Applications

The Extensive Reading Foundation 

2026 Language Learner Literature Awards

Call for Nominations

 Nomination Procedure

The Extensive Reading Foundation (ERF) invites publishers to nominate individual graded readers or other material for extensive reading for the 2026 Language Learner Literature Awards.

  1. Eligible material

Submissions must be:

  • English-language graded readers or other texts suitable for extensive reading
  • Copyrighted in the calendar year 2025

A graded reader refers to an original or adapted work of fiction or nonfiction designed for second/foreign language learners. These texts typically follow specific lexical and grammatical parameters to suit various proficiency levels. The primary focus should be on reading fluency, though exercises or comprehension questions may be included at the end of chapters or the book.

Please note:

  • Books published in 2025 but bearing a 2026 copyright date are not eligible. These may be submitted the following year.
  • “Reading skills” textbooks are not considered graded readers for this award.

 2. Award categories

There are six categories:

Young Learners

  1. Very Young learners (up to age 5/ 1st grade)
  2. Young Learners (ages 6-11 / 2nd to 6th Grade)

Adolescents & Adults

  1. Beginner (up to 400 headwords)
  2. Elementary (401-800 words; CEF A1 & A2 levels)
  3. Intermediate (801-1500 words; CEF B1)
  4. Upper-Intermediate & Advanced (1501+ words; CEF B2, C1, C2)

If you are unsure which category fits your book, please contact Cory Koby at corykoby@gmail.com.

Important notes:

  • Publishers use different leveling schemes. If a book straddles two categories (e.g., 280 headwords but labeled CEFR A1), choose the category that best reflects its level.
  • Books clearly intended for the children’s market cannot be entered into the Adolescents & Adults categories.
  • Books written for native-speaking children are typically not graded for the linguistic needs of language learners and are therefore ineligible.
  1. Number of nominations

Each publisher may nominate up to two (2) books per category, for a maximum of twelve (12) books.

  1. Book format
  • Digital-only publications are accepted.
  • If a print edition exists (including print-on-demand), please submit the physical copy.
  • All submissions must be in book format with a cover, distinct pages, and ISBN. Submissions lacking these features will be disqualified.

For format-related questions, contact Cory Koby at corykoby@gmail.com.

  1. Judging criteria

Jurors will consider:

  • Intrinsic interest of the theme or topic
  • Readability for language learners
  • Quality of writing
  • Appropriateness and quality of illustrations and graphic design
  • Production values: cover design, layout, typography, editing, and durability
  • Feedback from teachers and students via the ERF LLL Award Feedback page

We seek books—fiction or nonfiction—that are engaging, enjoyable, and truly “a good read.”

  1. How to Nominate
  1. Send four (4) copies of each nominated book to Cory Koby, LLLA Coordinator, to be received by December 16, 2025. His address is:

Prof. Cory Koby (Attn: ERF LLLA)
Tezukayama Gakuin University
4-2-2 Harumidai
Minami-ku, Sakai-shi, Osaka
590-0113
JAPAN

Phone: +81 (0)80-8205-8018

 2. Complete the nomination form (Google form link HERE) for each book. Upload a high-resolution image of the book cover with each submission. This image will be used for publicity if the book is selected as a finalist.

 All books must be received by 16:30 on December 16, 2025. Late submissions will be disqualified.

  1. Finalist Evaluation Program

Typically, three finalists per category will be selected (in rare cases, only two). Publishers of finalist titles must participate in the ERF Finalist Evaluation Program.

In March 2026, 5–10 teachers worldwide will receive two copies of each finalist book for classroom evaluation. Publishers are responsible for sending physical copies via air post or courier. Digital copies are acceptable only for digital-only publications.

  1. Timeline
  • Submission Deadline: December 16, 2025 (by 16:30 JST)
  • Finalists Announced: April 2026 (ERF website and other channels)
  • Winners Announced: September 2026 (ERF website, ELT press, and global conferences)

 

Thank you for your participation—and best of luck!

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