Selection Criteria

The RI Middle School Book Award shall have the following selection criteria:

• The book must be published within the two (2) years preceding (not including the year of the award). For the 2025-2026 selection committee, the selection committee will look at books published in 2024-2025.

• Only books that are the first in a series will be considered.

• All nominees must be in print.

• Books chosen for RITBA or RICBA in previous years will not be eligible for RIMSBA.

The committee will consider the following when evaluating nominees for the final list:

• A well-constructed plot and defined story structure.

• Strong characterization.

• Striking language.

• Vivid setting.

• Appeal for readers in Grades 6-8.

Book Nominations

• Members of the RIMSBA Committee should nominate books based on the above criteria.

• Anyone may nominate a book via the RIMSBA website.  These books must be seconded by a RIMSBA committee member before being considered.

• Books nominated by publishers and/or authors must be seconded by a committee member before being added to the list of titles under consideration.

• Nominations must be submitted by the January meeting in order to be considered at the Voting Meeting in March.