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Iowa Wild Rose Award
The Iowa Wild Rose Award, established in 2009, will honor an author/illustrator of books for children/young adults.  The first award was given in 2010.  News Release.

Libraries, publishers, and readers of all types are eligible to nominate an author/illustrator.

 The Iowa Wild Rose Award will recognize an author/illustrator of books for children/young adults whose body of work represents a substantial and lasting contribution to literature for children/young adults.  The author's /illustrator's body of work must demonstrate an excellence in literature and promote a love of reading and literature.  One to two touchstone titles will be specifically cited as being especially significant in the recipient's body of work. 

Authors or illustrators who are natives of Iowa or long-time residents (Iowans) are eligible for the award.  Authors or illustrators who are not Iowans may have their body of work considered if they have authored or illustrated a significant title that has an Iowa setting or whose book has a distinctive and prominent Iowa focus (events, people, or history).  The body of work must also meet the other criteria for selection.

The award will be presented annually by a committee convened especially for the selection of the award recipient.  Sponsored initially by McBookwords, a literacy organization, the award will recognize an outstanding contribution to children's/young adult's literature of Iowa. This award has been established to encourage the reading, writing and appreciation of books for children and young adults, and to foster pride in the state of Iowa.

Information about how to nominate an author/illustrator for this award.

Charter Organizing Committee:

Sharron McElmeel, LMS - Director of McBookwords  (Chair)
Cheryl Kolar, LMS - Literacy advocate  (Secretary)
Jean Schwegler, LMS - career library media specialist, Marion (Iowa) (School liaison)
Kim Klostermann - Reading Instructionist, Cedar Rapids Schools  (Treasurer)
Lily Lau - Administrator, East Central Library Services  (Public library liaison)
Advisory/selection Committee
If you would like to be involved as a member of the advisory/selection committee please contact Sharron McElmeel at mcelmeel@mcelmeel.com
National Children's Book and Literacy Alliance


Children's/YA Authors/Illustrators - with Iowa Connections
  • Information about Iowa -- Iowa Links
  • Green Frog Gifts
    A site that offers gifts with Iowa connections.  Iowa shaped cutting boards, cookie cutters, apple items (Did you know the red delicious apple originated in Iowa?), a toddler travel pack featuring pigs (Iowa is known for its production of pigs -- and this cuddly pig package is too cute to miss.), beautiful baby gifts, kitchen items, golf items (Iowa has the most golf courses per capita than any other USA state.), children's books (An autographed copy of Barn Raising by Craig Brown is a special offering-- the story is set in Kalona Iowa's Amish community.), and other too good to miss gifts.