American Indian Youth Literature Award

The American Indian Youth Literature Award honors the best writing and illustration for young people by Native American and Indigenous authors and illustrators of North America. It is presented by the American Indian Library Association, an affiliate of the American Library Association, and was first given in 2006 at the Joint Conference of Librarians of Color.

The award is given every two years, in even-numbered years, with the odd years reserved for nominations. Winners are named in three categories, picture book, middle grade and young adult, and the picture book award recognizes both author and illustrator. Each committee may also select up to five honor books per category, so every round produces a broad list of recommended titles by Native creators for readers, families, teachers and librarians.

Books for young people written or illustrated by Native American and Indigenous people of North America, considered in picture book, middle grade and young adult categories.