Language Learner Literature Award Nomination Procedure

The Extensive Reading Foundation (ERF) invites publishers to nominate individual graded readers for its 2008 Language Learner Literature Award.

1. Eligible books: English-language graded readers copyright 2007

By graded reader, we mean an original or adapted book of nonfiction or fiction written for second or foreign language learners using lexis and syntax suitable for SL and FL learners and designed for learners to read an extensive amount of text. It is assumed that learners spend 80-100% of their time with the book actually reading (as opposed to doing exercises, answering comprehension questions, etc.). By readers, we are not referring to what are often called "reading skills" books. Nor do we mean books written for native speakers but capable of being used with language learners. Graded readers must have an indication of the intended level of language learner either on the book or in the publisher's catalog, but preferably both.

Books published in calendar year 2007 but bearing a 2008 copyright date are eligible for the next year's Award.

2. Award Categories

There are four categories of the Award for individual books:

• Adolescents & Adults (3 categories)
• Beginner
• Intermediate
• Advanced
• Young Learners (1 category)

Publishers decide the category for which to nominate a particular book. We offer the following guidelines.

• Books graded as starter, beginner, or elementary (perhaps levels 1 and 2 in many series) may correspond to our beginner category. (Edinburgh Project on Extensive Reading [EPER] levels also provide guidance: The beginning category may correspond to EPER Levels G, F, and E.)
• Books graded as intermediate (levels 3 and 4) may correspond to our intermediate category (EPER D, C, B).
• Books graded as advanced or upper (levels 5 and 6) may correspond to our advanced category (EPER A, X)

3. Number of books that may be nominated

A publisher may nominate up to two (2) books in each of the four categories (i.e., a maximum of 8 books per publisher).

4. Judging Criteria

We recognize that an award such as this is subjective. Among the criteria jurors will use in choosing the finalist books are:

• Intrinsic interest of theme or topic
• Readability for language learners
• Quality of writing
• Appropriateness and quality of illustration and graphic presentation
• Production factors including jacket design, general design, typography, standard of editing, and physical durability of book

Jurors are looking for nonfiction and fiction books that will engage and satisfy the learner; in short, books that are "a good read."

5. Procedure for nominating a book

1. Send two (2) copies of each nominated book to Julian Bamford, Jury Liaison, by December 31, 2007. His address is

   Professor Julian Bamford
   Bunkyo University
   1100 Namegaya
   Chigasaki-shi
   Kanagawa-ken 253-8550
   Japan
   
   bamford@shonan.bunkyo.ac.jp
   Tel: +81 (0)467-53-2111
   Fax: +81 (0)467-54-3721

2. Email a list of your nominated books to ERF Chair Richard Day, rday@hawaii.edu. For each book, send the following information (as applicable):
   1. Title
   2. Author
   3. Adapted by (Use the wording printed in the book [e.g., Simplified by; Retold by] if you prefer.)
   4. Illustrated by (The wording in the book [e.g., Illustrations by] may be used.)
   5. Publisher
   6. Series and level (e.g., XXX Readers, Intermediate Level; YYY English Library, Stage 1)
   7. Series editor(s)
   8. ISBN number
   9. Year of copyright as printed in the book

6. Nominations deadline

Nominated books must be received by December 31, 2007.