William Allen White Award

The William Allen White Children’s Book Award is the oldest statewide children’s book award in the United States. Named in honor of William Allen White, the award was established to encourage children across Kansas to read and enjoy quality literature.

Kansas students are encouraged to read as many books from the award list as possible throughout the year and then vote for their favorite title each spring. Votes are collected in libraries and schools across the state and submitted to Emporia State University, where they are counted and the winners are announced. Each year, two authors receive the William Allen White Award—one from the grades 3–5 reading list and one from the grades 6–8 reading list. In the fall, the winning authors attend a celebration in their honor, meet Kansas students, and accept their awards.

William Allen White served as editor of the Emporia Gazette. In 1896, he wrote the influential article “What’s the Matter with Kansas?”, which brought him national recognition and contributed to his legacy as an author, political leader, and prominent voice in the Progressive Movement. Thanks to the efforts of Ruth Garver Gagliardo, a children’s literature specialist at Emporia State University, the William Allen White Children’s Book Award was established in 1952 to honor his memory. In addition to the award, White Elementary School was also named in his honor.