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January 22, 2024

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American Library Association announces 2024 Youth Media Award winners
 

BALTIMORE - The American Library Association (ALA) today 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 LibLearnX: The Library Learning Experience held January 19-22, in Baltimore.

 

A list of all the 2024 award winners and honor selections follows:

 

John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children's literature: “The Eyes and the Impossible,” written by Dave Eggers, is the 2024 Newbery Medal winner. The book is illustrated by Shawn Harris and published simultaneously by Alfred A. Knopf, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, a division of Penguin Random House, and McSweeny’s.

 

Five Newbery Honor Books also were named: “Eagle Drums,” written and illustrated by Nasuġraq Rainey Hopson and published by Roaring Book Press, a division of Holtzbrinck Publishing; “Elf Dog and Owl Head,” written by M.T. Anderson, illustrated by Junyi Wu and published by Candlewick Press; “Mexikid: A Graphic Memoir,” written and illustrated by Pedro Martín and published by Dial Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Penguin Random House; “Simon Sort of Says,” written by Erin Bow and published by Disney • Hyperion, an imprint of Buena Vista Books, Inc.; and “The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams, written by Daniel Nayeri, illustrated by Daniel Miyares and published by Arthur A. Levine, an imprint of Levine Querido.

Randolph Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture book for children: “Big,” illustrated and written by Vashti Harrison, is the 2024 Caldecott Medal winner. The book was published by Little, Brown and Company a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc. 

 

Four Caldecott Honor Books also were named: “In Every Life,” illustrated and written by Marla Frazee and published by Beach Lane Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division; “Jovita Wore Pants: The Story of a Mexican Freedom Fighter, illustrated by Molly Mendoza, written by Aida Salazar and published by Scholastic Press, an imprint of Scholastic Inc.; “There Was a Party for Langston,” illustrated by Jerome Pumphrey and Jarrett Pumphrey, written by Jason Reynolds and published by Caitlyn Dlouhy Books/Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing; and “The Truth About Dragons,” illustrated by Hanna Cha, written by Julie Leung and published by Henry Holt and Company, an imprint of Macmillan Publishing Group.

 

Coretta Scott King (Author) Book Award recognizing an African American author and illustrator of outstanding books for children and young adults.

 

“Nigeria Jones,” written by Ibi Zoboi, is the King Author Book winner. The book is published by Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. 

 

Three King Author Honor Books were selected: “Big,” written and illustrated by Vashti Harrison and published by Little, Brown and Company, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc.; “How Do You Spell Unfair?: MacNolia Cox and the National Spelling Bee,” written by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Frank Morrison and published by Candlewick Press; and “Kin: Rooted in Hope,” written by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Jeffery Boston Weatherford and published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division.

 

“An American Story,” illustrated by Dare Coulter, is the King Illustrator Book winner. The book is written by Kwame Alexander and published by Little, Brown and Company, a division of Hachette Book, Inc.

 

Three King Illustrator Honor Books were selected: “Big,” illustrated and written by Vashti Harrison and published by: Little, Brown and Company, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc.; “Holding Her Own: The Exceptional Life of Jackie Ormes,” illustrated by Shannon Wright, written by Traci N. Todd and published by Orchard Books, an imprint of Scholastic Inc.; and “There Was a Party for Langston,” illustrated by Jerome Pumphrey and Jarret Pumphrey, written by: Jason Reynolds and published by Caitlyn Dlouhy Books/Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing.

 

Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Author Award: “There Goes the Neighborhood,” written by Jade Adia, is the Steptoe author award winner. The book is published by Hyperion, an imprint of Buena Vista Books, Inc.

 

Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Illustrator Award: “We Could Fly,” illustrated by Briana Mukodiri Uchendu, is the Steptoe illustrator award winner. The book is written by Rhiannon Giddens and published by Candlewick Press.

 

Coretta Scott King – Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement: Christopher Paul Curtis 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. As a historical fiction novelist, Curtis writes in accessible ways for emerging readers to understand the world around them. His novels have received numerous starred reviews and awards throughout ALA, like ALSC Notables, Odyssey, and YALSA Best Books for Young Adults. We see his influence all over Black creators today.

