Generally speaking, award winning books typically add to the value of a book. Indeed, some collectors focus their efforts on select book award categories and winners (including runners up).
Below, we've listed a number of the most notable book awards and their focus. A more comprehensive list of literary awards and related etails can be found at the American Library Association Web site (www.ala.org) which links to many of the award sites. In addition, you can find additional award-based information at http://www.bookwire.com.
The Caldecott Medal: This award is made annually by the Association for Library Service for Children, (a division of the American Library Association), to the artist of the most distinguished picture book for children. The award was named in honor of Randolph Caldecott, a wonderful nineteenth-century illustrator. Learn more at www.ala.org/awardsgrants/awards/6/all_years
The Newberry Medal: The Newbery is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children, (a division of the American Library Association), to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. The award is named for eighteenth-century British bookseller John Newbery. Learn more at www.ala.org.
National Book Award: This is an annual award given by the National Book Foundation for the Best Fiction novel of the year. Learn more at www.nationalbook.org
PEN/ Faulkner Award: This award was established in 1980 by writers to honor their peers. Currently the largest juried award for Fiction in the United States, the award is named in honor of William Faulkner, who used the money from his Nobel Prize to establish an award for promising young writers. Learn more at www.penfaulkner.org
The Coretta Scott King Book Awards: Given annually to outstanding African American authors and illustrators of books for children and young adults that demonstrate an appreciation of African American culture and universal human values. The award commemorates the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and honors his wife, Mrs. Coretta Scott King, for her courage and determination to continue her husband's work for peace. Learn more at www.ala.org/awardsgrants/coretta-scott-king-book-awards
The Nebula Award: Awarded annually by the Science Fiction Writers of America. Learn more at www.nebulaawards.com
The Hugo Award for Science Fiction Achievement: The Hugo is named in honor of Hugo Gernsback, the founder of the first professional science fiction magazine. The winner is chosen by a mail vote by the attending and supporting members of each World Science Fiction Convention. Learn more at www.thehugoawards.org
The Edgar Awards for the Best and Best First Mystery Novel(s): The Edgar is an annual award named in honor of Edgar Allan Poe, presented by the Mystery Writers of America. Learn more at www.mysterywriters.org
Pulitzer Prize for Fiction: Joseph Pulitzer, a publisher of the New York Globe, established the Pulitzer Prize through an endowment to Columbia University. The prizes are awarded annually. The Fiction Award is given for fiction in book form by an American author, preferably dealing with American life. Learn more at www.pulitzer.org
Pulitzer Prize for History: The Pulitzer Prize for History is for a distinguished and appropriately documented book on the history of the United States.
Pulitzer Prize for Drama: The Pulitzer Prize for Drama is for an American play, preferably an original, that deals with American life.
Pulitzer Prize for Poetry: The Pulitzer Prize for Poetry is for a distinguished volume of original verse by an American author.
The Man Booker Prize: Formerly the Booker Prize, the Man Booker is awarded annually for the best literature in the British Commonwealth of Nations. Learn more at www.themanbookerprize.com