The awards celebrate the books that kids and teens love in six categories: Kindergarten to 2nd Grade Book of the Year, 3rd to 4th Grade Book of the Year, 5th to 6th Grade Book of the Year, Teen Choice Book Award, Author of the Year, and Illustrator of the Year.

This year’s favorite book finalists were determined by close to 15,000 children and teens. Thousands more will be able to cast their votes for their favorite books, author, and illustrator at bookstores, schools, libraries, and at www.BookWeekOnline.com from March 16 through May 3.

Finalists this year include Jeff Kinney (Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules), Christopher Paolini (Brisingr), and Stephenie Meyer (Breaking Dawn).

Winners will be announced live at the Children’s Choice Book Awards gala on May 12 in New York City as part of Children’s Book Week (May 11-17, 2009), the oldest national literacy event in the United States.

Spread the word about this awards program – and help the kids in your life make their voices heard!