ALA Youth Media Awards: The Interviews, Videos, and Behind-the-Scenes of the Winners

January 27, 2026 by Betsy Bird Leave a Comment

I tried finding an image of the YMAs in my old files and ended up with this. It’s a decade old, but that makes me laugh so IN IT GOES!

I was in the room where it happened, and it was glorious.

Yesterday, as I’m sure you are well aware, the American Library Association dropped their Youth Media Awards live and in person in Chicago, Illinois. In a ballroom so bedecked in gilt that my friend Brian joked you could produce several productions of Phantom of the Opera simultaneously (there were a LOT of chandeliers prepped to drop), we sat at round tables in a simulacrum of the ALA Newbery/Caldecott/Legacy Banquet. There was even a high table of Chairs! Chairs of the respective committees, of course. Not actual physical chairs. That would be silly.

As the winners were read out, it occurred to me that I’ve additional information that might be of use to folks about these books. As such, if you’d like some supplemental information about some of these books, please peruse the following and it will provide you with info on some (though certainly not all) of these incredible winners. The write-ups of each book are from the ALA press releases. If you just need a helpful list of what won, this may also be of use.

SCROLL TO KEEP READING THIS POST

John Newbery Medal

John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children’s literature: “All the Blues in the Sky,” written by Renée Watson and published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books, an imprint of Bloomsbury Publishing.

Read an interview between Renée Watson and Torrey Maldonado where she discusses writing this book and its relatively shorter length.

Newbery Honor Books

“The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli,” written and illustrated by Karina Yan Glaser and published by Allida, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers; “A Sea of Lemon Trees: The Corrido of Roberto Alvarez,” written by María Dolores Águila and published by Roaring Brook Press, a division of Holtzbrinck Publishing; “The Teacher of Nomad Land: A World War II Story,” written by Daniel Nayeri and published by Arthur A. Levine, an imprint of Levine Querido; and “The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest,” written by Aubrey Hartman, illustrated by Marcin Minor and published by Little, Brown and Company, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc.

Read this interview with María Dolores Águila about A Sea of Lemon Trees and “distilling a story down to its very essence”.

Interested in seeing all the alternative covers to The Teacher of Nomad Land? You can take a gander at a slew of them here.
And you can read my review of the book here.

Randolph Caldecott Medal

Randolph Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture book for children: “Fireworks,” illustrated by Cátia Chien, written by Matthew Burgess, and published by Clarion Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

You can read my review of this Caldecott winner here.

And you can hear Kate and I discuss its chances for a Caldecott here (though I warn you that Kate didn’t like it as much as I did).

Caldecott Honor Books

“Every Monday Mabel,” illustrated and written by Jashar Awan and published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing; “Our Lake,” illustrated and written by Angie Kang and published by Kokila, an imprint of Penguin Random House; “Stalactite & Stalagmite: A Big Tale from a Little Cave”, illustrated and written by Drew Beckmeyer and published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing; and “Sundust,” illustrated and written by Zeke Peña and published by Kokila, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

You can read my review of Every Monday Mabel here.
You can listen to Kate and I discuss its Caldecott changes as well on our podcast here.

You can read my review of Our Lake here.
You can listen to Kate and I discuss its Caldecott chances on our podcast here.

Coretta Scott King Book Awards

Coretta Scott King Book Awards recognizing an African American author and illustrator of outstanding books for children and young adults.

King Author Award Book

“Will’s Race for Home,” written by Jewell Parker Rhodes, is the King Author Book winner. The book is published by Little, Brown and Company, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc.

You can read my review of Will’s Race for Home here.

King Author Honor Books

“The Incredibly Human Henson Blayze,” written by Derrick Barnes and published by Viking, an imprint of Penguin Random House; “The Library in the Woods,” written by Calvin Alexander Ramsey, illustrated by R. Gregory Christie and published by Carolrhoda Books, an imprint of Lerner Publishing Group, Inc.; and “Split the Sky,” written by Marie Arnold and published by Little, Brown and Company, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc.

King Illustrator Award Book

“The Library in the Woods,” illustrated by R. Gregory Christie and written by Calvin Alexander Ramsey, is the King Illustrator Book award winner. This book is published by Carolrhoda Books, an imprint of Lerner Publishing Group, Inc.

