ALA Youth Media 2020 Award List

From  http://ala.unikron.com/YMA%202020%20Wrap%20Release%20FINAL.pdf

John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children's literature:
 “New Kid,”  (Juv..C8856n) written by Jerry Craft, is the 2020 Newbery Medal winner. The book is illustrated by the author and published by HarperCollins Children’s Books, a division of HarperCollins Publishers.

Four Newbery Honor Books also were named:
 “The Undefeated,” written by Kwame Alexander, illustrated by Kadir Nelson and published by Versify, an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt;

“Scary Stories for Young Foxes,” written by Christian McKay Heidicker, illustrated by Junyi Wu and published by Henry Holt and Company, an imprint of Macmillan Publishing Group;

“Other Words for Home,” written by Jasmine Warga and published by Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers; and

“Genesis Begins Again,” written by Alicia D. Williams and published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division, a Caitlyn Dlouhy Book. 

Randolph Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture book for children:
“The Undefeated,” illustrated by Kadir Nelson is the 2020 Caldecott Medal winner. The book was written by Kwame Alexander and published by Versify, an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Three Caldecott Honor Books also were named:
 “Bear Came Along,” illustrated by LeUyen Pham, written by Richard T. Morris and published by Little, Brown and Company, a division of Hachette Book Group;

“Double Bass Blues,” illustrated by Rudy Gutierrez, written by Andrea J. Loney and published by Alfred A. Knopf, a division of Random House Children’s Books, a division of Penguin Random House LLC; and

“Going Down Home with Daddy,” illustrated by Daniel Minter, written by Kelly Starling Lyons and published by Peachtree Publishers.

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

 “New Kid” ( Juv. C8856n) written by Jerry Craft, is the King Author Book winner. The book is illustrated by the author and published by HarperCollins Children’s Books, a division of HarperCollins Publishers.

Three King Author Honor Books were selected:

“The Stars and the Blackness Between Them,” written by Junauda Petrus and published by Dutton Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC;

“Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky,” written by Kwame Mbalia and published by Disney-Hyperion, an imprint of Disney Book Group; and “

Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks,” written by Jason Reynolds and published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division, a Caitlyn Dlouhy Book.

Coretta Scott King (Illustrator) Book Award:

“The Undefeated,” illustrated by Kadir Nelson, is the King Illustrator Book winner. The book is written by Kwame Alexander and published by Versify, an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Three King Illustrator Honor Books were selected:

“The Bell Rang,” illustrated by James E. Ransome, written by the illustrator and published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division, a Caitlyn Dlouhy Book;

 “Infinite Hope: A Black Artist’s Journey from World War II to Peace,” illustrated by Ashley Bryan, written by the illustrator and published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division, a Caitlyn Dlouhy Book; and

“Sulwe,” illustrated by Vashti Harrison, written by Lupita Nyong’o and published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division.

Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Author Award:

 “Genesis Begins Again,” written by Alicia D. Williams, is the Steptoe author award winner. The book is published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division, a Caitlyn Dlouhy Book.

 Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Illustrator Award:

 “What Is Given from the Heart,” illustrated by April Harrison, is the Steptoe illustrator award winner. The book is written by Patricia C. McKissack and published by Schwartz & Wade Books, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, a division of Penguin Random House LLC.

Coretta Scott King – Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement:

Mildred D. Taylor 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. Born in Mississippi in 1943 and raised in Ohio, Taylor resides in Colorado. “Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry” won the 1977 Newbery Award and a Coretta Scott King Book Award honor. Taylor received the international 2003 inaugural NSK Neustadt Prize for Children's Literature. Her books earned national recognition including four CSK author awards and two author honors. Her 2020 Logan family series conclusion “All the Days Past, All the Days to Come” continues addressing systemic injustice, entrenched inequality and the roots of racism.

Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in literature written for young adults:

 “Dig,” written by A.S. King, is the 2020 Printz Award winner. The book is published by Dutton Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers, a division of Penguin Random House.

 Four Printz Honor Books also were named:
“The Beast Player,” written by Nahoko Uehashi, translated by Cathy Hirano and published by Godwin Books/Henry Holt, an imprint of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group;

 “Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me,” written by Mariko Tamaki, illustrated by Rosemary Valero-O’Connell and published by First Second/Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group;

“Ordinary Hazards: A Memoir,” written by Nikki Grimes and published by Wordsong, an imprint of Boyds Mills & Kane; and

“Where the World Ends,” written by Geraldine McCaughrean and published by Flatiron Books, an imprint of Macmillan Publishers.

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

 “Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You,” written by Sonia Sotomayor, illustrated by Rafael López and published by Philomel Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC, wins the award for young children (ages 0 to 10).

One honor book for Young Children was selected:

 “A Friend for Henry,” written by Jenn Bailey, illustrated by Mika Song and published by Chronicle Books LLC.

“Song for a Whale,” written by Lynne Kelly and published by Delacorte Press, an imprint of Random House Children’s Book, a division of Penguin Random House LLC, is the winner for middle grades (ages 11-13).

One honor book for middle grades was selected: “Each Tiny Spark,” written by Pablo Cartaya and published by Kokila Penguin Young Readers Group, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC.

“Cursed,” written by Karol Ruth Silverstein and published by Charlesbridge, is the winner for teens (ages 13-18).

 One honor book for teens was selected: “The Silence Between Us,” written by Alison Gervais and published by Blink.

