The Newbery Medal is named after which 18th-century English publisher?

The Newbery Medal is named after John Newbery, an 18th-century English publisher of books for children.

Newbery was born in 1713 and became one of the earliest publishers to build a sustainable commercial market for children’s literature. His London publishing business produced works intended to educate and entertain young readers, including A Little Pretty Pocket-Book and The History of Little Goody Two-Shoes.

The American Library Association created the medal in 1922 after a proposal by Publishers Weekly editor Frederic G. Melcher. It honors the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children, so the award is named for an influential publisher rather than for its founder or medal designer.

A common mix-up is with the Caldecott Medal, which recognizes distinguished American picture-book illustration and was introduced later. Randolph Caldecott was the illustrator honored by that separate award; Frederic G. Melcher proposed the Newbery, but John Newbery is the namesake.