King Illustrator Honor Books

“André: André Leon Talley–A Fabulously Fashionable Fairy Tale,” illustrated by Lamont O’Neal, written by Carole Boston Weatherford and Rob Sanders and published by Henry Holt and Company, an imprint of Macmillan Publishing Group; and “City Summer, Country Summer,” illustrated by Alexis Franklin, written by Kiese Laymon and published by Kokila, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

You can read my review of City Summer, Country Summer here.

Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Author Award

Arriel Vinson for “Under the Neon Lights,” published by G.P. Putnam’s Sons, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

Coretta Scott King – Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement

Kadir Nelson is the winner of the Coretta Scott King – Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement. The award pays tribute to the quality and magnitude of beloved children’s author Virginia Hamilton. Nelson is a renowned artist and storyteller whose work as both author and illustrator appears in over 30 children’s books. He has received numerous honors for his contributions to children’s literature, including the Caldecott Medal, Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award, Robert F. Sibert Medal, and multiple New York Times Best Illustrated Book distinctions.

Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature

The Michael L. Printz Award honoring the best book written for teens, based entirely on its literary merit: “Legendary Frybread Drive-In: Intertribal Stories,” edited by Cynthia Leitich Smith, and published by Heartdrum, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

Printz Honor Books

“Cope Field,” written by T.L. Simpson and published by Flux, an imprint of North Star Editions, Inc.; “The House That No One Sees,” written by Adina King and published by Feiwel and Friends, an imprint of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group; “Sisters in the Wind,” written by Angeline Boulley and published by Henry Holt Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group; and “Song of a Blackbird,” written and illustrated by Maria van Lieshout and published by First Second, an imprint of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group.

Schneider Family Book Award

Schneider Family Book Award for books that embody an artistic expression of the disability experience.

Schneider Younger Children’s Award — Ages 0 to 8

“Wanda Hears the Stars: A Blind Astronomer Listens to the Universe,” written by Amy S. Hansen with Wanda Díaz Merced, illustrated by Rocio Arreola Mendoza and published by Charlesbridge.

Schneider Younger Children Honor Books

“Bat and the Business of Ferrets,” written by Elana K. Arnold, illustrated by Charles Santoso and published by Clarion Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers; and “I Hear the Snow, I Smell the Sea,” written by Janice Milusich, illustrated by Chris Raschka and published by Anne Schwartz Books, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, a division of Penguin Random House.

Schneider Middle Grade Award — Ages 9 to 13

“Where Only Storms Grow,” written by Alyssa Colman and published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Macmillan Publishing Group.

Schneider Middle Grade Honor Books

“Octopus Moon,” written by Bobbie Pyron and published by Nancy Paulsen Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House; and “The Strongest Heart,” written by Saadia Faruqi and published by Quill Tree Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

Schneider Young Adult Award — Ages 14-18

“Whale Eyes: A Memoir About Seeing and Being Seen,” written by James Robinson, illustrated by Brian Rea and published by Penguin Workshop, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

Schneider Young Adult Honor Books

“The Golden Boy’s Guide to Bipolar,” written by Sonora Reyes and published by Harper, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers; and “The Poetry of Car Mechanics,” written by Heidi E.Y. Stemple and published by Wordsong, an imprint of Astra Books for Young Readers, a division of Astra Publishing House.

Alex Awards for the 10 best adult books that appeal to teen audiences

“The Favorites,” by Layne Fargo, published by Random House, an imprint and division of Penguin Random House;

“The Girls Who Grew Big,” by Leila Mottley, published by Alfred A. Knopf, a division of Penguin Random House;

“Harriet Tubman: Live in Concert,” by Bob the Drag Queen, published by Gallery Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster;

“Hole in the Sky,” by Daniel H. Wilson, published by Doubleday, a division of Penguin Random House;

“Insectopolis: A Natural History,” by Peter Kuper, published by W.W. Norton & Company;

“Plum,” by Andy Anderegg, published by Hub City Press;

“Sonita: My Fight Against Tyranny and My Escape to Freedom,” by Sonita Alizada, published by HarperOne, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers;

“These Heathens,” by Mia McKenzie, published by Random House, an imprint and division of Penguin Random House;

“What Kind of Paradise,” by Janelle Brown, published by Random House, an imprint and division of Penguin Random House;

“The Whyte Python World Tour,” by Travis Kennedy, published by Doubleday, a division of Penguin Random House;

Children’s Literature Lecture

The Children’s Literature Lecture is an annual event featuring an author, critic, librarian, historian or teacher of children’s literature. Kwame Alexander will deliver the 2027 ALSC Children’s Literature Lecture. Alexander is the New York Times bestselling author of more than 44 books including the John Newbery Medal winner The Crossover. A strong supporter of libraries, he has been instrumental in building libraries and partnering with the Little Free Library organization.

