The Maud Hart Lovelace Book Award was established in 1980. Each year, a group of nominees is chosen in two categories: Division 1 Gr. 3–5 and Division 2 Gr. 6–8.
The Star of the North Picture Book Award was established in 2013 under the auspices of the Minnesota Youth Reading Awards. The purpose of the award is to promote quality, engaging picture books and reading for pleasure among school-aged children. All students may vote on their favorite book in the spring.