Alex Awards for the 10 best adult books that appeal to teen audiences: “A Boy and His Dog at the End of the World,” By C.A. Fletcher, Published by Orbit, a division of Hachette Group “Do You Dream of Terra-Two?” By Temi Oh, Published by Saga Press/Gallery Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, Inc. “Dominicana,” By Angie Cruz, Published by Flatiron Books, an imprint of Macmillan Publishers “Gender Queer: A Memoir,” By Maia Kobabe, Published by Lion Forge, an imprint of Oni Press “High School,” By Sara Quin and Tegan Quin, Published by MCD, a division of Farrar, Straus and Giroux, an imprint of Macmillan Publishers “In Waves,” By AJ Dungo, Published by Nobrow “Middlegame,” By Seanan McGuire, Published by Tor.com Publishing, an imprint of Tom Doherty Associates, a division of Macmillan “The Nickel Boys,” By Colson Whitehead, Published by Doubleday, a division of Penguin Random House “Red, White & Royal Blue” By Casey McQuiston, Published by St. Martin’s Griffin, a division of St. Martin’s Publishing Group, an imprint of Macmillan Publishers “The Swallows,” By Lisa Lutz, Published by Ballantine Books, an imprint of Random House, a division of Penguin Random House

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 2020 winner is Kevin Henkes, whose award-winning works include “Kitten’s First Full Moon” which won the Caldecott Award in 2005 and “The Year of Billy Miller,” recipient of a Newbery Honor in 2014. In addition, Henkes has received two Geisel honors, two Caldecott honors and a second Newbery honor.

 Margaret A. Edwards Award for lifetime achievement in writing for young adults: The 2020 winner is Steve Sheinkin. His books include: “Bomb: The Race to Build-and Steal-the World's Most Dangerous Weapon,” “The Port Chicago 50: Disaster, Mutiny, and the Fight for Civil Rights,” and “The Notorious Benedict Arnold: A True Story of Adventure, Heroism, & Treachery,” all published by Roaring Brook Press, an imprint of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, and “Lincoln's Grave Robbers,” published by Scholastic Press, an imprint of Scholastic Inc.

2020 ALSC Children’s Literature Lecture Award recognizing an author, critic, librarian, historian or teacher of children's literature, who then presents a lecture at a winning host site. Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop will deliver the 2021 Children’s Literature Lecture. Dr. Sims Bishop, Professor Emerita at The Ohio State University, has served on numerous noteworthy committees for ALA and other organizations, and has been recognized with prestigious awards for her work. Her research, writing, and teaching have informed and expanded conversations about representation of African Americans in children's literature and provided a critical framework for research and pedagogy. Her essay, "Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors," is not only cited globally, it has inspired shifts in publishing, teaching, and the inclusion of authentic, diverse voices in literature for children and teens.

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:

“Brown” is the 2020 Batchelder Award winner. Originally published in Norwegian as “Brune,” the book was written by Håkon Øvreås, illustrated by Øyvind Torseter, translated by Kari Dickson and published by Enchanted Lion Books.

Four Honor Books also were selected: “The Beast Player,” published by Godwin Books/Henry Holt, an imprint of Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, written by Nahoko Uehashi, illustrated by Yuta Onoda and translated from the Japanese by Cathy Hirano;

 “The Distance Between Me and the Cherry Tree,” published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division, written by Paola Peretti, illustrated by Carolina Rabei, translated from the Italian by Denise Muir;

“Do Fish Sleep?” published by Enchanted Lion Books, written by Jens Raschke, illustrated by Jens Rassmus, translated from the German by Belinda Cooper; and

 “When Spring Comes to the DMZ,” published by Plough Publishing House, written by Uk-Bae Lee, illustrated by the author, translated from the Korean by Chungyon Won and Aileen Won.

Odyssey Award for best audiobook produced for children and/or young adults, available in English in the United States: “Hey, Kiddo: How I Lost My Mother, Found My Father, and Dealt with Family Addiction,” produced by Scholastic Audiobooks, is the 2020 Odyssey Award winner. The book is written by Jarrett J. Krosoczka and narrated by the author, Jeanne Birdsall, Jenna Lamia, Richard Ferrone and a full cast. Four Odyssey Honor Audiobooks also were selected: “Redwood and Ponytail,” produced by Hachette Audio, written by K.A. Holt and narrated by Cassandra Morris and Tessa Netting; “Song for a Whale,” produced by Listening Library, an imprint of the Penguin Random House Audio Publishing Group, written by Lynne Kelly and narrated by Abigail Revasch with the author; “We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga,” produced by Live Oak Media, written by Traci Sorell and narrated by Lauren Hummingbird, Agalisiga (Choogie) Mackey, Ryan Mackey, Traci Sorell, Tonia Weavel; “We’re Not from Here,” produced by Listening Library, an imprint of the Penguin Random House Audio Publishing Group, written by Geoff Rodkey and narrated by Dani Martineck.

Pura Belpré Awards honoring a Latino writer and illustrator whose children's books best portray, affirm and celebrate the Latino cultural experience:

“Dancing Hands: How Teresa Carreño Played the Piano for President Lincoln,” illustrated by Rafael López, is the Belpré Illustrator Award winner. The book was written by Margarita Engle and published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division.

Three Belpré Illustrator Honor Books were named:

"Across the Bay,” illustrated by Carlos Aponte, written by the illustrator and published by Penguin Workshop, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC;

 "My Papi Has a Motorcycle," illustrated by Zeke Peña, written by Isabel Quintero and published by Kokila, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC; and

"¡Vamos! Let’s Go to the Market," illustrated by Raúl Gonzalez, written by the author and published by Versify, an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

“Sal and Gabi Break the Universe,” written by Carlos Hernandez, is the Pura Belpré Author Award winner. The book is published by Disney-Hyperion, an imprint of Disney Book Group.

Four Belpré Author Honor Books was named:

 "Lety Out Loud," written by Angela Cervantes and published by Scholastic Press, an imprint of Scholastic Inc.;

"The Other Half of Happy," written by Rebecca Balcárcel and published by Chronicle Books;

"Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré,"( Juv.920 .B452d) written by Anika Aldamuy Denise, illustrated by Paola Escobar and published by HarperCollins Children’s Books, a division of HarperCollins Publishers; and

 "Soldier for Equality: José de la Luz Sáenz and the Great War," written by Duncan Tonatiuh, illustrated by the author and published by Abrams Books for Young Readers, an imprint of ABRAMS.

Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award for most distinguished informational book for children:

“Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story,” written by Kevin Noble Maillard and illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal, is the Sibert Award winner. The book is published by Roaring Brook Press, a division of Holtzbrinck Publishing Holdings.

Four Sibert Honor Books were named:
"All in a Drop: How Antony van Leeuwenhoek Discovered an Invisible World," written by Lori Alexander, illustrated by Vivien Mildenberger and published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt;

"This Promise of Change: One Girl’s Story in the Fight for School Equality," written by Jo Ann Allen Boyce and Debbie Levy and published by Bloomsbury Children's Books;

"Ordinary Hazards: A Memoir," written by Nikki Grimes and published by WordSong, an imprint of Highlights; and

"Hey, Water!" written and illustrated by Antoinette Portis and published by Neal Porter Books, Holiday House.

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 2020 in Early Learning Digital Media Award winner is Molly of Denali, produced by PBS Kids. The committee selected two honor recipients including “Seek," produced by iNaturalist, and “States of Matter by Tinybop,” produced by Tinybop, Inc.

Stonewall Book Award - Mike Morgan & Larry Romans Children’s & Young Adult Literature Award given annually to English-language children’s and young adult books of exceptional merit relating to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender experience:

“When Aidan Became a Brother,” written by Kyle Lukoff, illustrated by Kaylani Juanita and published by Lee & Low Books Inc. and

“The Black Flamingo,” written by Dean Atta, illustrated by Anshika Khullar and published by Hodder Children’s Books, an imprint of Hachette Children’s Group, part of Hodder and Stoughton are the 2020 recipients of the Stonewall Book Awards – Mike Morgan & Larry Romans Children’s & Young Adult Literature Award.

 Three Honor Books were selected:

 “Pet,” written by Akwaeke Emezi and published by Make Me a World, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, a division of Penguin Random House LLC;

“Like a Love Story,” written by Abdi Nazemian and published by Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, and

“The Best at It,” written by Maulik Pancholy and published by Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

Theodor Seuss Geisel Award for the most distinguished beginning reader book is:

 “Stop! Bot!” written and illustrated by James Yang. The book is published by Viking, Penguin Young Readers.

Three Geisel Honor Books were named:

“Chick and Brain: Smell My Foot!” written and illustrated by Cece Bell and published by Candlewick Press;

“Flubby Is Not a Good Pet!” written and illustrated by J. E. Morris and published by Penguin Workshop, an imprint of Penguin Random House; and

“The Book Hog,” written and illustrated by Greg Pizzoli and published by Disney-Hyperion, an imprint of Disney Book Group.

William C. Morris Award for a debut book published by a first-time author writing for teens:

“The Field Guide to the North American Teenager,” written by Ben Philippe, is the 2020 Morris Award winner. The book is published by Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

Four other books were finalists for the award:

“The Candle and the Flame,” written by Nafiza Azad and published by Scholastic Press, an imprint of Scholastic;

“Frankly in Love,” written by David Yoon and published by G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers, a division of Penguin Random House;

“Genesis Begins Again,” written by Alicia D. Williams and published by Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing; and

“There Will Come a Darkness,” written by Katy Rose Pool and published by Henry Holt, an imprint of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group.

YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults:

“Free Lunch,” written by Rex Ogle, is the 2020 Excellence winner. The book is published by Norton Young Readers, an imprint of W.W. Norton & Company.

Four other books were finalists for the award:

"The Great Nijinsky: God of Dance," written and illustrated by Lynn Curlee and published by Charlesbridge Teen;

 "A Light in the Darkness: Janusz Korczak, His Orphans, and the Holocaust," written by Albert Marrin and published by Alfred A. Knopf, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, a division of Penguin Random House;

 "A Thousand Sisters: The Heroic Airwomen of the Soviet Union in World War II," written by Elizabeth Wein and published by Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers; and

"Torpedoed: The True Story of the World War II Sinking of 'The Children's Ship'," written by Deborah Heiligman and published by Henry Holt, an imprint of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group.

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 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 “Queen of Physics: How Wu Chien Shiung Helped Unlock the Secrets of the Atom,” written by Teresa Robeson, illustrated by Rebecca Huang and published by Sterling Children's Books.

The committee selected one Picture Book honor title: “Bilal Cooks Daal,” written by Aisha Saeed, illustrated by Anoosha Syed and published by Salaam Reads/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing.

The Children’s Literature winner is

“Stargazing,” written by Jen Wang and published by First Second, an imprint of Macmillan Children's Publishing Group.

The committee selected one children’s literature honor title:

“I’m Ok,” written by Patti Kim and published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing.

The Young Adult Literature winner is “They Called Us Enemy,” written by George Takei, Justin Eisinger and Steven Scott, illustrated by Harmony Becker and published by Top Shelf Productions, an imprint of IDW Publishing.

The committee selected one Young Adult Literature honor title: “Frankly in Love,” written by David Yoon and published by G. P. Putnam’s Sons, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers, a division of Penguin Random House LLC.

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 winners include:

The Picture Book winner is

“The Book Rescuer: How a Mensch from Massachusetts Saved Yiddish Literature for Generations to Come,” by Sue Macy, illustrated by Stacy Innerst and published by Paula Wiseman Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster.

Two Picture Book honor books were selected:

“Gittel’s Journey,” by Lesléa Newman, illustrated by Amy June Bates and published by Abrams Books for Young Readers, and

“The Key from Spain: Flory Jagoda and Her Music,” by Debbie Levy, illustrated by Sonja Wimmer and published by Kar-Ben Publishing, a division of Lerner Publishing Group.

