Jane Addams Children's Book Award

It's never too early to start promoting social justice, especially if you believe that world peace lies in the hands of today's children.

The Women's International League for Peace and Freedom honors authors and illustrators who "effectively promote the cause of peace, social justice, world community, and the equality of the sexes and all races." They honor them by presenting an annual award for longer children's books and picture books. The awards were first given in 1953, with the picture book category added in 1993.

For many years, the award was given on the September birthday of Jane Addams. As of 2003, the winners are announced on April 28, the anniversary of the founding of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom.

Jane Addams was the first president of the League and the first American woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize.