The Dwayne McDuffie Award for Kids' Comics is given to a comic book aimed at younger readers that fulfills the criteria of quality, timelessness, originality, diversity, and inclusion.

[1][2] It is named in honour of Dwayne McDuffie, a creator known for his work creating comics and animation.

[3] The award was created after consultation with McDuffie's widow Charlotte Fullerton.

Anyone can nominate a title for the award, but the shortlist and winner are chosen by a panel of judges including reviewers, librarians, teachers, and comic industry professionals.

[6] Raina Telgemeier won the award that year and in her acceptance speech highlighted ten recent graphic novels by diverse creators and gave away ten copies of each to members of the audience.