Children’s Literature Legacy Award

Children’s Literature Legacy Award honors an author or illustrator whose books, published in the United States, have made, over a period of years, a substantial and lasting contribution to literature for children through books that demonstrate integrity and respect for all children’s lives and experiences. This year’s winner is Candace Fleming. Her award-winning works include “Muncha! Muncha! Muncha!” (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division, 2002) and The Lincolns: A Scrapbook Look at Abraham and Mary (Schwartz & Wade Books an imprint of Random House Inc, 2008), among others.

Excellence in Early Learning Digital Media Award

Excellence in Early Learning Digital Media Award recognizing a digital media producer for creating distinguished digital media for an early learning audience: “Weather Hunters,” produced by WeatherHunters, Inc. and Silver Creek Falls Entertainment.

Excellence in Early Learning Digital Media Honors

“Reading Rainbow,” produced by Buffalo Toronto Public Media PBS and Kidzuko; and “Terrestrials,” produced by WNYC, Radiolab.

Margaret A. Edwards Award for lifetime achievement in writing for young adults

Margaret A. Edwards Award honors an author for lifetime achievement in writing for young adults. This year’s winner is Candace Fleming, whose books include: “Amelia Lost: The Life and Disappearance of Amelia Earhart,” “Crash from Outer Space: Unraveling the Mystery of Flying Saucers, Alien Beings, and Roswell,” “The Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion, and the Fall of Imperial Russia,” “The Great and Only Barnum: The Tremendous, Stupendous Life of Showman P.T. Barnum,” “Murder Among Friends: How Leopold and Loeb Tried to Commit the Perfect Crime,” “Our Eleanor: A Scrapbook Look at Eleanor Roosevelt’s Remarkable Life,” “Presenting Buffalo Bill: The Man Who Invented the Wild West” and “The Rise and Fall of Charles Lindbergh.”

Mildred L. Batchelder Award

Mildred L. Batchelder Award for an outstanding children’s book originally published in a language other than English in a country other than the United States and subsequently translated into English for publication in the United States: “Croco,” published by Tapioca Stories. Originally published in Spanish as “Croco,” the book was written and illustrated by Azul López and translated by Kit Maude.

While it isn’t a behind-the-scenes precisely, you can see a number of spreads from this incredible book in my Tapioca Press publisher preview, which included this title.

Batchelder Honor Books

“The Adventures of Cipollino,” published by Enchanted Lion Books, written by Gianni Rodari, illustrated by Dasha Tolstikova and translated by Antony Shugaar; “From Memen to Mori,” published by Yen Press, written and illustrated by Shinsuke Yoshitake and translated by Ajani Oloye; “Picking Tea with Baba,” published by Charlesbridge, written by Xu Bin, illustrated by Yu Yin and translated by Shan Chen; and “Pilgrim Codex,” published by Em Querido, an imprint of Levine Querido, written by Vivian Mansour, illustrated by Emmanuel Valtierra and translated by Carlos Rodríguez Cortez.

Read the interview with Vivian Mansour and translator Carlos Rodríguez Cortez about this book and its take on migration in the era in which we live.

Odyssey Awards

Odyssey Award for the best audiobooks produced for children and young adults, available in English in the United States.

Odyssey Award for Children

“Clack, Clack! Smack! A Cherokee Stickball Story,” produced by Arnie Cardillo and Debra Cardillo for Live Oak Media, written by Traci Sorell, illustrated by Joseph Erb and narrated by the author and a full cast.

Odyssey Award for Young Adults

“Trans History: From Ancient Times to the Present Day,” produced by Iris McElroy and Juan García Ticoulat for Listening Library, an imprint of Penguin Random House Audio Publishing Group, written and illustrated by Alex L. Combs and Andrew Eakett and narrated by the authors and a full cast.