The Middle Grade winner is “White Bird: A Wonder Story,” by R. J. Palacio and published by Alfred A. Knopf, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

Two Middle Grade honor books were selected:

 “Anya and the Dragon,” by Sofiya Pasternack and published by Versify, an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, and “

Games of Deception: The True Story of the First U.S. Olympic Basketball Team at the 1936 Olympics in Hitler’s Germany,” by Andrew Maraniss and published by Philomel Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

The Young Adult winner is

“Someday We Will Fly,” by Rachel DeWoskin and published by Viking Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

 Two Young Adult honor books were selected:

“Dissenter on the Bench: Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Life and Work,” by Victoria Ortiz and published by Clarion Books, an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, and

“Sick Kids in Love,” by Hannah Moskowitz and published by Entangled Teen, an imprint of Entangled Publishing LLC.

The American Indian Youth Literature Award is announced in even years and established to identify and honor the very best writing and illustrations by and about American Indians. The award is administered by the American Indian Library Association (AILA), an affiliate of the American Library Association. Additional information regarding the American Indian Youth Literature Award is available at ailanet.org.

This year’s winners include:

 The Picture Book winner is “Bowwow Powwow: Bagosenjige-niimi’idim,” written by Brenda J. Child (Red Lake Ojibwe), translated into Ojibwe by Gordon Jourdain (Lac La Croix First Nation), illustrated by Jonathan Thunder (Red Lake Ojibwe) and published by the Minnesota Historical Society Press.

The committee selected five Picture Book Honor titles including:

“Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story,” ( Juv.M2195f) written by Kevin Noble Maillard (Seminole Nation, Mekusukey Band), illustrated by Juana Martínez-Neal (Peruvian-American) and published by Roaring Brook Press / Macmillan;

“Birdsong,” written and illustrated by Julie Flett (Cree-Métis) and published by Greystone Kids; “At the Mountain’s Base,” written by Traci Sorell (Cherokee), illustrated by Weshoyot Alvitre (Tongva/Scots-Gaelic), and published by Kokila / Penguin Random House;

“We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga,” ( Juv..S7134w) written by Traci Sorell (Cherokee), illustrated by Frané Lessac, and published by Charlesbridge; and

“Raven Makes the Aleutians,” adapted from a traditional Tlingit story and illustrated by Janine Gibbons (Haida, Raven of the Double-Finned Killer Whale clan, Brown Bear House) and published by Sealaska Heritage.

The Middle Grade Book winner is “Indian No More,” written by Charlene Willing McManis (Umpqua/Confederated Tribes of Grande Ronde) with Traci Sorell (Cherokee), cover art by Marlena Myles (Spirit Lake Dakota, Mohegan, Muscogee Creek), published by Tu Books / Lee & Low.

 The committee selected two Middle Grade Book Honor titles including:

“I Can Make This Promise,” written by Christine Day (Upper Skagit), with cover art by Michaela Goade (Tlingit, Kiks.ádi clan, Steel House), published by HarperCollins; and

“The Grizzly Mother,” written by Hetxw’ms Gyetxw (“Brett D. Huson,” Gitxsan), illustrated by Natasha Donovan (Métis Nation of British Columbia), and published by Highwater Press.

The Young Adult Book winner is “Hearts Unbroken,” written by Cynthia Leitich Smith (Muscogee) and published by Candlewick Press.

The committee selected four Young Adult Book Honor titles including:

“Surviving the City,” written by Tasha Spillett (Nehiyaw-Trinidadian), illustrated by Natasha Donovan (Métis Nation of British Columbia), and published by Highwater Press;

“Reawakening Our Ancestors’ Lines: Revitalizing Inuit Traditional Tattooing,” gathered and compiled by Angela Hovak Johnston (Inuk), with photography by Cora De Vos (Inuk), published by Inhabit Media;

“An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States for Young People,” written by Debbie Reese (Nambé Owingeh) and Jean Mendoza adapted from the adult book by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz, published by Beacon Press; and

 “Apple in the Middle,” written by Dawn Quigley (Ojibwe, Turtle Mountain Band) and published by North Dakota State University Press. Recognized worldwide

See also https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/2020-youth-media-award-winners/

Youth Media Awards- January 27, 2020

Each year the American Library Association honors books, videos, and other outstanding materials for children and teens. Recognized worldwide for the high quality they represent, the ALA Youth Media Awards, including the prestigious Newbery, Caldecott, Printz, and Coretta Scott King Book Awards, guide parents, educators, librarians, and others in selecting the best materials for youth. Selected by committees composed of librarians and other literature and media experts, the awards encourage original and creative work in the field of children’s and young adult literature and media.

The 2020 Youth Media Award announcements will take place on Monday, Jan. 27, 2020, at 8 a.m. ET from the Pennsylvania Convention Center, in Philadelphia. Fans can follow the action live at http://ala.unikron.com , @AmericanLibraryAssociation or by following #ALAyma20 .

See https://educationservicesnews.blogspot.com/2020/01/ala-youtj-media-2020-award-list.html for winners list

ALA Youth Media Awards 2019-1/28/19

The 2019 Youth Media Award announcements took place on Monday, Jan. 28, 2019, at 8 a.m. PT from the Washington Convention Center, in Seattle, Washington. 

 2019 award winners  (https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/2019-youth-media-award-winners/):

John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children's literature:

“Merci Suárez Changes Gears,” written by Meg Medina, is the 2019 Newbery Medal winner. The book is published by Candlewick Press.