 

Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in literature written for young adults: “The Collectors: Stories,” edited by A.S. King, written by M.T. Anderson, e.E. Charlton-Trujillo, A.S. King, David Levithan, Cory McCarthy, Anna-Marie McLemore, G. Neri, Jason Reynolds, Randy Ribay and Jenny Torres Sanchez., published by Dutton, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

 

Four Printz Honor Books also were named: Book Title: “Fire from the Sky,” written by Moa Backe Åstot, translated by Eva Apelqvist and published by Em Querido, an imprint of Levine Querido; “Gather,” written by Kenneth M. Cadow and published by Candlewick Press; “The Girl I Am, Was, and Never Will Be: A Speculative Memoir of Transracial Adoption,” written by Shannon Gibney and published by Dutton Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House; and “Salt the Water,” written by Candice Iloh and published by Dutton Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

 

Schneider Family Book Award for books that embody an artistic expression of the disability experience: “Henry, Like Always,” written by Jenn Bailey, illustrated by Mika Song and published by Chronicle Books wins the award for young children (ages 0 to 8). Two honor books for young children were selected: “Dancing Hands,” written by Joanna Que and Charina Marquez, illustrated by Fran Alvarez and published by Chronicle Books; and “What Happened to You?” written by James Catchpole, illustrated by Karen George and published by Little, Brown and Company, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc

“The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn,” written by Sally J. Pla and published by Quill Tree Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers is the winner for middle grades (ages 9 to 13). Two honor books for middle grades were selected: “Good Different,” written by Meg Eden Kuyatt and published by Scholastic Press, an imprint of Scholastic Inc.; and “Simon Sort of Says,” written by Erin Bow and published by Disney • Hyperion, an imprint of Buena Vista Books, Inc.

 

“Forever Is Now,” written by Mariama J. Lockington and published by Farrar Straus Giroux Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Macmillan Publishing Group, is the winner for teens (ages 14-18). Two honor books for teens were selected: “Where You See Yourself,” written by Claire Forrest and published by Scholastic Press, an imprint of Scholastic Inc.; and “Tilly in Technicolor,” written by Mazey Eddings and published by Wednesday Books, an imprint of St. Martin’s Publishing Group.

 

Alex Awards for the 10 best adult books that appeal to teen audiences: The 2024 Alex Award winners are: “Bad Cree,” by Jessica Johns (nehiyaw/Sucker Creek First Nation), published by Doubleday, a division of Penguin Random House; “Chain-Gang All-Stars,” by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, published by Pantheon Books, a division of Penguin Random House; “Chlorine,” by Jade Song, published by William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers; “Fourth Wing,” by Rebecca Yarros, published by Red Tower Books, an imprint of Entangled Publishing; “The Hard Parts: A Memoir of Courage and Triumph,” by Oksana Masters, published by Scribner, an imprint of Simon & Schuster; “I Will Greet the Sun Again,” by Khashayar J. Khabushani, published by Hogarth Press, an imprint of Random House, a division of Penguin Random House; “Maame,” by Jessica George, published by St. Martin’s Press, an imprint of St. Martin’s Publishing Group; “Starter Villain,” by John Scalzi, published by Tor Books, an imprint of Tor Publishing Group, a division of Macmillan Publishing Group; “The Talk,” by Darrin Bell, published by Henry Holt & Company, a division of Macmillan Publishing Group; and “Whalefall,” by Daniel Kraus, published by MTV Books and Atria Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster.

 

The ALSC Children's Literature Lecture is an annual event featuring an author, critic, librarian, historian or teacher of children’s literature. Author Kyle Lukoff will deliver the 2025 ALSC Children’s Literature Lecture. Lukoff's books include "Too Bright to See," a Newbery Honor Book, Stonewall Award winner and National Book Award finalist, "When Aidan Became a Brother," a Stonewall Book Award winner, "If You’re a Kid Like Gavin: The True Story of a Young Trans Activist" and "Different Kinds of Fruit," among others.

 

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. The 2024 winner is Pam Muñoz Ryan. Her award-winning works include a 2002 Pura Belpré Author Award for “Esperanza Rising;” a 2011 Pura Belpré Author Award for “The Dreamer;” a 2016 Newbery Honor for “Echo,” and a 2003 Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Honor for “When Marian Sang: The True Recital of Marian Anderson,” among others.

 

The Excellence in Early Learning Digital Media Award is given to a digital media producer that has created distinguished digital media for an early learning audience. The 2024 winner is “Work It Out Wombats,” produced by GBH Kids and Pipeline Studios.

