Grand Canyon Reader Award (GCRA), formerly, the Arizona Young Readers' Awards (AYRA)
The purpose of these awards is to stimulate the interest of young readers in outstanding literature written primarily for them. An additional aim of the award is to encourage cooperation among administrators, library media specialists, and teachers in broadening the reading programs at all levels. Since 1977, these awards have had a place among the national children's literature awards.
Ten (10) books are nominated for each of the four categories: picture books, intermediate books, teen books, and non-fiction books. Starting in 2008, the category for Teen will be called T'ween and Teen; and a new category will be started for recommended teen books that will not be a voting category. Books are read and voted upon by the state's children during the period from announcement through the voting deadline. Students may read and vote for books in more than one category.
Established in 1977. Sponsored by the Arizona Library Association.