We Need Diverse Books (WNDB) will present the first Walter Dean Myers Award on March 18, 2016, at 10:00AM at the Library of Congress in collaboration with the Center for the Book and the Young Readers Center.

The Walter Dean Myers Award, also known as “The Walter,” is given to a diverse author whose work features a diverse main character or addresses diversity in a meaningful way. The award is named for prolific children’s and young adult author Walter Dean Myers (1937 – 2014). Myers was a National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature as well as a champion of diversity in children’s and YA books.

“We are honored the Myers family granted us permission to name this award after the great Walter Dean Myers. He had an incredible influence in the world of literature and WNDB feels privileged to honor his legacy in this way,” says Ellen Oh, president of WNDB. “We are also very proud to unveil the logo for the Walter award which has been designed by the incredibly talented Phyllis Sa.”

As part of its promotional campaign for The Walter Dean Myers award, WNDB will help the award-winning book reach a large audience of young readers by purchasing several thousand copies for participating schools and libraries. WNDB will also work with the book’s author and publisher to provide Skype visits for schools and libraries. Some lucky schools and libraries may receive an in-person visit from the award-winning author.

The award ceremony will showcase and honor the winner of The Walter. Christopher Myers, the son of Walter Dean Myers, will serve as Master of Ceremonies and Jon Scieszka, Inaugural Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, will speak about Walter Dean Myers and his legacy.

“Walter Dean Myers was the third Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, a partnership between the Library of Congress and the Children’s Book Council. It is a fitting legacy to Walter to honor his distinguished literary career, as well as his successful Ambassadorship, with this award in his name to be launched at the Library of Congress,” says Karen Jaffe, head of the Young Readers Center.

For further information contact Hannah Gomez at weneeddiverseboooks@yahoo.com.