Two Newbery Honor Books also were named: “The Night Diary,” written by Veera Hiranandani and published by Dial Books for Young Readers, Penguin Young Readers Group, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC; and “The Book of Boy,” written by Catherine Gilbert Murdock, illustrated by Ian Schoenherr and published by Greenwillow Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

Randolph Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture book for children:

“Hello Lighthouse,” illustrated and written by Sophie Blackall is the 2019 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: “Alma and How She Got Her Name,” illustrated and written by Juana Martinez-Neal and published by Candlewick Press; “A Big Mooncake for Little Star,” illustrated and written by Grace Lin and published by Little, Brown and Company, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc.; “The Rough Patch,” illustrated and written by Brian Lies and published by Greenwillow Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers; and “Thank You, Omu!” illustrated and written by Oge Mora and published by Little, Brown and Company, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc.

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

“A Few Red Drops: The Chicago Race Riot of 1919,” written by Claire Hartfield, is the King Author Book winner. The book is published by Clarion Books, an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Three King Author Honor Books were selected: “Finding Langston,” written by Lesa Cline-Ransome and published by Holiday House; “The Parker Inheritance,” written by Varian Johnson and published by Arthur A. Levine Books, an imprint of Scholastic Inc.; and “The Season of Styx Malone,” written by Kekla Magoon and published by Wendy Lamb Books, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, a division of Penguin Random House LLC.

Coretta Scott King (Illustrator) Book Award: “The Stuff of Stars,” illustrated by Ekua Holmes, is the King Illustrator Book winner. The book is written by Marion Dane Bauer and published by Candlewick Press. 

Three King Illustrator Honor Book were selected: “Hidden Figures,” illustrated by Laura Freeman, written by Margot Lee Shetterly and published by HarperCollins Children’s Books, a division of HarperCollins Publishers; “Let the Children March,” illustrated by Frank Morrison, written by Monica Clark-Robinson and published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company; and “Memphis, Martin, and the Mountaintop,” illustrated by R. Gregory Christie, written by Alice Faye Duncan and published by Calkins Creek, an imprint of Highlights.

Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Author Award: 

“Monday’s Not Coming,” written by Tiffany D. Jackson, is the Steptoe author award winner. The book is published by Katherine Tegen Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Illustrator Award: 

“Thank You, Omu!,” illustrated and written by Oge Mora and published by Little, Brown Young Readers. 

Coretta Scott King – Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement: 

Dr. Pauletta Brown Bracy 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.

Dr. Bracy is Professor of Library Science and Director of the Office of University Accreditation at North Carolina Central University (NCCU). She has successfully merged scholarship and service with publications such as “Libraries, Literacy and African American Youth” (co-edited with Sandra Hughes Hassell and Casey H. Rawson) as well as her work with the Coretta Scott King Book Awards and with workshops and conferences dedicated to promoting African American books for children and teens. She recently served as co-organizer for Celebrating Our Voices: Black Children’s Literature Symposium and Book Festival held at NCCU.

Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in literature written for young adults

“The Poet X,” written by Elizabeth Acevedo, is the 2019 Printz Award winner. The book is published by HarperTeen, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

Three Printz Honor Books also were named: “Damsel,” written by Elana K. Arnold and published by Balzer+Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers; “A Heart in a Body in the World,” written by Deb Caletti and published by Simon Pulse, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing; and “I, Claudia,” written by Mary McCoy and published by Carolrhoda Lab®, an imprint of Carolrhoda Books®, a division of Lerner Publishing Group.

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

“Rescue & Jessica A Life-Changing Friendship,” written by Jessica Kensky and Patrick Downes, illustrated by Scott Magoon and published by Candlewick Press, wins the award for young children (ages 0 to 10).

One honor book for young children was selected: “The Remember Balloons,” written by Jessie Oliveros, illustrated by Dana Wulfekotte and published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Children.

“The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle,” written by Leslie Connor and published by Katherine Tegen Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, is the winner for middle grades (ages 11-13).

One honor book for middle grades was selected:

“The Collectors,” written by Jacqueline West and published by Greenwillow Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

“Anger Is a Gift,” written by Mark Oshiro and published by A Tor Teen Book, Tom Doherty Associates, is the winner for teens (ages 13-18).

One honor book for teens was selected: “(Don’t) Call Me Crazy: 33 Voices Start the Conversation about Mental Health,” edited by Kelly Jensen and published by Algonquin Young Readers, an imprint of Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill, a division of Workman Publishing.

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

“The Black God’s Drums,” By P. Djèlí Clark, Published by Tor.com, an imprint of Tom Doherty Associates, a division of Macmillan.

“The Book of Essie,” By Meghan MacLean Weir, Published by Knopf, an imprint of Random House, a division of Penguin Random House.

“Circe,” By Madeline Miller, Published by Little, Brown and Company, a division of Hachette Book Group.

“Educated: A Memoir,” By Tara Westover, Published by Random House, a division of Penguin Random House.

“The Girl Who Smiled Beads: A Story of War and What Comes After,” By Clemantine Wamariya and Elizabeth Weil, Published by Crown Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House.

“Green,” By Sam Graham-Felsen, published by Random House, a division of Penguin Random House. “Home After Dark,” by David Small, illustrated by the author, published by Liveright, an imprint of W.W. Norton & Company. “How Long ’Til Black Future Month?” By N. K. Jemisin, Published by Orbit, an imprint of Hachette Book Group.

“Lawn Boy,” By Jonathan Evison, Published by Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill, a division of Workman Publishing.

“Spinning Silver,” by Naomi Novik, published by Del Rey, a division of Penguin Random House.

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 2019 winner is Walter Dean Myers, whose award-winning works include “Somewhere in the Darkness,” a 1993 Newbery Honor Book, and “Monster,” recipient of a 2000 Coretta Scott King Author Honor Book. In addition, Myers received the first Coretta Scott King – Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2010.

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

The 2019 winner is M.T. Anderson. His books include: “Feed;” “The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume I: The Pox Party;” and “The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves,” all published by Candlewick Press. 

2020 May Hill Arbuthnot Honor Lecture Award 

recognizing an author, critic, librarian, historian or teacher of children's literature, who then presents a lecture at a winning host site.

