Frederic G. Melcher Book Award

In a country where religious is typically associated with politics on the right, the Frederic G. Melcher Book Award recognizes the most significant literary contribution to religious liberalism.

The award, sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Society, is given annually. It comes in the form of a $1,000 cash plus a certificate. The award was created in 1964, conceived by Frederic Melcher, founder of Publishers Weekly and a Unitarian layman. He died before the first award was made, but his son continued it after his death. Frederic Melcher was also the person who recommended the creation of the prestigious Newbery Awards, including the suggestion that they be named after the 18th century bookseller. He also recommended the creation of the Caldecott Awards.

Each year's winner is selected by a panel of judges.

Winners