The Daughters of the Republic of Texas Library Committee announced the establishment of the June Franklin Naylor Award for the Best Book for Children on Texas History. Beginning with books published in 2004, the award will be given annually to the author/illustrator of the most distinguished book for children and young adults, grades K-12, that accurately portrays the history of Texas, whether fiction or nonfiction.

The award is granted for a book published for the first time within a calendar year, or to a book that has been annotated or revised to make the story accessible to today’s students. Submission consists of two copies of the book, along with the entry, sent to Library Directory, DRT Library, P. O. Box 1401, San Antonio TX 78295, or delivered to the library, 300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio.

Deadline for entries to be received is January 31 of the year following publication. A three-member panel of judges composed of historians, educators, librarians, and/or DRT members will choose five finalists in February. A representative of the Naylor family will choose the award winner from the finalists.

Winning entry is cash prize of $400, with certificates for second and third place. For books with multiple authors and illustrators, all will be recognized and the prize divided among them. The award will be presented in May during the Annual Conference of the DRT.

The award is named for Odessa schoolteacher and DRT President General 1989-1991, June Franklin Naylor.