the oldest statewide Children’s book award in the United States. It was established in 1952. The award is named after and honors William Allen White, a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist from Kansas. This award was designed to ​encourage Kansas children to read and enjoy high quality literature.​

All Kansas students in 3rd-5th grade can participate by reading at least two of the books from the current years list of nominated books.  Scarborough students will vote in March.