Nominations for the 2021 Middle East Book Award

Books published in the period between January 1, 2020 and May 31, 2021 are eligible to be nominated for the 2020 award. Books must address in a substantive way any part of the Middle East region, or any of its component peoples or cultures, either through expository text (non-fiction category) or through characterization, action and plot (picture book and youth literature categories). New editions of books previously published are eligible for consideration if the content has been significantly revised.

For purposes of this award, the Middle East is defined as: Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, the Palestinian Territories, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. Books set outside the region may be eligible for consideration if one or more main characters are from the Middle East and their origin or culture is pertinent to the plot of the book.

• Nominated titles must be primarily written in English (fully bilingual is okay) and available for purchase in North America.
• Books that have been published in other global markets (Europe / Australia / South Asia, etc.) should be submitted during the period of eligibility based on the the date that they become available for the North American market.
• Books that are not available in the North American market except via special order are generally not eligible for consideration; please contact the Book Award chair for guidance. 

A committee of MEOC members, including teachers, librarians, outreach coordinators, and other educators select award winners (and, if deemed appropriate, honorable mention titles) in three categories:

• Picture Book (simple text accompanied by large images on most pages, intended for elementary school readers).
• Youth Literature (plot-driven books appropriate for readers in middle and high school).
• Non-Fiction (reference or other non-fiction—e.g., memoir—intended for K-12 audiences or their teachers).

Graphic novels may be judged within any of the above categories, depending on the intended age of the reader and genre.

NOMINATIONS FROM PUBLISHERS AND AUTHORS

Submissions open February 1, 2021!
Publishers are requested to submit five review copies of your book to:

Middle East Outreach Council
attn: Book Award Nominations
6620 Bay City Bend
​Austin, TX 78725

For questions about the Middle East Book Awards, contact BookAwards@meoc.us. 

NOMINATIONS FROM OTHER PARTIES

​MEOC welcomes nominations from its members, other educators, publishers, and the general public.
Submit your nomination now! Deadline: June 1, 2021.

NOMINATIONS FOR 2021 ARE OPEN!
Click here to nominate a title.

2020 MIDDLE EAST BOOK AWARD WINNERS

Download the press release announcing this year's winners.

2021 Nominations
Coordinator

Christopher
​Rose

E-Mail Chris