In 1982, Scott O'Dell established The Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction. In 1981 and 1982, no books of sufficient merit were published, so no award was given in 1982 or 1983. Since 1984, the award has been presented each year. The annual award of $5,000 goes to a meritorious book published in the previous year for children or young adults. Scott O'Dell established this award to encourage other writers--particularly new authors--to focus on historical fiction. He hoped in this way to increase the interest of young readers in the historical background that has helped to shape their country and their world.
Award Website
