The American Library Association on
Monday announced it has added another prize to its Stonewall Book
Awards.
The Stonewall Children's and Young
Adult Literature Award will recognize an English-language children's
book “of exceptional merit relating to the gay, lesbian, bisexual
and transgendered experience.”
“Children's books regarding the LGBT
experience are critical tools in teaching tolerance, acceptance and
the importance of diversity,” Roberta Stevens, president of ALA,
said in a statement.
“Our nation is one of diverse
cultures and lifestyles and it is important for parents, educators
and librarians to have access to quality children's books that
represent a spectrum of cultures,” she added.
In making its announcement, the group
cited figures by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
that show 14 million children are being raised by a gay or lesbian
parent and the latest Census data which estimates that more than 56
percent of gay households have at least one child under the age of
18.
According to the New York Times,
award winners are closely watched by librarians, teachers and
parents.