Gay, lesbian, and transgender perspectives are increasing. Modern Anti-Semitism and the Rise of the Jews . There aren't enough books for children and youth that address these subjects. For the first time in its 14-year history, the Myers Center recognized books of fiction among those receiving Honorable Mention. The Myers Center does not claim to have reviewed all the books published in 1997.
Nominations come from reviewers, readers, and publishers.
As Director, I am pleased that publishers are choosing to offer more books in this area. The Award was originally established so that publishers would pay more attention to human rights issues here in the States, and so that ordinary people would see the common threads of struggle in the many communities of identity and concern. Our reviewers gain wonderful insights through this process. I am delighted when I discover books and ideas that I never would have known of if not for the Myers review process. The intellectual work is being done, as evidenced by the books honored this year.