Eligibility

Books are judged in the following four categories:

• Elementary: Grades 3-5

  • Digital

  • Digital (WITH AI generated images)

  • Physical

  • Physical (WITH AI generated images)

• Middle School: Grades 6-8

  • Digital 

  • Digital (WITH AI generated images)

  • Physical

  • Physical (WITH AI generated images)

• High School: Grades 9-12

  • Digital 

  • Digital (WITH AI generated images)

  • Physical

  • Physical (WITH AI generated images)

Process

• One or more classes or a club engage in the book-making process under the supervision of a teacher(s) or librarian(s).

• Completed books will be sent via interoffice mail or hand delivered to the Library Media Services Department (at the Instructional Services Center).

• Please provide a link for digital books. The book must be uploaded into the Ezra Jack Keats Bookmaking folder by 11:59 pm of the final submission date.

• There is no limit to the number of books that may be submitted by a school.

• Student(s) may only submit either a physical or digital book, not both.

•  Students may use AI created images; the name of the AI tool used must be cited. 

Submission Form Instructions

Complete the entire EJK Bookmaking Competition Submission Form

• Submission form includes:

  • Contact Information

  • Declaration of Originality and Student Statement(s) - student(s) description of their creative vision and bookmaking process

  • Educator(s) confirmation and statement

  • School information

  • Consent and release

  • Permission Form (please print and submit with books or upload to this folder.)

• All writing and art must be original and created solely by the student(s)

• No more than two students may collaborate on a book

• All art media are accepted, including original computer images created by the student(s). Note: clip art is not considered original and will not be accepted.

• Books must be created as part of ongoing classroom instruction, or as a group extracurricular activity, under teacher and/or librarian supervision.

• Books must be handmade and firmly bound by the student. No pre-made books or components.

• Students may select their own theme, but this year we encourage students to reflect on their responses to the impactful events of the last year.

Digital Specifications

• Must follow all of the above criteria.

Physical Specifications

• Books must be no smaller than 6” x 8” and no larger than 15” x 18”

• Books should have at least 12 single side pages and no more than 32 including the cover.

• The handwritten text should be no longer than 1,000 words

• No platforms or stands for books

• Make sure all parts of the book are securely fastened

Submissions

• Submitted electronic submissions MUST be received by 11:59 pm, March 20, 2026

  • Submit electronic entries here.

• Original books MUST be received by March 20,2026

Judging

• Judging is based on the quality of writing and illustrations, layout, and general presentation.

• Judges are composed of school library media specialists, instructional technology specialists, art teachers, and educators.