Award season is upon us, and most might think that entails awards for best picture or artist of the year. However, in the world of librarians, this time of year means awards for outstanding children’s and young adult literature. The American Library Association Youth Media Awards, most notably the Newbery, Caldecott, Coretta Scott King and Printz Book Awards, are given to the most distinguished American picture book for children, the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children, and so much more. The winners were announced at the American Library Association's LibLearnX conference in New Orleans on January 30. Here are some of the winners and honorees from this year's ceremony.
The winner of the John Newbery Medal, which recognizes a literary work that has made an "outstanding contribution to children's literature," is Freewater by Amina Luqman-Dawson.
In addition to the Newbery Medal winner there are three honor books who were recognized for the Newbery; they are: Iveliz Explains It All, by Andrea Beatriz Arango, The Last Mapmaker, by Christina Soontornvat, and Maizy Chen's Last Chance, by Lisa Yee.
The winner of the Randolph Caldecott Medal, which honors the "most distinguished American picture book for children" is Hot Dog by Doug Salati.
In addition to the winner of the Caldecott Medal, there are four honor books who were awarded; they are: Ain't Burned All the Bright, by Jason Reynolds, illustrated by Jason Griffin, Berry Song, by Michaela Goade, Choosing Brave: How Mamie Till-Mobley and Emmett Till Sparked the Civil Rights Movement, by Angela Joy; illustrated by Janelle Washington, and Knight Owl, by Christopher Denise.
To read these award winning books and others, search our catalog or come in and speak to a librarian.
If you want to learn more about the American Library Association Youth Media Awards and get a list of all the winners and honor books, click on the link below.
https://ilovelibraries.org/article/2023-ala-youth-media-award-winners/