As more interested people participate in the nominating process, the award becomes more representative of the numerous fine, popular children's books. Some librarians and teachers keep a running list of potential nominees throughout the year. Record your potential nominees for the next ballot as you read books with a publication date three years prior to the voting year. Nominations must be received by February 1st and have a U.S. or Canadian copyright date three years prior to the voting year. The YRCA Committee Chairperson makes the final selection of nominees based on how often titles are nominated while balancing the list in light of genre variety, appeal to both boys and girls, reading levels, and interest levels.
Voting can take place at both school and public libraries.
PNLA encourages individual students to read as many books as possible before voting. Include a stamped, self-addressed envelope with your voting results in order to receive next year's ballot and notification of the new winner. The award itself is presented to the winning authors at the annual PNLA Conference. Since 1987 the winners have received a medal, struck in Idaho silver.