From: Megan Murphy, Chair, The Friends Medallion:

Overview

Throughout the history of children’s literature, the best-loved stories usually center around themes of friendship–the Wizard of Oz and Charlotte’s Web and classic series such as Frog and Toad, George and Martha, and Winnie-the-Pooh embody that simple yet eternally-powerful theme.

The students at Friends School in Virginia Beach practice the Quaker concepts of simplicity, cooperation, harmony and community in their daily school life. Children are taught positive ways to resolve conflict, work together for the greater good and learn early that through friendship and cooperation, all things are possible. This year, for the first time, to celebrate those books that promote such goals, the elementary students at Virginia Beach Friends School will award The Friends Medallion to the book that they–the students themselves–feel best reflects the theme of friendship in its story.

Awards

The Friends Medallion will be presented to the top two winning authors in February of 2008. The winners will receive a Friendship Medallion, a plaque, and an invitation to speak at Virginia Beach Friends School in the spring of 2008.

Nominations

You are invited to nominate a published book that you feel embodies the theme of friendship and cooperation.

There are no application forms or fees necessary to nominate a book. Simply send us one copy of the published book, along with a brief letter stating how you think this book reflects those themes.

Nominations must be received by Dec. 31.

Guidelines

* Books nominated for The Friends Medallion may be fiction, nonfiction or poetry.
* Books nominated should have friendship and cooperation as the central theme throughout the story.
* Books should be suitable for children from kindergarten through fifth grade.
* Books must have been published in the United States during 2007.

Nominations and inquiries may be sent to:

Megan Murphy, Chair
The Friends Medallion
Virginia Beach Friends School
1537 Laskin Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23451