The Columbia River Kids’ Choice Award started as an idea about 9-10 years ago. Several local librarians were concerned with the existing Washington State awards for middle grade (MG) chapter books, and the progression away from quality literature and engaging stories for elementary students to a more political and social focus more suited for middle school-aged students.  

In the fall of 2022, we decided to quit talking about it and move forward. In the midst of continual calls, nationwide, for banning books while we formulated our mission and charter, our focus was finding a range of appealing literature that students could relate to and empathize with while still remaining developmentally appropriate for upper elementary students. 

Finding age-appropriate books for elementary students rather than fighting a call for censoring or banning books was our motivation.  We all believed that we could find award-worthy, engaging books that reflect windows and mirrors for our student populations without unsettling content more suited for middle school or high school maturity.