Pennsylvania Center
for the Book

The mission of the Pennsylvania Center for the Book is to study, honor, celebrate, and promote books, reading, libraries, and literacy to the citizens and residents of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Photo of a person reading a picture book.
Photo of a hand placing a Baker's Dozen seal on a picture book.

Book Awards

Our awards celebrate exceptional picture books, children’s poetry, graphic novels, and community reads that inspire lifelong literacy.

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Literary & Cultural Resources

Discover Pennsylvania’s literary and cultural heritage through interactive maps and digital tools that deepen learning with primary sources and place-based exploration.

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Teaching Materials

These research-based resources and lesson plans support a wide range of learners while aligning with both Pennsylvania and national curriculum standards.

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Collaborate with Us

We welcome scholars, practitioners, students, interns, and members of the public to revise existing biographies, revise existing feature articles, and propose and write new content.

Collaborate with Us

 

New at the Center

 

Purple graphic with the text "2026 Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award" with covers of the winning title and honor book.

Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award

2026 Awardees

The Pennsylvania Center for the Book is excited to announce The Poet and the Bees by Amy Novesky and illustrated by Jessica Love as the winner of the 2026 Lee Bennett Hopkins Award for Children's Poetry! 

The award jury selected All the Blues in the Sky by Renée Watson as the 2026 honor book.

The Lee Bennett Hopkins Award for Children’s Poetry is presented annually to an American poet or anthologist for the most outstanding new book of poetry for children published in the previous calendar year.

Learn more about the 2026 Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award here. 

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Pennsylvania Books Spotlight

Spring Reads

Celebrate the start of spring (March 20th) with one of these spring inspired books from a Pennsylvania author: 

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Pennsylvania Authors Spotlight

Poets from Pennsylvania

Celebrate World Poetry Day (March 21st) with works by these Pennsylvania poets:

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Pennsylvania Authors Spotlight

Female Authors from Pennsylvania

Celebrate International Women's Day (March 8th) with a book from one of these female Pennsylvania authors:

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Social Media

New Videos

Check out the PA Center for the Book's YouTube channel for book recommendations, library resources, and information about Pennsylvania's literary heritage. 

New videos include: