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. Students vote for their favorite.
There are four divisions: Elementary (grades 2-3); Intermediate (grades 4-6); Middle School (grades 7-8); and High School (grades 9-12).