The Newbery Award is a prestigious annual award given by the American Library Association to recognize outstanding contributions to children's literature. Established in 1922, it honors the author of the most distinguished American book for children published in the previous year. The award is named after John Newbery, an 18th-century publisher known for promoting children's books. The Newbery Medal is awarded to books that demonstrate excellence in writing, storytelling, and overall impact on young readers. Winning this award can significantly increase a book's visibility and readership, making it an important accolade for authors and illustrators in the field of children's literature.