Discover Penguin's YMA ALA Youth Media Award Winners!

penguin's ALA YMA WINNERS!

Every year the American Library Association announces the Youth Media Awards celebrating some of the most distinguished books for kids and teens. Scroll down to discover these award-winning titles from Penguin Young Readers!

Sundust by Zeke Peña, Zeke Peña
Sundust
Zeke Peña, Zeke Peña

CALDECOTT HONOR

An immersive and fantastical desert adventure, where the sun reigns over the vast landscape and shapes all that it touches.

Also available in Spanish.

Our Lake by Angie Kang, Angie Kang
Our Lake
Angie Kang, Angie Kang

CALDECOTT HONOR

A tender and vulnerable exploration of love and loss that follows two boys as they take their first trip back to the lake without their father.

Shabbat Shalom by Suzy Ultman, Suzy Ultman
Shabbat Shalom
Suzy Ultman, Suzy Ultman

SYDNEY TAYLOR BOOK AWARD WINNER (Picture Book)

Board Book that introduces the Jewish day of rest, validating the varied experiences of Jewish readers.

Whale Eyes by James Robinson, Brian Rea
Whale Eyes
James Robinson, Brian Rea

SCHNEIDER FAMILY BOOK AWARD WINNER (YA)

A breathtaking illustrated memoir shows readers the experiences growing up with strabismus, allowing them to see the world through one eye at a time.

Buffalo Dreamer by Violet Duncan
Buffalo Dreamer
Violet Duncan

AMERICAN INDIAN YOUTH LITERATURE AWARD WINNER (Middle Grade)

An Indigenous girl has vivid dreams which leads to uncovering the mystery behind the dreams and the painful past of residential schools.

The History of We by Nikkolas Smith
The History of We
Nikkolas Smith

ROBERT F. SIBERT INFORMATIONAL BOOK AWARD

HONOR BOOK

An awe-inspiring picture book about the origin and advancement of humans.

Under the Neon Lights by Arriel Vinson
Under the Neon Lights
Arriel Vinson

CORETTA SCOTT KING BOOK AWARD, JOHN STEPTOE AWARD FOR NEW TALENT (AUTHOR)

A novel in verse about a young Black girl who discovers first love, self-worth, and the power of a good skate in her gentrifying neighborhood.

The Incredibly Human Henson Blayze by Derrick Barnes
The Incredibly Human Henson Blayze
Derrick Barnes

CORETTA SCOTT KING BOOK AWARD, AUTHOR HONOR

An accomplished Black boy strives to be seen for who he is in this modern-day allegory with classic-style tall tales to weave a compelling story of America’s obsession with relegating Black people to labor or entertainment.

City Summer, Country Summer by Kiese Laymon, Alexis Franklin
City Summer, Country Summer
Kiese Laymon, Alexis Franklin

CORETTA SCOTT KING BOOK AWARD, ILLUSTRATOR HONOR

A lyrical picture book about three Black boys who form a deep connection during a transformative summer trip down South to visit family.

A Hero's Guide to Summer Vacation by Pablo Cartaya
A Hero's Guide to Summer Vacation
Pablo Cartaya

PURA BELPRÉ AWARD, CHILDREN'S AUTHOR HONOR

Reality proves more epic than fantasy in this family road trip story starring a reluctant young hero and his curmudgeonly grandfather.

Also available in Spanish.

The Story of My Anger by Jasminne Mendez
The Story of My Anger
Jasminne Mendez

PURA BELPRÉ AWARD, YA AUTHOR HONOR

A powerful novel-in-verse about a Texas teen who is battling racism in her theatre program and book banning efforts by her town’s school board.

Also available in Spanish.

Rosa by Any Other Name by Hailey Alcaraz
Rosa by Any Other Name
Hailey Alcaraz

PURA BELPRÉ AWARD, YA AUTHOR HONOR

In this Romeo and Juliet-inspired retelling set during the civil rights era, a Mexican American girl is driven to join a movement for justice after her white classmate and best friend from the barrio are tragically murdered.

Octopus Moon by Bobbie Pyron
Octopus Moon
Bobbie Pyron

SCHNEIDER FAMILY BOOK AWARD, HONOR BOOK (Middle Grade)

A deeply moving middle grade novel in verse about a girl struggling with depression when she starts fifth grade amidst a sea of changes.

A Vaisakhi to Remember by Simran Jeet Singh, Japneet Kaur
A Vaisakhi to Remember
Simran Jeet Singh, Japneet Kaur

APALA ASIAN AMERICAN

PICTURE BOOK

HONOR

A Vaisakhi to Remember celebrates community and heritage as a young girl looks for points of connection in a new country through the joyous Sikh spring harvest holiday of Vaisakhi.

First Love Language by Stefany Valentine
First Love Language
Stefany Valentine

YALSA MORRIS BOOK AWARD FINALIST

A swoon-worthy romantic dramedy about finding love and reconnecting with your culture in the most surprising ways.

A World Worth Saving by Kyle Lukoff
A World Worth Saving
Kyle Lukoff

SYDNEY TAYLOR BOOK AWARD MIDDLE GRADE

NOTABLE

A groundbreaking, action-packed, and ultimately uplifting adventure that intertwines elements of Jewish mythology with an unflinching examination of the impacts of transphobia.

Fanny's Big Idea by Richard Michelson, Alyssa Russell
Fanny's Big Idea
Richard Michelson, Alyssa Russell

SYDNEY TAYLOR BOOK AWARD PICTURE BOOK NOTABLE

In celebration of the 100th anniversary of Jewish Book Week, this engaging biography introduces children to the influential librarian and immigrant who originated the event.

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