Neil Gaiman will deliver the 2020 May Hill Arbuthnot Honor Lecture. Born in England, Gaiman is a United States resident. His work has been honored with many awards internationally, including the Newbery Medal. He is credited with being one of the creators of modern comics, as well as an author whose work crosses genres and reaches audiences of all ages. Gaiman is a prolific creator of works of prose, poetry, film, journalism, comics, song lyrics, and drama and a vocal defender of the freedom to read.

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: 

“The Fox on the Swing” is the 2019 Batchelder Award winner. Originally published in Lithuanian as “Laime Yra Lape,” the book was written by Evelina Daciūtė, illustrated by Aušra Kiudulaitė, translated by The Translation Bureau and published by Thames & Hudson, Inc.

Four Honor Books also were selected:

“Run for Your Life,” published by Yonder, an imprint of Restless Books, Inc., written by Silvana Gandolfi and translated from the Italian by Lynne Sharon Schwartz; “My Beijing: Four Stories of Everyday Wonder,” published by Graphic Universe, a division of Lerner Publishing Group, Inc., written and illustrated by Nie Jun, originally published in Mandarin and translated from the French by Edward Gauvin; “Edison: The Mystery of the Missing Mouse Treasure,” published by NorthSouth Books, Inc., written and illustrated by Torben Kuhlmann and translated from the German by David Henry Wilson; and “Jerome By Heart,” published by Enchanted Lion Books, written by Thomas Scotto, illustrated by Olivier Tallec and translated from the French by Claudia Zoe Bedrick and Karin Snelson.

Odyssey Award for best audiobook produced for children and/or young adults, available in English in the United States:

“Sadie,” produced by Macmillan Audio from Wednesday Books, an imprint of St. Martin’s Press, is the 2019 Odyssey Award winner. The book is written by Courtney Summers and narrated by Rebecca Soler, Fred Berman, Dan Bittner, Gabra Zackman, and more.

Four books Odyssey Honor Audiobooks also were selected:

“Du Iz Tak” produced by Weston Woods Studio, a division of Scholastic, written by Carson Ellis and narrated by Eli and Sebastian D’Amico, Burton, Galen and Laura Fott, Sarah Hart, Bella Higginbotham, Evelyn Hipp and Brian Hull; “Esquivel! Space-Age Sound Artist,” produced by Live Oak Media, written by Susan Wood and narrated by Brian Amador; “The Parker Inheritance,” produced by Scholastic Audiobooks, written by Varian Johnson and narrated by Cherise Booth; and “The Poet X,” produced by HarperAudio, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers and written and narrated by Elizabeth Acevedo. 

Pura Belpré Awards honoring a Latinx writer and illustrator whose children's books best portray, affirm and celebrate the Latino cultural experience

“Dreamers,” illustrated and written by Yuyi Morales, is the Belpré Illustrator Award winner. The book was published by Neal Porter Books, Holiday House Publishing, Inc.

Two Belpré Illustrator Honor Books were named:

“Islandborn,” illustrated by Leo Espinosa, written by Junot Díaz and published by Dial Books for Young Readers, Penguin Young Readers Group, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC; and “When Angels Sing: The Story of Rock Legend Carlos Santana,” illustrated by Jose Ramirez, written by Michael Mahin and published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division.

"The Poet X,” written by Elizabeth Acevedo, is the Pura Belpré Author Award winner. The book is published by HarperTeen, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

One Belpré Author Honor Book was named: "They Call Me Güero: A Border Kid’s Poems," written by David Bowles and published by Cinco Puntos Press. 

Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award for most distinguished informational book for children:

“The Girl Who Drew Butterflies: How Maria Merian’s Art Changed Science,” written by Joyce Sidman, is the Sibert Award winner. The book is published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Five Sibert Honor Books were named:

“Camp Panda: Helping Cubs Return to the Wild,” written by Catherine Thimmesh and published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt; “Spooked!: How a Radio Broadcast and The War of the Worlds Sparked the 1938 Invasion of America,” written by Gail Jarrow and published by Calkins Creek, an imprint of Highlights; “The Unwanted: Stories of the Syrian Refugees,” written and illustrated by Don Brown and published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt; “We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga,” written by Traci Sorell, illustrated by Frané Lessac and published by Charlesbridge; and “When Angels Sing: The Story of Rock Legend Carlos Santana,” written Michael Mahin, illustrated by Jose Ramirez and published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division.

The inaugural Excellence in Early Learning Digital Media Award is being given in 2019 to a digital media producer that has created distinguished digital media for an early learning audience. The 2019 in Early Learning Digital Media Award winner is Play and Learn Science, produced by PBS Kids. The committee selected two honor recipients including Coral Reef, produced by Tinybop Inc., and Lexi’s World, produced by Pop Pop Pop LLC.

Stonewall Book Award - Mike Morgan & Larry Romans Children’s & Young Adult LiteratureAward given annually to English-language children’s and young adult books of exceptional merit relating to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender experience: “Julián Is a Mermaid,” written by Jessica Love and published by Candlewick Press, and “Hurricane Child,” written by Kheryn Callender and published by Scholastic Press, an imprint of Scholastic Inc., are the 2019 recipients of the Stonewall Book Awards – Mike Morgan & Larry Romans Children’s & Young Adult Literature Award, respectively. Two Honor Books were selected: “Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World,” written by Ashley Herring Blake and published by Little, Brown and Company, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc.; and “Picture Us in the Light,” written by Kelly Loy Gilbert and published by Hyperion, an imprint of Disney Book Group.

Theodor Seuss Geisel Award for the most distinguished beginning reader book is “Fox the Tiger,” written and illustrated by Corey R. Tabor. The book is published by Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. 

