Each year the American Library Association, at it's Mid-Winter Conference in January, presents several different awards for excellence in writing and illustration in children's and young people's books.

Two of the most prominent awards are the Randolph Caldecott Medal, and the John Newbery Medal. The Randolph Caldecott Medal is given each year for outstanding illustration in children's picture books.  The John Newbery Medal is given to recognize outstanding writing in books for older children. 

The 2005 Caldecott Award was given to Kitten's First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes (illustrator and author).

The 2005 Newbery Award went to Kira-Kira by Cynthia Kadohata.

The Coretta Scott King Award is presented annually by the Coretta Scott King Task Force of the American Library Association's Social Responsibilities Round Table. Recipients are authors and illustrators of African descent whose distinguished books promote an understanding and appreciation of the "American Dream."

The 2005 Coretta Scott King Author Award went to Remember: The Journey to School Integration by Toni Morrison.

The 2005 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award went to Ellington was not a Street, illustrated by Kadir Nelson, and written by Ntozake Shange.

Complete listing of other 2005 ALA award books and notable books for children can be found on the ALA web site.