Learn more about the Garden State Children's Book Award (GSCBA) committee with these Frequently Asked Questions (and answers!)

How can I join the GSCBA committee?

The committee is made up of volunteers from public and school libraries across the state of New Jersey. The only requirement is to be a member of the New Jersey Library Association (NJLA). Committee members may hold any job title or even be retired! Per committee by-laws, membership is capped at 25 members. Interested parties should email gscbacom@gmail.com to inquire if there are any open spots for the current cycle.

What do committee members do?

The committee meets three times per NJLA year (July 1 - June 30): once in the early fall to receive reading assignments, once in early winter to create the ballot, and once at the NJLA conference for the Garden State Book Awards luncheon. 

The majority of GSCBA committee work is done between meetings. Members compile information, read eligible books, keep notes on candidate titles, and promote the award while keeping in touch with one another via email and shared documents.

How much do committee members read?

All committee members read every Early Reader up for consideration. In addition, each committee member self-selects to read either Fiction or Nonfiction. (Graphic Format books are assigned within Fiction or Nonfiction depending on which fits best.) Typically, members read about 20 Early Readers and an additional 20 Fiction or Nonfiction titles per GSCBA cycle.

Are there any leadership positions on the GSCBA committee?

Yes! Each committee year four positions are filled by self-nomination: Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Social Media Coordinator. The Chair also serves as Immediate Past Chair the following year. It is preferred that the Chair have served in at least one of these other positions previously. 

What can librarians, teachers, parents, and other adults who are not on the committee do?

Adults, please remind children to vote! Putting together displays, book talks, programs, and social media posts are all fun ways to promote the ballot. (See the GSCBA tip sheet for ideas and inspiration.) Most importantly, talking about awards such as GSCBA encourages reading and a lifelong love of literature.

Who can vote for the GSCBA?

What makes the Garden State Children's Book Award so special is that the winners are determined by popular vote and children are the voters. Any child can vote! Children do not have to read every single title on the ballot in order to vote for their favorite. In fact, they do not even have to vote in all four categories. 

How can I submit my book to be considered for an award?

GSCBA does not accept author or publisher submissions for the ballot. Nominees are selected from a long list collated by committee members and whittled down to meet eligibility requirements. Per committee by-laws, eligible books are American hardcover titles; reprints, re-issues, and newly illustrated versions of older titles are not considered. All nominees are professionally reviewed in publications such as Kirkus and School Library Journal, among others.