Evanston Children Vote for Blueberry Award Winners
The Evanston Public Library is inviting young readers to help select the year's top environmental literature for children.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Civic Engagement
Live Poll
Should children be directly involved in the decision-making process for local awards and community programs?
Children in Evanston are participating in the selection process for the annual Blueberry Awards, which recognize literature focused on nature and climate issues. The event at the Main Library allows young readers to review and vote for nominated titles.
Why it matters
The program aims to address climate anxiety in youth by focusing on books that emphasize nature appreciation and collective action. By involving children in the selection, the library promotes engagement with environmental literature that highlights achievable solutions.
The awards target an audience of children aged three through 10, with five nominations currently up for Blueberry Votes and three for Preschool Blueberry Votes. This selection process follows an annual program that recognizes approximately 40 authors for their contributions to eco-literature.
The players
Evanston Public Library
This local institution provides community resources and hosts educational programming for residents of Evanston.
The details
Committees comprised of environmentalists, library staff, and scholars curate nominations based on scientific accuracy and effectiveness of calls to action. Participants at the library review these selections and provide feedback on their emotional response and the practicality of the climate actions suggested in the texts.
Timeline
September 16 saw the committee announce nominees for the children-voted categories.
October 24, 2026, marked the date children gathered at the library to cast their votes.
Political Context
The library initiative follows the pattern set by the Paris Agreement's climate education mandates to increase public understanding of ecological issues through grassroots engagement. Critics of such programs often argue that early childhood education should focus on fundamental literacy rather than complex policy-driven social issues.
Local families with children aged three through 10 can participate in these voting sessions to shape the library's recommended reading lists. The process encourages children to critically engage with climate-related content and provide input on environmental resources available in the city.
The takeaway
Engaging children in the selection of environmental literature can help turn abstract climate concerns into concrete, relatable topics for young readers. Parents can support this by encouraging their children to discuss the themes presented in these books at home.
Further reading
Learn more about local opportunities for Civic Engagement to get involved in community initiatives.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Daily Northwestern.
Live Poll
Should children be directly involved in the decision-making process for local awards and community programs?
