was established in 1998 by the Advisory Board of Kent State University's Virginia Hamilton Conference. The award recognizes an American author or illustrator whose books demonstrate artistic excellence and make a significant contribution to the field of multicultural literature for children and adolescents. The award is conferred annually at the conference. 

The Virginia Hamilton Literary Award is sponsored by the Akron-Summit County Public Library, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Hamilton Arts Inc., NOLA Regional Library System, and the Victor C. Laughlin, M.D. Memorial Foundation Trust.

For further information, contact Carolyn S. Brodie (330) 672-2782 or Anthony Manna (330) 672-2580.