The American Library Association this week announced the top books, digital media, video and audio books for children and young adults – including the Caldecott, Coretta Scott King, Newbery and Printz awards – at its Youth Media Awards Announcements in Chicago.
John Newbery Medal
For the most outstanding contribution to children’s literature.
All the Blues in the Sky by Renée Watson
A poignant novel in verse and vignettes that explores friendship, loss, and life with grief.
Honor Books:
The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli by Karina Yan Glaser
A Sea of Lemon Trees: The Corrido of Roberto Alvarez by María Dolores Águila
The Teacher of Nomad Land: A World War II Story by Daniel Nayeri
The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest by Aubrey Hartman
Ralph Caldecott Medal
For the most distinguished American picture book for children.
Fireworks illustrated by Catia Chien and written by Matthew Burgess
A sparkling picture book highlighting the simple delights of a steamy July day in the city as two siblings eagerly anticipate a spectacular fireworks display.
Caldecott Honor Books:
Every Monday Mabel illustrated and written by Jashar Awan
Our Lake illustrated and written by Angie Kang
Stalactite & Stalagmite: A Big Tale from a Little Cave illustrated and written by Drew Beckmeyer
Sundust illustrated and written by Zeke Peña
Coretta Scott King Award – Author
Recognizing African American authors of outstanding books for children and young adults.
Will’s Race for Home by Jewell Parker Rhodes
In 1889, Will and his father set out on a journey from Texas to Oklahoma, racing thousands of others to a place where land is free.
Honor books:
The Incredibly Human Henson Blayze by Derrick Barnes
The Library in the Woods by Calvin Alexander Ramsey
Split the Sky by Marie Arnold
Coretta Scott King Award – Illustrator
Recognizing African American illustrators of outstanding books for children and young adults.
The Library in the Woods by Calvin Alexander Ramsey
Heartfelt text and award-winning illustrations celebrating family, libraries, and the resourcefulness of the Black community.
Honor books:
André: André Leon Talley–A Fabulously Fashionable Fairy Tale illustrated by Lamont O’Neal, written by Carole Boston Weatherford and Rob Sanders
City Summer, Country Summer illustrated by Alexis Franklin, written by Kiese Laymon
Michael L. Printz Award
For excellence in Young Adult Literature
Legendary Frybread Drive-In: Intertribal Stories edited by Cynthia Leitich Smith
A collection of interconnected stories by both new and acclaimed indigenous writers serving up laughter, love, Native pride, and the world’s best frybread.
Honor books:
Cope Field by T.L. Simpson
The House That No One Sees by Adina King
Sisters in the Wind by Angeline Boulley
Song of a Blackbird by Maria van Lieshout
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