 

The committee selected one honor title: "Jamming on the Job" produced by PBS North Carolina for PBS Kids.

 

Margaret A. Edwards Award for lifetime achievement in writing for young adults: The 2024 winner is Neal Shusterman, whose books include: “The Arc of the Scythe: Scythe, Thunderhead and The Toll,” “Bruiser,” “Challenger Deep,” “Everlost,” “Full Tilt,” “The Schwa Was Here” and “Unwind,” among other titles.

 

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: “Houses with a Story:  A Dragon’s Den, a Ghostly Mansion, a Library of Lost Books, and 30 More Amazing Places to Explore” is the 2024 Batchelder Award winner. Originally published in Japanese as “Houses with a Story,” the book was written by Seiji Yoshida, illustrated by Seiji Yoshida, translated by Jan Mitsuko Cash and published by Amulet Books, an imprint of Abrams. 

Three Honor Books also were selected: “The House of the Lost on the Cape,” published by Yonder, an imprint of Restless Books, written by Sachiko Kashiwaba, illustrated by Yukiko Saito and translated by Avery Fischer Udagawa; “Later, When I’m Big,” published by Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, written by Bette Westera, illustrated by Mattias De Leeuw and translated by Laura Watkinson; and “Pardalita,” published by Levine Querido, written and illustrated by Joana Estrela and translated by Lyn Miller-Lachmann.

 

Odyssey Award for the best audiobooks produced for children and young adults, available in English in the United States: “El Deafo,” produced by Matie Argiropoulos for Listening Library, an imprint of Penguin Random House Audio, written by Cece Bell and narrated by a full cast, is the 2024 Odyssey Award winner for children. “Promise Boys,” produced by Macmillan Young Listeners, a Macmillan Audio production from Henry Holt & Company, written by Nick Brooks and narrated by a full cast.

 

Five Odyssey Honor Audiobooks were selected: “Chinese Menu: The History, Myths, and Legends Behind Your Favorite Foods,” produced by Ghenet Harvey for Hachette Audio, written by Grace Lin and narrated by Lisa Ling; “Mexikid: A Graphic Memoir,” produced by Diane McKiernan and Olivia Langen for Penguin Random House Audio Publishing Group, written by Pedro Martín and narrated by a full cast; “Once There Was,” produced by Allison Light for Simon & Schuster Audio, written by Kiyash Monsef and narrated by Nikki Massoud; “Sisters of the Lost Marsh,” produced by Paul R. Gagne for Scholastic Audio and written and narrated by Lucy Strange; and “Stateless,” produced by Elece Green and Dennis Kao for Hachette Audiobooks, written by Elizabeth Wein and narrated by Moira Quirk.

 

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

 

“Mexikid: A Graphic Memoir, illustrated by Pedro Martín, is the 2024 Pura Belpré Youth Illustration Award winner. The book was written by Pedro Martín and published by Dial Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

 

Three Belpré Youth Illustration Honor Books were named: “Mi papá es un agrícola/My Father, the Farmworker,” illustrated by José B. Ramírez, written by J. Roman Pérez Varela and published by Lil’ Libros; “Papá's Magical Water-Jug Clock,” illustrated by Eliza Kinkz, written by Jesús Trejo and published by Minerva, an imprint of Astra Books for Young Readers, a division of Astra Publishing House; and “Remembering,” illustrated by Adriana M. Garcia, written by Xelena González and published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division.

 

“Mexikid: A Graphic Memoir,” written by Pedro Martín, is the 2024 Pura Belpré Children’s Author Award winner. The book is illustrated by Pedro Martín and published by Dial Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

 

Five Belpré Children’s Author Honor Books were named: “Alebrijes,” written by Donna Barba Higuera and published by Levine Querido; “Aniana del Mar Jumps In,” written by Jasminne Mendez and published by Dial Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Penguin Random House; “Benita y las Criaturas Nocturnas,” written by Mariana Llanos, illustrated by Cocoretto and published by Barefoot Books; “Papá's Magical Water-Jug Clock,” written by Jesús Trejo, illustrated by Eliza Kinkz and published by Minerva, an imprint of Astra Books for Young Readers, a division of Astra Publishing House; and “Something Like Home,” written by Andrea Beatriz Arango and published by Random House Children's Books, a division of Penguin Random House.

 

“Saints of the Household,” written by Ari Tison, is the 2024 Pura Belpré Young Adult Author Award winner. The book is published by Farrar Straus Giroux Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Macmillan Publishing Group.

