This award will be given to a picture book that features a strong and empowered female character. Many children's books show girls who are passive and dependent. Also, children's books usually show males as the problem solvers. This is disturbing considering the day and age we live in. Shirley B. Ernst author of the article "Gender Issues in Books for Children and Young Adults" said, " I would like, however, to see more books with strong female characters who are active, inventive, and in charge of their own destinies." This quotation is found on page 75 in the book Battling Dragons, which is edited by Susan Lehr. Nominations for this award must show independent and non-stereotypical female characters. The picture books will be for children in kindergarten through second grade. Nominations are due by February 19, 2007.