Odyssey Honor Audiobooks

“The Dead of Summer,” produced by Zane Birdwell and Paul Gagne for Scholastic Audio, written by Ryan La Sala and narrated by the author and a full cast; “Legendary Frybread Drive-In: Intertribal Stories,” produced by Sydney Mathieu of Eljin Productions, Inc. for Heartdrum, an imprint of HarperCollins, edited by Cynthia Leitich Smith and narrated by a full cast; and “Soundtrack,” produced by Dan Zitt and Brian Ramcharan for Listening Library, an imprint of Penguin Random House Audio Publishing Group, written by Jason Reynolds and narrated by a full cast; and “Whale Eyes: A Memoir About Seeing and Being Seen,” produced by Iris McElroy and Olivia Langen for Listening Library, an imprint of Penguin Random House Audio Publishing Group, written and narrated by James Robinson, illustrated by Brian Rea.

Read my interview with Jason Reynolds on the creation of this audiobook (and ONLY an audiobook) title here.

Pura Belpré Awards

Pura Belpré Awards honoring Latino writers and illustrators whose children’s and young adult books best portray, affirm and celebrate the Latino cultural experience.

Belpré Children’s Illustration Award

“Popo the Xolo,” illustrated by Abraham Matias, written by Paloma Angelina Lopez and published by Charlesbridge.

Belpré Illustration Honor Books

“A-Ztec: A Bilingual Alphabet Book,” illustrated and written by Emmanuel Valtierra and published by Arthur A. Levine, an imprint of Levine Querido; and “The Invisible Parade,” illustrated by John Picacio, written by Leigh Bardugo and John Picacio and published by Little, Brown and Company, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc.

Read my interview with both Leigh Bardugo and John PIcacio about The Invisible Parade here.

Belpré Children’s Author Award

“The Pecan Sheller,” written by Lupe Ruiz-Flores and published by Carolrhoda Books, an imprint of Lerner Publishing Group, Inc.

Belpré Children’s Author Honor Books

“A Hero’s Guide to Summer Vacation,” written by Pablo Cartaya and published by Kokila, an imprint of Penguin Random House; “The Island of Forgotten Gods,” written by Victor Piñeiro and published by Sourcebooks Young Readers, an imprint of Sourcebooks Kids; and “A Sea of Lemon Trees: The Corrido of Roberto Alvarez,” written by María Dolores Águila and published by Roaring Brook Press, a division of Holtzbrinck Publishing.

Belpré Young Adult Author Award

“On the Wings of la Noche,” written by Vanessa L. Torres and published by Alfred A. Knopf, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, a division of Penguin Random House.

Belpré Young Adult Author Honor Books

“Rosa by Any Other Name,” written by Hailey Alcaraz and published by Viking, an imprint of Penguin Random House; “Silenced Voices: Reclaiming Memories from the Guatemalan Genocide,” written and illustrated by Pablo Leon and published by HarperAlley, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers and “The Story of My Anger,” written by Jasminne Mendez and published by Dial Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award

The Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award for most distinguished informational book for children: “Alberto Salas Plays Paka Paka con la Papa,” written by Sara Andrea Fajardo, illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal and published by Roaring Brook Press, a division of Holtzbrinck Publishing.

Listen to both Sara and Juana talk about this book and the choices they made in making it here.

Sibert Honor Books

“At Last She Stood: How Joey Guerrero Spied, Survived, and Fought for Freedom,” written by Erin Entrada Kelly and published by Greenwillow Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publisher; “Go Tell It: How James Baldwin Became a Writer,” written by Quartez Harris, illustrated by Gordon C. James and published by Little, Brown and Company, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc.; “The History of We,” written and illustrated by Nikkolas Smith and published by Kokila, an imprint of Penguin Random House; “Silenced Voices: Reclaiming Memories from the Guatemalan Genocide,” written and illustrated by Pablo Leon and published by HarperAlley, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers; and “A World Without Summer: A Volcano Erupts, A Creature Awakens, and the Sun Goes Out,” written by Nicholas Day, illustrated by Yas Imamura and published by Random House Studio, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, a division of Penguin Random House.

