[1] It was the first of the identity-based awards as a result of Nancy Larrick's 1965 piece The All-White World of Children's Books, establishing new precedent wherein literary excellence is paired with authentic and well-crafted representation of a particular identity, culture, and experience.
[2][3] Originally, it was known as the Shirley Kravitz Children's Book Award and was later renamed in honor of Sydney Taylor in 1978.
A list of ten to twenty Notable Children's Books of Jewish Content is also named in each category, but these titles do not receive medals.
[8] Most Sydney Taylor Book Award winning titles are universal in theme while Judaic in specific content, highlighting the rich diversity of Jewish lives and experiences, traditions, and values to Jewish and non-Jewish readers alike.
[10] The body-of-work award is given "to recognize an author or entity who has made a substantial contribution over time to the genre of Jewish children's literature.