Allergic: A Graphic Novel written by Megan Wagner and illustrated by Michelle Mee Nutter is the 2024 Charlie May Simon Award Winner.
The Charlie May Simon Children’s Book Award for children’s literature has been presented annually since 1971 to an author whose book has been selected through a vote taken by Arkansas school children in grades four, five and six. The purpose of the award is to promote better reading for children and to recognize Charlie May Simon (1897-1977), one of Arkansas’ most prolific authors.
Reading, Selection, & Awards Process
Titles for consideration are selected by the committee per established guidelines. Committee members are supported during the consideration process by volunteer readers. Any adult resident of Arkansas or Arkansas student in 7th-12th grades can volunteer to be a reader for the award. Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Ruth Hyatt for more information.
Voting
The Charlie May Simon Award winner is selected annually by student votes. Ballot collection forms are sent to all schools in early May. The voting window is open for one week only. Contact Cassandra Barnett if you need to be added to the ballot distribution list.
The goal is to give as many students as possible the chance to participate in the voting process. Previously, if they didn’t have access to three of the nominees during the school year, then they were denied the opportunity to vote. Now, if your student has only had the chance or made the choice to read or be read only one of the titles on the nominee list, and they love it, they may cast their vote for it. If they have had a chance to experience more than one title, they must choose their favorite and cast a single vote for that title.
About Charlie May Simon
Charlie May Simon was born August 17, 1897 near Monticello, Arkansas. During her distinguished career, Charlie May Simon wrote over 27 books for children and young adults. Her first work, Robin on the Mountain, was published in 1934 and is considered a classic in children’s literature. Other works include Straw in the Sun, Green Grows the Prairie, and Art in the New Land.
Throughout her lifetime Charlie May Simon traveled extensively, spending time in Paris, Japan, and Africa. Although best known for her children’s writing, Charlie May Simon also wrote extensively for adults. Charlie May Simon’s writing provides a complex depiction of the Ozark way of life, its culture, and Arkansas’ early homesteaders.
For more information about the program, contact:
- Ruth Hyatt
- Library Coordinator, Youth Services
- ruth.hyatt@ade.arkansas.gov or (501) 682-2860.