For a full interview with Erin about this book, read on here.

Or perhaps you’d prefer a dual interview with Quartez Harris and Gordon C. James about their own book? You can find that here.

If you would like to see video of Nikkolas Smith talking to me about The History of We, you can actually do so here:

And I did the cover reveal and had a conversation with Nicholas Day about A World Without Summer here.

Stonewall Book Awards – Mike Morgan & Larry Romans Children’s & Young Adult Literature Award

Stonewall Book Awards – Mike Morgan & Larry Romans Children’s & Young Adult Literature Award given annually to English-language works of exceptional merit for children or teens relating to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender experience.

Stonewall Book Awards – Mike Morgan & Larry Romans Children’s Literature Award

“Halfway to Somewhere,” written and illustrated by Jose Pimienta and published by RH Graphic, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, a division of Penguin Random House.

Stonewall Honor Books for Children’s Literature

“Call Me Gray,” written by Andrew Larsen and Bells Larsen, illustrated by Tallulah Fontaine and published by Kids Can Press Ltd.; “The Ink Witch,” written by Steph Cherrywell and published by Little, Brown and Company, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc.; ” Ollie in Between,” written by Jess Callans and published by Feiwel and Friends, an imprint of Macmillan Publishing Group; and “Woods & Words: The Story of Poet Mary Oliver,” written by Sara Holly Ackerman, illustrated by Naoko Stoop and published by Beach Lane Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing.

Stonewall Book Awards – Mike Morgan & Larry Romans Young Adult Literature Award

“One of the Boys,” written by Victoria Zeller and published by Arthur A. Levine, an imprint of Levine Querido.

Stonewall Honor Books for Young Adult Literature

“Devils Like Us,” written by L. T. Thompson and published by Bloomsbury YA, an imprint of Bloomsbury Publishing; “He’s So Possessed with Me,” written Corey Liu and published by Little, Brown and Company, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc.; “Hick: The Trailblazing Journalist Who Captured Eleanor Roosevelt’s Heart,” written by Sarah Miller and published by Random House Studio, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, a division of Penguin Random House; and “Sometimes the Girl,” written by Jennifer Mason-Black and published by Carolrhoda Lab, an imprint of Lerner Publishing Group, Inc.

Theodor Seuss Geisel Award

Theodor Seuss Geisel Award for the most distinguished American book for beginning readers: “Stop That Mop!,” written and illustrated by Jonathan Fenske and published by Simon Spotlight, an imprint of Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing.

Geisel Honor Books

“Earl and Worm: The Big Mess and Other Stories,” written and illustrated by Greg Pizzoli and published by Alfred A. Knopf, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, a division of Penguin Random House; ” I Like Hoops,” written by Juwanda G. Ford, illustrated by Jada Jeni Bennett and published by Holiday House; and “The Tunneler Tunnels in the Tunnel,” written and illustrated by Michael Rex and published by Simon Spotlight, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing.

William C. Morris Award

William C. Morris Award for a debut book published by a first-time author writing for teens: “All the Noise at Once,” written by DeAndra Davis and published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing.

William C. Morris Award Finalists

“First Love Language,” written by Stefany Valentine and published by Penguin Workshop, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers, a division of Penguin Random House; “Love, Misha,” written and illustrated by Askel Aden and published by First Second, an imprint of Roaring Brook Press, a division of Holtzbrinck Publishing; “Red Flags and Butterflies,” written by Sheryl Azzam and published by DCB Young Readers, an imprint of Cormorant Books Inc.; and “You and Me on Repeat,” written and illustrated by Mary Shyne and published by Henry Holt Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group.

Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults

The Award for Excellence in Nonfiction honors the best nonfiction book published for young adults: “Death in the Jungle: Murder, Betrayal, and the Lost Dream of Jonestown,” written by Candace Fleming and published by Anne Schwartz Books, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, a division of Penguin Random House.

Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults Finalists

“American Spirits: The Famous Fox Sisters and the Mysterious Fad That Haunted a Nation” written by Barb Rosenstock and published by Calkins Creek, an imprint of Astra Books for Young Readers, a division of Astra Publishing House; “White House Secrets: Medical Lies and Cover-Ups,” written by Gail Jarrow and published by Calkins Creek, an imprint of Astra Books for Young Readers, a division of Astra Publishing House; “White Lies: How the South Lost the Civil War, Then Rewrote the History,” written by Ann Bausum and published by Roaring Brook Press, an imprint of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group; and “A World Without Summer: A Volcano Erupts, A Creature Awakens, and the Sun Goes Out,” written by Nicholas Day, illustrated by Yas Imamura and published by Random House Studio, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, a division of Penguin Random House.

American Indian Youth Literature Awards

The American Indian Youth Literature Awards, announced in even years (e.g. 2024, 2026, 2028), were established to identify and honor the very best writing and illustrations by and about American Indians and Alaska Natives. The award is administered by the American Indian Library Association, an affiliate of the ALA.

American Indian Youth Literature Award for Best Picture Book

“Chooch Helped,” written by Andrea L. Rogers (Cherokee Nation), illustrated by Rebecca Lee Kunz (Cherokee Nation) and published by Arthur A. Levine, an imprint of Levine Querido.

American Indian Youth Literature Picture Book Honor Books

“Braided Roots,” written by Pasha Westbrook (Chickasaw Nation and Choctaw Freedman), illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight (Chickasaw Nation) and published by Orchard Books, an imprint of Scholastic Inc.; “Fierce Aunties!,” written by Laurel Goodluck (Mandan and Hidatsa and Tsimshian), illustrated by Steph Littlebird (Oregon’s Grand Ronde Confederated Tribes) and published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division; “For a Girl Becoming,” written by Joy Harjo (Mvskoke Nation), illustrated by Adriana Garcia and published by Norton Young Readers, an imprint of W.W. Norton & Company; “Raven’s Ribbons,” written by Tasha Spillett (Cree and Trinidadian), illustrated by Daniel Ramirez (Saginaw Chippewa Tribe of Michigan) and published by Little, Brown and Company; and “We Weave,” written by Daniel W. Vandever (Navajo and Irish), illustrated by Deonoveigh Mitchell (Navajo and Black American) and published by South of Sunrise Creative.

American Indian Youth Literature Award for Best Middle Grade Book

“Buffalo Dreamer,” written by Violet Duncan (Plains Cree and Taino from Kehewin Cree Nation) and published by Nancy Paulsen Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

American Indian Youth Literature Middle Grade Honor Books

“Jo Jo Makoons: The Super-Scary Sleepover,” written by Dawn Quigley (Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe), illustrated by Tara Audibert (Wolastoquey/French) and published by Heartdrum, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers; “Lost at Windy River: A True Story of Survival,” written by Trina Rathgeber (Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation), illustrated by Alina Pete (Little Pine First Nation) and Jillian Dolan (Kapawe’no Cree First Nation) and published by Orca Book Publishers; “Outfoxed,” written by Elise McMullen-Ciotti (Cherokee Nation) and published by Scholastic Inc.; “Red Bird Danced,” written by Dawn Quigley (Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe) and published by Heartdrum, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers; and “The Ribbon Skirt,” written and illustrated by Cameron Mukwa (Anishinaabe) and published by Graphix, an imprint of Scholastic Inc. and “The Summer of the Bone Horses,” written by Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve (Rosebud Sioux Tribe), illustrated by Steph Littlebird (Oregon’s Grand Ronde Confederated Tribes) and published by Amulet Books, an imprint of Abrams Books for Young Readers, an imprint of ABRAMS.

American Indian Youth Literature Award for Best Young Adult Book

“Legendary Frybread Drive-In: Intertribal Stories,” edited by Cynthia Leitich Smith (Muscogee Nation) and published by Heartdrum, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

American Indian Youth Literature Young Adult Honor Books

“Sheine Lende: A Prequel to Elatsoe,” written by Darcie Little Badger (Lipan Apache), illustrated by Rovina Cai and published by Levine Querido; “Sisters in the Wind,” written by Angeline Boulley (Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians) and published by Henry Holt Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group; “Super Indian, Volume Three,” written and illustrated by Arigon Starr (Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma) and published by Wacky Productions Unlimited; “The Unfinished,” written by Cheryl Isaacs (Kanyen’keha) and published by Heartdrum, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers; and “Where Wolves Don’t Die,” written by Anton Treuer (Ojibwe) and published by Levine Querido.

