The Walter Award

The Walter Dean Myers Awards for Outstanding Children’s Literature—commonly known as the Walter Awards—were established in 2016 by We Need Diverse Books (WNDB) in memory of celebrated author and former National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, Walter Dean Myers. Myers was a passionate advocate for diversity in children’s books, famously stating, “Books transmit values.” The purpose of the Walter Awards is to recognize diverse authors whose works feature diverse protagonists and reflect the richness of all young readers’ experiences. The award promotes inclusivity and equity in publishing by honoring books that address race, ethnicity, disability, LGBTQ+ identities, and other underrepresented perspectives. The Walter Awards are given **annually** in two categories: Teen (ages 13–18) and Younger Readers (ages 9–13), with one winner and a list of honor books in each category, typically announced during a public ceremony in Washington, D.C., each spring.

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