Four Geisel Honor Books were named: “The Adventures of Otto: See Pip Flap,” written and illustrated by David Milgrim and published by Simon Spotlight, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division; “Fox + Chick: The Party and Other Stories,” written and illustrated by Sergio Ruzzier and published by Chronicle Books LLC; “King & Kayla and the Case of the Lost Tooth,” written by Dori Hillestad Butler, illustrated by Nancy Meyers and published by Peachtree Publishers; and “Tiger vs. Nightmare,” written and illustrated by Emily Tetri and published by First Second, an imprint of Roaring Brook Press, a division of Holtzbrinck Publishing Holdings Limited Partnership.

William C. Morris Award for a debut book published by a first-time author writing for teens:

“Darius the Great Is Not Okay,” written by Adib Khorram, is the 2019 Morris Award winner. The book is published by Dial Books, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers, a division of Penguin Random House.

Four other books were finalists for the award: “Blood Water Paint,” written by Joy McCullough and published by Dutton Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers, a division of Penguin Random House; Check, Please!: #Hockey,” written and illustrated by Ngozi Ukazu and published by First Second, an imprint of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group; “Children of Blood and Bone,” written by Tomi Adeyemi and published by Henry Holt Books, an imprint of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group; and “What the Night Sings,” written and illustrated by Vesper Stamper and published by Knopf Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, a division of Penguin Random House. 

YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults 

“The Unwanted: Stories of the Syrian Refugees,” written and illustrated by Don Brown, is the 2019 Excellence winner. The book is published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Four other books were finalists for the award: “The Beloved World of Sonia Sotomayor,” written by Sonia Sotomayor and published by Delacorte Press, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, a division of Penguin Random House; “Boots on the Ground: America’s War in Vietnam,” written by Elizabeth Partridge and published by Viking Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers, a division of Penguin Random House; “The Faithful Spy: Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Plot to Kill Hitler,” written and illustrated by John Hendrix and published by Amulet Books, an imprint of ABRAMS; and "Hey, Kiddo: How I Lost My Mother, Found My Father, and Dealt with Family Addiction," written and illustrated by Jarrett J. Krosoczka and published by Graphix, an imprint of Scholastic. 

Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature ( including honor books)

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 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 Picture Book winner is “Drawn Together,” written by Minh Lê, illustrated by Dan Santat and published by Disney Hyperion, an imprint of Disney Book Group; Children’s Literature Category. This year’s winner is “Front Desk,” written by Kelly Yang and published by Arthur A. Levine Books, an imprint of Scholastic Inc.; and Young Adult Literature is “Darius the Great is Not Okay,” written by Adib Khorram and published by Dial Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC. 
Honor books were not noted in the announcement. Please find here a complete list of winners from the APALA website :

Young Adult Literature

The Asian/Pacific American Award for Young Adult Literature winner is Darius the Great is Not Okay, written by Adib Khorram, and published by Dial Books.

Darius is an introverted, awkward, tea-loving teenager in Portland, Oregon. He doesn’t fit in at school. Students mock his Persian name, and he is probably the only kid at Chapel Hill High who knows Klingon. Darius feels like a misfit at home too. The only things he shares with his white father are clinical depression and Star Trek nights. Plus, Darius doesn’t feel Persian enough in his family, especially since his younger sister speaks more Farsi. His sense of belonging – in his own skin, in his family, and as a Persian – is tested on his first trip to Iran when he visits his ill grandfather. Darius the Great is Not Okay was chosen as the winning title for its heartfelt portrayal of a teenager seeking a place to belong in his family and his culture. Like the friendship between Darius and Sohrab, the book is a sweet and tender coming-of-age tale. Many readers will relate to its realistic depiction of clinical depression and Darius’s struggle to feel confident in his biracial identity.

The committee selected one Young Adult Literature Honor title The Astonishing Color of After, written by Emily X.R. Pan, and published by Little Brown and Company.

A magical red bird appears in 15-year-old Leigh’s life after both a wonderful and tragic day. The wonderful day: Leigh kisses Axel, the best friend she is in love with. The same tragic day: Leigh comes home to news of her mother’s suicide. Unsure of her relationship with Axel, grieving her mother, and living with a distant father, Leigh feels alone except for the periodic sightings of a red bird. She follows the red bird’s directions to visit her estranged maternal grandparents in Taiwan, where Leigh learns cultural traditions and discovers family secrets. In Taiwan, she seeks connection to her mother’s life and reasons for her mother’s mental illness. Astonishing Color of After was honor for its honest depiction of the pain endured by families after suicide. The committee applauds the authentic representation of Taiwanese traditions and beliefs depicted across generations. The author illustrates a contemporary biracial teenager’s experience of living between cultures with vivid surrealism.

Children’s Literature

Front Desk written by Kelly Yang, and published by Arthur A. Levine Books (Scholastic), is the 2019 Asian/Pacific American Award for Children’s Literature winner.

Debut author Kelly Yang draws from personal experience to create a humorous and poignant novel, Front Desk, centering on 10-year-old Mia who manages a motel with her immigrant parents. Set in the 90s, readers experience firsthand the hardships of the immigrant experience – long working hours, toiling in menial work, institutional and outright racism, in-group oppression of newer immigrants, and the need to bite back one’s tongue. Yang’s take on key social issues is compelling and translatable beyond cultural borders by giving the voiceless a voice. The themes of community, empowerment, and strength are prevalent throughout, depicting the strength we gain from others and how a network of support can bind a community together.

The committee selected one Children’s Literature Honor title, The House that Lou Built, written by Mae Respicio, and published by Wendy Lamb Books.

Inspired by the emerging tiny house movement, Mae Respicio’s The House That Lou Built depicts a biracial protagonist who follows her dreams of building a small home on her father’s land. When her mother falls short on property payments and proposes a move to Northern California, Lou, along with her friends, finds a way to see her dream to reality. Lou redefines home beyond the traditional four walls as “more of a feeling — of comfort and trust, of people who are a part of you.” Respicio’s debut novel portrays Filipino culture with authenticity from personal recollections, creating a story around a rich culture while simultaneously showing the power of being able to depend on those around you.

