The Golden Age of science fiction is 12. Most of us started reading as children, but no Hugo category honors those that write science fiction for children. Most children's librarians and teachers are of the opinion that science fiction is garbage or if asked to name a children's science fiction book, can only recall A Wrinkle in Time.
The Golden Duck Award was created by several interested fans who were unsuccessful in lobbying for a children's Hugo in 1991. It is a cash award, funded by Duckon, a western Chicago suburbs convention that started in 1992. Anyone can nominate a children's science fiction book to the committee. The committee takes suggestions from interested parties and narrows down the field to approximately five books in each category with one write-in position. Then anyone agreeing to read all books in a given category can vote in that category. We vote Australian style similar to the Hugo ballot. The winners are announced at the Worldcon each year.
Contact Lindalee Stuckey at redunicorn@aol.com or write to: 3 S 123 Mulberry Lane, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137.
Keep in mind that this is for children under 8 years old. Pictures and concepts should be understood by this age group. Science should be as correct as possible.
WINNER: Insects From Outer Space by V. Vagin and F. Asch. Illustrated by Vladimir Vagin. ISBN 0590-45489-7
Should have more elements of science than fantasy. Science should be as correct as possible. Reading level grades 2 - 6.
WINNER: Star Hatchling by Margaret Bechard.
More exact science than fantasy. The protagonist should be a young adult faced with adult decisions. Reading level grades 6 - 10.
TIE WINNERS: Winds of Mars by H. M. Hoover.
Night Room by Em M. Goldman.
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