The Neilma Sidney Prize and ALA LibLearnX: The Library Learning Experience in Phoenix, Arizona, January 24 – 27, 2025
The Sidney Prize honors children and teenagers’ books with Jewish content published in the US. It is named in honour of All-of-a-Kind Family author Sydney Taylor and administered by the Association of Jewish Libraries, an affiliate of American Library Association (ALA). Each year it is awarded in three categories – Younger Readers, Older Readers and Teen Readers – winning titles are marked with gold seal. Since 1988 Honor Books are also chosen in addition to winning ones; Honor books receive silver seal designation. Furthermore, this year the committee designated Notable Books that do not win but deserve additional consideration – lists are made public alongside winner lists to encourage debate around certain titles!
Patrick Lenton, Alice Bishop, and Sara Saleh judged this year’s Neilma Sidney Short Story Prize with over 500 submissions, and selected eight shortlisted pieces to narrow it down to eight final entries from that number. Their jury found ‘Who Rattles the Night?’ by Claire Aman as winner with two runners-up stories chosen for writing, originality and explorations of travel themes in general. Overall they were very impressed with this year’s entries and would like to thank each one who entered for upholding its integrity throughout this blind judging process!
A full list of winners and honorable mentions for the 2025 Sydney Taylor Book Award can be found on the Association of Jewish Libraries (AJL) website, while they will be honored during an awards ceremony during ALA LibLearnX: The Library Learning Experience in Phoenix from January 24 – 27. Established by the Association of Jewish Libraries in 1985 to encourage authors of Jewish fiction for younger readers, its Committee expanded it in 1987 to include older readers before in 2006 adding a category specifically dedicated to teenage fiction authors.
First time ever in our history, LibLearnX will co-locate with the American Library Association Midwinter Meeting and Sydney Prize awards will be distributed at both events. Speakers for both events include scholars, activists, community leaders, educators librarians and media professionals from around the country and world – plus 60 sessions including workshops panel discussions symposiums etc.
Ron Rash of Western Carolina University will receive the Sidney Lanier Prize for Southern Literature on April 18th from Spencer B. King Center for Southern Studies in Macon Georgia. This prize has been generously supported by its funders.