
2021 NSK Neustadt Prize for Children’s Literature
The NSK Neustadt Prize for Children’s Literature, initiated in 2003, aims to enhance the quality of children’s literature by promoting writing that contributes to the quality of their lives. Laureates receive a check for $35,000, a silver medallion, and a certificate at a public ceremony at the University of Oklahoma and are featured in a subsequent issue of World Literature Today.
Browse through our past media to see what makes the Neustadt Lit Fest one of the most unique literary events in Oklahoma!

“And Dubravka Ugresic is a genius. As is the Neustadt family and everyone involved behind this festival and prize. Everyone who’s bringing great international literature to Norman, OK—a city that has made itself into a hub for appreciating great writing in a deep, thoughtful way. This isn’t a prize like most that’s announced and forgotten. Instead, they’ve built a prize that helps change the way students approach the very idea of literature—and that’s the point of it all, right?” — Chad Post, The American Nobel: At Norman, Oklahoma’s Neustadt Prize Festival
2021 Events
- Introduction, Welcome, and Overview of the Lit Fest
- Celebrating Diversity in YA Literature – A Roundtable Conversation
- Panel on the Work of Cynthia Leitich Smith
- Readings by the 2022 Neustadt Prize Jury
- Neustadt Prize Announcement and Conversation with Cynthia Leitich Smith
- The 2021 NSK Prize Keynote by Cynthia Leitich Smith
- NSK Prize Award and Acceptance Speech – Cynthia Leitich Smith
- Closing Session
2021 Featured Authors and Participants
Read more about each of the featured authors and scholars from the 2021 festival.