The Nutmeg Book Award encourages children in grades 2-12 to read quality literature and to choose their favorite from a list of nominated titles. Committees made up of school media specialists, public librarians, reading teachers, and student representatives determine the nominees. Nominees are announced May 1. Students vote for their favorites the following April.
There are four divisions: Elementary (grades 2-3); Intermediate (grades 4-6); Middle School (grades 7-8); and High School (grades 9-12).