2024 GSEHD John Horrworth Children's Book Awards


May 21, 2024

(left to right) Professor Sarah Buscher, Jamie Reed, Jordyn Hammer, India McNeill, and Megan Brooks

(left to right) Professor Sarah Buscher, Jamie Reed, Jordyn Hammer, India McNeill, and Megan Brooks

Elementary Education student Jordyn Hammer was named winner of the 2024 John Horrworth Children’s Book Award at the Children's Literature book contest in May. Five judges used virtual platforms to watch and listen to student contestants read their original children's books. Professor Sarah Buscher, instructor for the program’s Children's Literature course, conducted the children's book writing project, which culminates in this annual competition with awards determined by a panel of judges. The winner receives $500, the second place winner receives $300, and the third place winner receives $100. Jordyn Hammer won for her book Nanny’s KitchenIndia McNeill won second place for her book What Color Are You? Megan Brooks won third place for her book Letter from the HeartJamie Reed won an Honorable Mention for her book Paige the Perfect(ionist).

In addition, Jordyn Hammer was named GW's "Distinguished Teacher Candidate," among other outstanding new teachers selected from area universities, at the Maryland Association of Teacher Educators virtual annual awards ceremony in April 2024.