The Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal was awarded for the first time in 2001 to Marc Aronson for SIR WALTER RALEIGH AND THE QUEST FOR EL DORADO. It is given to honor the authors, illustrators and/or photographers of the most distinguished informational book published for children in the preceding year. Informational books are defined as those written and illustrated to present, organize and interpret documentable factual material. The award is named in honor of Robert F. Sibert, the long-time President of Bound to Stay Bound Books, Inc. of Jacksonville, Illinois.

2011 Winner

KAKAPO RESCUE: Saving the World’s Strangest Parrot
written by Sy Montgomery 
photographs by Nic Bishop
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
ISBN: 9780618494170
Ages 8-12
80 pages
May 2010

On remote Codfish Island off the southern coast of New Zealand live the last 91 kakapo parrots on earth. These trusting, flightless and beautiful birds --- the largest and most unusual parrots on earth --- have suffered devastating population loss.

Now, on an island refuge with the last of the species, New Zealand’s National Kakapo Recovery Team is working to restore the kakapo population. With the help of 14 humans who share a single hut and a passion for saving these odd ground-dwelling birds, the kakapo are making a comeback in New Zealand.

2011 Robert F. Sibert Honors

BALLET FOR MARTHA: Making Appalachian Spring
written by Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan
illustrated by Brian Floca
Flash Point
ISBN: 9781596433380
Ages 6-10
48 pages
August 2010

Martha Graham: trailblazing choreographer

Aaron Copland: distinguished American composer

Isamu Noguchi: artist, sculptor, craftsman

Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan tell the story behind the scenes of the collaboration that created APPALACHIAN SPRING, from its inception through the score’s composition to Martha’s intense rehearsal process. The authors’ collaborator is Brian Floca, whose vivid watercolors bring both the process and the performance to life.

LAFAYETTE AND THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
Russell Freedman
Holiday House
ISBN: 9780823421824
Ages 10-up
88 pages
September 2010

When the Marquis de Lafayette ran off to join the American Revolution against the explicit orders of the king of France, he was a strong-willed 19-year-old who had never set foot on a battlefield. Although the U.S. Congress granted him an honorary commission only out of respect for his title and wealth, Lafayette quickly earned the respect of his fellow officers with his bravery, devotion to the cause of liberty, and incredible drive. Playing a pivotal role in the Revolution, Lafayette convinced the French government to send troops, made crucial pacts with Native Americans, and led his men to victory at Yorktown.