The books nominated should exhibit literary and/or artistic merit.

Eligible titles must have been published within three years preceding the current year.

Nominated titles should reflect an equitable consideration for a culturally diverse society.

Nonfiction titles that are nominated should exhibit narrative and/or artistic quality (suitable for reading aloud.)

Titles must be in print at the time of nomination.

Newbery or Caldecott Award winners are not eligible for nomination; however, Honor Books may be nominated.

The authors and/or illustrators should be living in the United States at the time of nomination.

Only one title of any one author or illustrator will be included on the current lists.

Authors and illustrators represented on final Golden Sower Award lists may be repeated, but not individual titles.