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 2024-2025 selection committee, the selection committee will look at books published in 2023-2024.

-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.