PRESENTED TO
MARTHA V. PARRAVANO

"Keeper of the Horn Book Flame"

On May 5, 2023, Martha retired from her position as book review editor after a decades-long career at the Horn Book. We are honored to present her with the first (and only) MVP Award for her expertise in “blowing the horn” for fine books for young people. Like the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award, it has just one criterion: excellence.

THE AWARD RECOGNIZES:

• Dedication to Horn Book founder Bertha Mahony Miller’s mission
• Depth and breadth of children’s literature knowledge
• Brilliant arbitration of the very best in books for young people
• Distinguished speed in reading and editing
• Authoritative grammar-correction
• Continual acts of generosity and mentorship
• Sharpness of wit

Her MVP Award comes with the prize position of contributing editor, which is really a prize for us. We’re thrilled that her continued work will include (among other things) running the Calling Caldecott blog and book reviewing.

Martha, you are irreplaceable. You’ll always be our MVP.

Award seal art: Mark Tuchman. From the July/August 2023 issue of The Horn Book Magazine: Special Issue: ALA Awards.