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West Jersey Reading Council

West Jersey Reading CouncilWest Jersey Reading CouncilWest Jersey Reading Council

The M. Jerry Weiss Award

Congratulations to the 2023 M. Jerry Weiss Award Winners


Picture Book: I am an English Language Learner by Melissa Campesi

Middle Grade Novel (Younger): Rez Dogs by Joseph Bruchac

Middle Grade Novel (Upper): The 47 People You'll Meet in Middle School by Kristin Mahoney

Graphic Novel: New Kid by Jerry Craft 


The M. Jerry Weiss Book Award was established in 1994 by the New Jersey Reading Association to honor Dr. M. Jerry Weiss, distinguished service professor at New Jersey City University and nationally known advocate of children’s literature. 


Continuing this legacy, the New Jersey Literacy Association and the West Jersey Reading Council now collaborate to present this award, affectionately known as “The Jerry."


Three awards are given in the following Pre-K through Grade 6 categories: picture book, chapter book/novel, and graphic novel.

Award Criteria

  • Must be published no more than five years before the award is presented
  • Provides an opportunity for dialogue between diverse populations of students, teachers, and families
  • Sparks imagination and/or critical thinking and helps students activate or sustain their love of reading
  • The author of the book must be able to accept the award virtually at the awards presentation


The committee welcomes nominations within a variety of genres that consider diverse viewpoints, equitable representation reflective of New Jersey communities, effectiveness of expression, and imagination.

Award Night Video

Final voting took place with teachers and students.


Then, on March 23rd WJRC hosted a virtual event to celebrate this year's award winning books. 


Watch the video here 

Recent Award Winners

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