 

Two Belpré Young Adult Author Honor Book were named: “The Prince and the Coyote,” written by David Bowles, illustrated by Amanda Mijangos and published by Arthur A. Levine, an imprint of Levine Querido; and “Worm: A Cuban American Odyssey,” written and illustrated by Edel Rodriguez and published by Metropolitan Books, an imprint of Henry Holt and Company.

 

The Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award for most distinguished informational book for children: “The Mona Lisa Vanishes: A Legendary Painter, a Shocking Heist, and the Birth of a Global Celebrity,” written by Nicholas Day and illustrated by Brett Helquist, is the 2024 Sibert Award winner. The book is published by Random House Studio, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, a division of Penguin Random House.

 

Four Sibert Honor Books were named: “The Book of Turtles,” written by Sy Montgomery, illustrated by Matt Patterson and published by Clarion Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers; “Holding Her Own: The Exceptional Life of Jackie Ormes,” written by Traci N. Todd, illustrated by Shannon Wright and published by Orchard Books, an imprint of Scholastic Inc.; “Jumper: A Day in the Life of the Backyard Jumping Spider,” written and illustrated by Jessica Lanan and published by: Roaring Brook Press, a division of Holtzbrinck Publishing; “Shipwrecked!: Diving for Hidden Time Capsules on the Ocean Floor,” written by Martin W. Sandler and published by Astra Young Readers, an imprint of Astra Books for Young Readers, a division of Astra Publishing House.

 

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.

 

 “Cross My Heart and Never Lie,” written and illustrated by Nora Dåsnes, translated by Matt Bagguley and published by Hippo Park, an imprint of Astra Books for Young Readers, is the 2024 recipient of the Stonewall Book Awards – Mike Morgan & Larry Romans Children’s Literature Award.

 

Four Honor Books for children’s literature were selected: “Desert Queen,” written by Jyoti Rajan Gopal, illustrated by Svabhu Kohli and published by Levine Querido; “Not He or She, I’m Me,” written by A. M. Wild, illustrated by Kah Yangni and published by Henry Holt and Company; “The Otherwoods,” written by Justine Pucella Winans and published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books; and “Stars in Their Eyes,” written by Jessica Walton, illustrated by Aśka and published by Graphix, an imprint of Scholastic Inc.

 

“Only This Beautiful Moment,” written by Abdi Nazemian and published by Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, is the 2024 recipient of the Stonewall Book Awards – Mike Morgan & Larry Romans Young Adult Literature Award.

 

Four Honor Books for Young Adult Literature were selected: “Ander & Santi Were Here,” written by Jonny Garza Villa and published by Wednesday Books, an imprint of St. Martin’s Publishing Group; “Imogen, Obviously,” written by Becky Albertalli and published by Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers; “The Long Run,” written by James Acker and published by Inkyard Press; and The Spirit Bares Its Teeth,” written by Andrew Joseph White and published by Peachtree Teen, an imprint of Peachtree Publishing Company Inc.

 

Theodor Seuss Geisel Award for the most distinguished beginning reader book: “Fox Has a Problem” written and illustrated by Corey R. Tabor, is the 2024 Geisel Award winner. The book is published by Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishing House.

 

Two Geisel Honor Books were named: “Henry, Like Always,” written by Jenn Bailey, illustrated by Mika Song and published by Chronicle Books; and “Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends,” written and illustrated by Kaz Windness and published by Simon Spotlight, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division.

 

William C. Morris Award for a debut book published by a first-time author writing for teens: "Rez Ball," written by Byron Graves, is the 2024 Morris Award winner. The book is published by Heartdrum, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

 

Four other books were finalists for the award: “All the Fighting Parts,” written by Hannah V. Sawyerr and published by Amulet Books, an imprint of Abrams; “Once There Was,” written by Kiyash Monsef and published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers; “Saints of the Household,” written by Ari Tison and published by           Farrar Straus Giroux Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Macmillan Publishing Group; and “She Is a Haunting,” written by Trang Thanh Tran and published by Bloomsbury YA, a division of Bloomsbury Publishing Inc.

 

YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults: “Accountable: The True Story of a Racist Social Media Account and the Teenagers Whose Lives It Changed,” written by Dashka Slater. The book is published by Farrar Straus Giroux Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Macmillan Publishing Group. 