Asian/Pacific American Awards for Literature

The Asian/Pacific American Awards for Literature promote Asian/Pacific American culture and heritage and are awarded based on literary and artistic merit. It is administered by the Asian Pacific American Librarians Association (APALA), an affiliate of the ALA.

Asian/Pacific American Award for Pasifika Picture Book

“Kaho’olawe: The True Story of an Island and Her People,” written by Kamalani Hurley, illustrated by Harinani Orme, and published by Millbrook Press, an imprint of Lerner Publishing Group.

Asian/Pacific American Honor Title for Pasifika Picture Book

“Filo’s Butterflies” written by Litea Fuata, illustrated by Myo Yim, and published by Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing, an imprint of Hardie Grant Publishing; “White Sunday” written by Litea Fuata, illustrated by Myo Yim, and published by Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing, an imprint of Hardie Grant Publishing.

Asian/Pacific American Award for Asian American Picture Book

“Many Things at Once”written by Veera Hiranandani, illustrated by Nadia Alam and published by Random House Studio, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

Asian/Pacific American Honor Title for Asian American Picture Book

“Every Peach Is a Story” written by David Mas Masumotoand Nikiko Masumoto, illustrated by Lauren Tamaki, and published byAbrams Books for Young Readers, an imprint of ABRAMS; and “A Vaisakhi to Remember” written by Simran Jeet Singh, illustrated by Japneet Kaur, and published by Kokila, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

Asian/Pacific American Award for Children’s Literature

“Hungry Bones,” written by Louise Hung, published by Scholastic Press, an imprint of Scholastic Inc.

Asian/Pacific American Honor Title for Children’s Literature

“The Queen Bees of Tybee County” written by Kyle Casey Chu, published by Quill Tree Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers; and “Fresh Start” written and illustrated by Gale Galligan, published by Graphix, an imprint of Scholastic Inc.

You can find my review of Fresh Start here.

Asian/Pacific American Award for Young Adult Literature

“The Red Car to Hollywood” written by Jennie Liu, published by Carolrhoda Lab, an imprint of Lerner Publishing Group.

Asian/Pacific American Honor Title for Young Adult Literature

“Tall Water” written by SJ Sindu, illustrated by Dion MBD and published by HarperAlley, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

Sydney Taylor Book Awards

The Sydney Taylor Book Award, presented by the Association of Jewish Libraries, honoring outstanding books for children and teens that authentically portray the Jewish experience and encouraging the publication and widespread use of quality Judaic literature.

Sydney Taylor Book Award Gold Medalist for Picture Book

“Shabbat Shalom: Let’s Rest and Reset,” written and illustrated by Suzy Ultman, and published by Rise x Penguin Workshop, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

Sydney Taylor Silver Medalists for Picture Book

“The Book of Candles: Eight Poems for Hanukkah,” written by Laurel Snyder, illustrated by Leanne Hatch and published by Clarion Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers; “The Keeper of Stories,” written by Caroline Kusin Pritchard, illustrated by Selina Alko and published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing; and “My Body Can,” written by Laura Gehl, illustrated by Alexandra Colombo and published by Apples & Honey Press, an imprint of Behrman House Publishers.

Quick Note: You’ll be able to see my interview with Laura Gehl and Alexandra here on February 9th as part of the Sydney Taylor Book Award Blog Tour. Look for it here then!

Sydney Taylor Book Award Gold Medalist for Middle Grade Book

“Neshama,” written by Marcella Pixley and published by Candlewick Press.

Sydney Taylor Silver Medalist for Middle Grade Book

“Beinoni,” written by Mari Lowe and published by Arthur A. Levine, an imprint of Levine Querido.

Sydney Taylor Book Award Gold Medalist for Young Adult Book

“D.J. Rosenblum Becomes the G.O.A.T.,” written by Abby White and published by Arthur A. Levine, an imprint of Levine Querido.

Sydney Taylor Silver Medalist for Young Adult Book

“The Rebel Girls of Rome,” written by Jordyn Taylor and published by HarperCollins Children’s Books, a division of HarperCollins Publishers.

