Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award

Robert F. Sibert
Informational Book Award

The Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award, established by the Association for Library Service to Children in 2001 with support from Bound to Stay Bound Books, is awarded annually to the author(s) and illustrator(s) of the most distinguished informational book published in the United States in English during the preceding year.

The award is named in honor of Robert F. Sibert, the long-time President of
Bound to Stay Bound Books, Inc. of Jacksonville, Illinois.

ALSC administers the award.
CLICK HERE to visit the ALA/ALSC web page.

What Is the
Robert F. Sibert
Informational
Book Award?

This award recognizes the author of the most distinguished informational book published during the preceding year. Informational books are those written and illustrated to present, organize and interpret verifiable, factual material for children. There are no limitations as to the character of the book, although poetry and traditional literature are not eligible. The award will be selected annually by a committee that can also name honor books. The winner will be announced at the ALA Awards press conference during the midwinter meeting and honored at the ALA Annual Conference.

Who Was
Robert F. Sibert?

Robert F. Sibert was the longtime President of Bound to Stay Bound Books, Inc. in Jacksonville Illinois. He distinguished himself within the American Library Association through his early work in establishing standards for book binding. His support of the library profession, and library education in particular, remains evident through the BTSB Scholarship. The Annual Scholarship, sponsored by BTSB and established in 1984, provides financial assistance in the form of annual awards for the education of individuals who intend to pursue an MLS or advanced degree and who plan to work in the area of library service to children.

"My father lived, breathed and dreamed children's books. I can't think of a tribute he would have been prouder of than to have his name forever associated with the great authors who I know will win this award," said Robert L. Sibert.

Why Informational Books?

"Informational books are absolutely essential for school and public libraries as they help young people explore the world around them. It is only fitting that there be an award that encourages excellence in these types of books." – Robert L. Sibert.

2026 Medal Winner & Honor Books

Click on any picture to be directed to the BTSB Bookstore where you can find more information and order these book(s).

Award Winner

Picture book biography and ode to conservation and science follows Peruvian agronomist Alberto Salas and his hunt for wild potatoes before they go extinct.

Honor Book

A biography of the legendary and inspiring Josefina “Joey” Guerrero: World War II spy, Filipina guerrilla fighter, war hero, Medal of Freedom recipient, leprosy survivor, teacher, and peacemaker.

Honor Book

A boy who loves stories grows into a teenager who escapes into his writing and then a young man who plays his typewriter like a piano to show the fullness of Black life, in this lyrical picture book biography of James Baldwin, the celebrated novelist, essayist, playwright, poet, and activist.

Honor Book

A picture book poetic summary about the origin and advancement of humans.

Honor Book

Explores the horrors and aftermath of Guatemala’s civil war, through the lens of two sisters desperate to survive after they’re separated during a military raid on their village. In graphic novel format.

Honor Book

A narrative nonfiction account that explores how Mount Tambora’s eruption in 1815 affected the global climate and inspired Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.