 

Four other books were finalists for the award: “America Redux: Visual Stories from Our Dynamic History, written and illustrated by Ariel Aberg-Riger and published by Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers; “Family Style: Memories of an American from Vietnam,” written and illustrated by Thien Pham and published by First Second Books, an imprint of Roaring Brook Press, a division of Holtzbrinck Publishing; “From Here,” written by Luma Mufleh and published by Nancy Paulsen Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House; and “Nearer My Freedom: The Interesting Life of Olaudah Equiano by Himself,” written by Monica Edinger and Lesley Younge and published by Zest Books, an imprint of Lerner Publishing Group, Inc.

 

American Indian Youth Literature Awards are announced in even years (e.g. 2022, 2024, 2026) and were established to identify and honor the very best writing and illustrations by and about American Indians and Alaska Natives. Selected titles present American Indians in the fullness of their humanity in the present and past contexts. This year’s winners include: Picture Book: “Forever Cousins,” written by Laurel Goodluck (Mandan & Hidatsa and Tsimshian), illustrated by Jonathan Nelson (Navajo/Diné) and published by Charlesbridge and “A Letter for Bob,” written by Kim Rogers (Wichita & Affiliated Tribes), illustrated by Jonathan Nelson (Navajo/Diné) and published by Heartdrum, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers; Middle Grade Book: “We Still Belong,” written by Christine Day (Upper Skagit), cover art by Madelyn Goodnight (Chickasaw Nation) and published by Heartdrum, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers; and Young Adult Book: “Rez Ball,” written by Byron Graves (Ojibwe), jacket art by Natasha Donovan (Métis) and published by Heartdrum, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

 

The American Indian Youth Literature Awards Honor titles include:

 

Picture Honor Books: "Celebration," by Lily Hope (Tlingit), illustrated by Kelsey Mata Foote (Tlingit) and published by Sealaska Heritage Institute (SHI); "Contenders," by Traci Sorell (Cherokee Nation), illustrated by Arigon Starr (Kickapoo Tribe) and published by Kokila, an imprint of Penguin Random House; “Berry Song,” written and illustrated by Michaela Goade (Tlingit Nation) and published by Little, Brown and Company, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc.; “Remember,” by Joy Harjo (Mvskoke Nation), illustrated by Michaela Goade (Tlingit Nation) and published by Random House Studio, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, a division of Penguin Random House; and “Rock Your Mocs,” by Laurel Goodluck (Mandan & Hidatsa and Tsimshian), illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight (Chickasaw Nation) and published by Heartdrum, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

 

Middle Grade Honor Books: “Eagle Drums,” written and illustrated by Nasuġraq Rainey Hopson (Iñupiaq) and published by Roaring Brook Press; “Mascot,” by Traci Sorell (Cherokee Nation) and Charles Waters, jacket illustration by Nicole Neidhardt (Navajo) and published by Charlesbridge; “Jo Jo Makoons: Fancy Pants,” by Dawn Quigley (Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe), illustrated by Tara Audibert (Wolastoqey) and published by Heartdrum, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers; “Jo Jo Makoons: Snow Day,” by Dawn Quigley (Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe), illustrated by Tara Audibert (Wolastoqey) and published by Heartdrum, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers; “She Persisted: Maria Tallchief,” by Christine Day (Upper Skagit), illustrated by Alexandra Boiger and Gillian Flint and published by Philomel Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House; “She Persisted: Wilma Mankiller,” by Traci Sorell (Cherokee Nation), illustrated by Alexandra Boiger and Gillian Flint and published by Philomel Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House; and “She Persisted: Deb Haaland,” by Laurel Goodluck (Mandan & Hidatsa and Tsimshian), illustrated by Alexandra Boiger and Gillian Flint and published by Philomel Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

 

Young Adult Honor Books: “Warrior Girl Unearthed,” by Angeline Boulley (Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians), jacket illustrations by Michaela Goade (Tlingit Nation) and published by Henry Holt and Company, a trademark of Macmillan Publishing Group; “Funeral Songs for Dying Girls,” by Cherie Dimaline (Métis) and published Tundra Books, an imprint of Tundra Book Group, a division of Penguin Random House of Canada Limited; “Man Made Monsters,” by Andrea L. Rogers (Cherokee Nation), illustrated by Jeff Edwards (Cherokee Nation) and published by Levine Querido; “Running with Changing Woman,” by Lorinda Martinez (Diné), cover design by Brittany Gene (Navajo) and published by Salina Bookshelf; and “Heroes of the Water Monster,” by Brian Young (Navajo Nation), jacket art by Shonto Begay (Diné) and published by Heartdrum, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