Picture Book

The Picture Book winner is Drawn Together, written by Minh Lê, illustrated by Dan Santat, and published by Disney Hyperion.

Drawn Together is the story of a Thai-American boy and his grandfather, who seemingly at first do not share many things in common. They do not speak the same language, eat the same things, or have the same tastes in television shows, and so their world together is shared with many moments of silence. One afternoon their relationship changes over a shared love of art that eloquently captures the linguistic and cultural divides that originally separated the two.  As the two settle in to watch television together, the generational differences between them only continue to grow. The boy loses interest and turns to drawing with crayons and markers. The grandfather’s eyes light up and he brings out his calligraphy brush and ink, and they embark on a collaborative creative adventure that builds a bridge between their two worlds to create one, but not without a little tumult along the way. Lê’s words and Dan Santat’s art merge in a perfect blend of subtlety and exuberance to show that despite generational and cultural obstacles, we can be drawn together.

The committee selected one Picture Book Honor title, Grandmother’s Visit written by Betty Quan, illustrated by Carmen Mok, and published by Groundwood Books.

Grandmother’s Visit is a contemplative, quiet exploration of a Chinese-American’s girl loss when her grandmother passes.  The book opens with the sweet relationship between a granddaughter and grandmother who teaches her the secret ratio of rice to water and sharing her rich food memories of her childhood in China.  Everyday grandma walks the little girl to school in the morning and is waiting there for her afterschool to walk back home until one day, grandmother does not walk her to and from school anymore and grandma’s room remains closed and life is never the same after.  The little girl’s family begins the process of grieving, turning on all the lights outside of the house to help grandmother’s spirit say goodbye.  One night, the little girl goes into her grandmother’s room and sees her house key has bookmarked a picture of her grandmother holding her as a baby.  The granddaughter is able to say her final goodbye.  Quan’s quiet and spare tone is illustrated beautifully by Mok’s gray-toned digital paintings that visualize the author’s story of memory and grief.  Grandmother’s Visit is a lovely portrait of the relationship between a grandmother and her granddaughter, and just may remind readers that their own memories of grandparents are as numerous, and as clear, as grains of washed rice in water.

Sydney Taylor Book Award 

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 winners include  

Younger Readers

 “All-of-a-Kind-Family Hanukkah,” by Emily Jenkins, illustrated by Paul Zelinsky, published by Schwartz & Wade, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books; 

Older Readers

 category winner is “Sweep: The Story of a Girl and Her Monster,” by Jonathan Auxier, published by Amulet Books, an imprint of Abrams;

Teen Readers 

“What the Night Sings,” by Vesper Stamper, illustrated by the author, published by Alfred A. Knopf, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books.

The Honor Books for the Sydney Taylor Awards were not part of the announcement. Here is a complete list from the Sydney Taylor website:

2019 marks the first time the Sydney Taylor Book Awards have been included in the American Library Association Youth Media Award announcements. 

GOLD MEDALISTS

Younger Readers

 All-of-a-Kind Family Hanukkah by Emily Jenkins, illustrated by Paul Zelinsky, published by Schwartz & Wade, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, won the Sydney Taylor Book Award in the Younger Readers category. In this meticulously researched Hanukkah story based on the classic children’s book All-of-aKind Family, poetic language and exuberant illustrations perfectly capture the emotions of each of the iconic sisters as they prepare latkes and celebrate the holiday in New York’s Lower East Side in 1912. 

 Older Readers

Sweep: The Story of a Girl and Her Monster by Jonathan Auxier, published by Amulet Books, an imprint of Abrams, won the Sydney Taylor Book Award in the Older Readers category. Auxier masterfully weaves Jewish themes and characters into the story of Nan Sparrow, a chimney climbing girl in Victorian London, and her remarkable friendship with Charlie, the soot golem who saves her life. 

Teen

 What the Night Sings by Vesper Stamper, illustrated by the author, published by Alfred A. Knopf, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, won the Sydney Taylor Book Award in the Teen Readers category. This beautifully illustrated novel tells the story of teen Holocaust survivor Gerta as she struggles to reconcile her identity and desires in the wake of tragedy. 

SILVER MEDALISTS

 Five Sydney Taylor Honor Books were also recognized. 

Younger Readers

Honor Books are 

A Moon for Moe and Mo by Jane Breskin Zalben, illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini, published by Charlesbridge, 

Through the Window: Views of Marc Chagall’s Life and Art by Barb Rosenstock, illustrated by Mary Grandpré, published by Alfred A. Knopf, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books. 

 Older Readers

Honor Books are:

All Three Stooges, by Erica S. Perl, published by Alfred A. Knopf, an imprint of an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, 

The Length of a String by Elissa Brent Weissman, published by Dial Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers, a division of Penguin Random House.

 Teen Readers

Honor Book:

You’ll Miss Me When I’m Gone by Rachel Lynn Solomon, published by Simon Pulse, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing

The American Indian Youth Literature award announcements also will be added to the ALA Youth Media Awards Announcement beginning in 2020. The award is announced in even years and established to identify and honor the very best writing and illustrations by and about American Indians. The award is administered by the American Indian Library Association (AILA), an affiliate of the American Library Association. Additional information regarding the American Indian Youth Literature Award is available at ailanet.org.

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.

Each year the American Library Association honors books, videos and other outstanding materials for children and teens. Recognized worldwide for the high quality they represent, the ALA Youth Media Awards (YMAs), including the prestigious Newbery, Caldecott, Printz, and Coretta Scott King Book Awards, guide parents, educators, librarians and others in selecting the best materials for youth..