The Sydney Taylor Body-of-Work Award recognizes an author or entity who has made a substantial contribution over time to the genre of Jewish children’s literature. This year’s winner is author-illustrator Uri Shulevitz, z”l (of blessed memory).

And now, as a special treat, we have a new award here as well. ALA’s Graphic Novels & Comics Roundtable announced their own inaugural Outstanding Comics for Children Awards yesterday as well! If you missed them, here are the results:

Outstanding Comics Award – Children in the category of Fiction Winner

“Froggy: A Pond Full of Pals!”written by Paige Walshe. Art by Paige Walshe. 2025. Flying Eye Books

Outstanding Comics Award – Children in the category of Fiction Honor Books

“Fresh Start,” Written by Gale Galligan. Art by Gale Galligan. Colors by K Czap. 2025. Graphix.

“The Snips: A Bad Buzz Day,” written by Raúl the Third. Art by Raúl the Third. Colors by Elaine Bay. Coloring by Eleonora Bruni. Lettering by Rob Leigh. 2025. LB Ink.

Outstanding Comics Award – Children in the Category of Nonfiction Winner

“How to Draw a Secret,” written by Cindy Chang. Art by Cindy Chang. Colors by Cristina Rose Chua. 2025. Allida Books.

Outstanding Comics Award – Children in the Category of Nonfiction Honor Books

“How to say Goodbye in Cuban,” written by Daniel Miyares. Art by Daniel Miyares. 2025. Anne Schwartz Books.

“I’m a Dumbo Octopus!: A Graphic Guide to Cephalopods” written by Anne Lambelet. Art by Anne Lambelet. 2025. Graphic Universe.

It was such a relief to see that Daniel got an award after all. You can read an excerpt of the book and a Q&A with Daniel about it here.

Outstanding Comics Award – Children in the Category of Series Winner

“Witches of Brooklyn v.1,” written by Sophie Escabasse. Art by Sophie Escabasse. 2020. RH Graphic.

“Witches of Brooklyn v.2: What the Hex?!,” written by Sophie Escabasse. Art by Sophie Escabasse. 2021. RH Graphic.

“Witches of Brooklyn v.3: S’More Magic.” written by Sophie Escabasse. Art by Sophie Escabasse. 2022. RH Graphic.

“Witches of Brooklyn v.4: Spell of a Time,” written by Sophie Escabasse. Art by Sophie Escabasse. 2023. RH Graphic.

“Witches of Brooklyn v.5: Curse & Reverse,” written by Sophie Escabasse. Art by Sophie Escabasse. 2025. RH Graphic.

Outstanding Comics Award – Children in the Category of Series Honor Books

“Are You Afraid of the Dark? v.1: The Witch’s Wings and Other Terrifying Tales,” written by Tehlor Kay Mejia. Illustrated by Junyi Wu, Justin & Alexis Hernandez, Kaylee Rowena. Letters by Bernardo Brice. 2023. Abrams Fanfare.

“Are You Afraid of the Dark? v.2: The Sinister Sisters and Other Terrifying Tales,” written by Roseanne A. Brown. Art by Shazleen Khan, Bill Masuku and Gigi Murakami. Letters by Lor Prescott with Sara Linsley. 2025. Abrams Fanfare.

“Peapod Farm v.1: Stepping Stones,” written by Lucy Knisley. Art by Lucy Knisley. Colors by Whitney Cogar. 2020. RH Graphic.

“Peapod Farm v.2: Apple Crush,” written by Lucy Knisley. Art by Lucy Knisley. Colors by Whitney Cogar. 2022. RH Graphic.

“Peapod Farm v.3: Sugar Shack,” written by Lucy Knisley. Art by Lucy Knisley. Colors by Whitney Cogar. 2025. RH Graphic

Congrats to one and all!!

Filed under: Best Books, Best Books of 2025

Read or Leave Comments

About Betsy Bird

Betsy Bird is currently the Collection Development Manager of the Evanston Public Library system and a former Materials Specialist for New York Public Library. She has served on Newbery, written for Kirkus, and has done other lovely little things that she'd love to tell you about but that she's sure you'd find more interesting to hear of in person. Her opinions are her own and do not reflect those of EPL, SLJ, or any of the other acronyms you might be able to name. Follow her on BlueSky at: @fuse8.bsky.social

SLJ Blog Network

100 Scope Notes