Awards & Accolades

Ruth Sawyer’s contributions to children’s literature shaped her legacy as an American storyteller. Sawyer and her contributions continue to be celebrated by Saint Catherine University. Among the most widely recognized awards available to authors of children's literature are the Newbery and Laura Ingalls Wilder prizes. Sawyer’s legacy has additionally been honored with the awarding of the Regina and Alexandrine medals. 

The purpose of recognizing authors through literary awards fosters creativity and excellence in writing. Established in 1922, the Newbery Medal is a force in shaping children's literature. Sawyer accepted the Newbery Medal in 1936 and was included in a cohort of winners considered to be authors whose work defined children’s literature in the 20th century.

Ruth Sawyer’s works Roller Skates and The Way of the Storyteller typify innovative stylistic elements in children's literature and continue to influence and characterize children's literature in all its variety.

The Laura Ingalls Wilder prize, presently known as the Children’s Literature Legacy Award, recognizes authors and illustrators who have made a sustained contribution to children’s literature. The prize established in 1954 in honor of Laura Ingalls Wilder is awarded for outstanding work in children's literature in celebration of a lifetime achievement.

The recipients of literary awards shape the prizes’ distinguished reputation. The Regina and Alexandrine medals recognize Sawyer's devotion to the Catholic faith and celebrate the very best of Ruth Sawyer. The Catholic Library Association and Saint Catherine University honored Sawyer's literary accomplishments by awarding her the Regina and Alexandrine medals.