 

Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature.  The award promotes Asian/Pacific American culture and heritage and is awarded based on literary and artistic merit. The award offers three youth categories including Picture Book, Children’s Literature and Youth/Young Adult Literature. The award is administered by the Asian Pacific American Librarians Association (APALA), an affiliate of the American Library Association.  This year’s winners include:

 

The Picture Book winner is “The Truth About Dragons,” written by Julie Leung, illustrated by Hanna Cha and published by Henry Holt and Co, an imprint of Macmillan Publishing Group. The committee selected one Picture Book honor title: “Finding Papa,” written by Angela Pham Krans, illustrated by Thi Bui and published by HarperCollins.

 

The Children’s Literature winner is “Ruby Lost and Found,” written by Christina Li and published by Quill Tree Books, an imprint of HarperCollins. The committee selected one Children’s Literature honor title: “Parachute Kids: A Graphic Novel,” written and illustrated by Betty C. Tang and published by Graphix, an imprint of Scholastic Inc.

The Youth/Young Adult Literature winner is “I'd Rather Burn Than Bloom,” written by Shannon C. F. Rogers and published by Feiwel and Friends, an imprint of Macmillan Publishing Group. The committee selected one Youth/Young Adult Literature honor title: “In Limbo,” written by Deb JJ Lee and published by First Second, an imprint of Roaring Brook Press, a division of Holtzbrinck Publishing.

 

The Sydney Taylor Book Award is presented annually to outstanding books for children and teens that authentically portray the Jewish experience. Presented by the Association of Jewish Libraries since 1968, the award encourages the publication and widespread use of quality Judaic literature. This year’s Gold Medalists include: Picture Book winner: “Two New Years,” written by Richard Ho, illustrated by Lynn Scurfield and published by Chronicle Books; Middle Grade winner: “The Dubious Pranks of Shaindy Goodman,” by Mari Lowe and published by Arthur A. Levine, an imprint of Levine Querido; and Young Adult winner: “The Blood Years,” by Elana K. Arnold and published by Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. 

 

Sydney Taylor Book Award Silver Medalists include: Picture Book honors: “Afikomen,” written by Tziporah Cohen, illustrated by Yaara Eshet, published by Groundwood Books; “Hanukkah Upside Down,” written by Elissa Brent Weissman, illustrated by Omer Hoffmann, published by Abrams Books for Young Readers, an imprint of ABRAMS; and “Hidden Hope: How a Toy and a Hero Saved Lives During the Holocaust,” written by Elisa Boxer, illustrated by Amy June Bates, published by Abrams Books for Young Readers, an imprint of ABRAMS; Middle Grade honors: “Don’t Want to Be Your Monster,” by Deke Moulton, published by Tundra Books, an imprint of Tundra Book Group, a division of Penguin Random House Canada; “The Jake Show,” by Joshua S. Levy, published by Katherine Tegen Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers; “Not So Shy,” by Noa Nimrodi, published by Kar-Ben Publishing, an imprint of Lerner Publishing Group; and “A Sky Full of Song,” by Susan Lynn Meyer, published by Union Square Kids, an imprint of Union Square & Co.; and Young Adult honors: “Courage to Dream: Tales of Hope in the Holocaust,” by Neal Shusterman, illustrated by Andrés Vera Martínez,s published by Graphix, an imprint of Scholastic Inc.; “Going Bicoastal,” by Dahlia Adler, published by Wednesday Books, an imprint of St. Martin’s Publishing Group, a division of Macmillan Publishers; “Impossible Escape: A True Story of Survival and Heroism in Nazi Europe,” by Steve Sheinkin, published by Roaring Brook Press, an imprint Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, a division of Macmillan Publishers; and “Wrath Becomes Her,” by Aden Polydoros, published by Inkyard Press, an imprint of Harlequin Trade Publishing, 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 Joni Sussman.

 

Recognized worldwide for the high quality they represent, ALA awards guide parents, educators, librarians and others in selecting the best materials for youth. Selected by judging committees of librarians and other children’s experts, the awards encourage original and creative work. For more information on the ALA youth media awards and notables, please visit www.ala.org/yma.