Award Winning Children’s Books Your Kids Will Go Crazy For!

Inside: Caldecott, Newbery, Geisel!! OH MY! Check out this year’s award winning children’s books.

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Caldecott! Newbery!! Geisel!! OH MY! The 2020 award winning children’s books are officially out!

The day the ALA Youth Media Awards are announced is always one of the most exciting days of the year in our house. Why? These awards are essentially the Oscars of children’s literature, with incredible books nominated in a variety of important categories. Just like the Academy Awards (and the Emmys, and the Golden Globes, and the Grammys), some years you are thrilled with the winners, whereas other times you simply are not. This year? Fantastic! Graphic novels reigned supreme, and the diversity evident among the award winning authors and illustrators made my heart so, so happy.

RELATED: We’ve got all of the best children’s books for you on Happily Ever Elephants, so make sure to check ’em out!

I have a tradition of watching the awards from my desk in my office, furiously messaging with my kid lit friends as the honors are announced, and you can usually hear me screaming with delight at the announcements. Though so many books we love and admire won’t win awards, so many books we love do, and we are always jumping for joy and thrilled for the authors whose lives are forever changed by this day.

Here is a list of some of the major awards (with a link to the complete list on the ALA website at the bottom), together with affiliate links, links to our blog reviews and any Happily Ever Elephants’ Lists on which the award winners may appear!

Happy Reading!

The 2020 Award Winning Children’s Books

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

WINNER: New Kid, by Jerry Craft. (From our upcoming post on best books for 10 year olds: Already being touted as one of the most important books of the year, New Kid is an authentic graphic novel about a tween beginning seventh grade at a new school — a prestigious academic private school, that is — where Jordan Banks is one of the only kids of color in his whole grade. As Jordan tries to find a place within his new school, he finds himself straddled between two worlds — the upscale students at Riverdale Academy and his neighborhood friends in Washington Heights. More than a simple “new kid” story, New Kid tackles racism, hostility, socio-economic disparity and microaggressions that many children encounter on a regular basis. Absolutely, positively, fantastic.)

HONOR: The Undefeated, by Kwame Alexander and illustrated by Kadir Nelson. In this exquisite work of poetry, only surpassed by Nelson’s breathtaking artwork, Alexander takes readers on a journey through the Black experience in America. From the bitterness of slavery to the fervor of the civil rights movement to the perseverance and spirit of the country’s most important leaders and heroes, this is a moving look at the manner in which Black Americans have overcome trauma to create lasting and indelible achievements in this country. Gripping, powerful, and achingly triumphant, this book is a force — a masterpiece that will be revered for years and years to come, by children and adults of all ages, colors and backgrounds. Absolutely gorgeous. The Undefeated is on our list of Amazing Picture Books for Black History Month.

HONOR: Scary Stories for Young Foxes, by Christian McKay Heidicker and illustrated by Junyi Wu.

HONOR: Other Words for Home, by Jasmine Warga.

HONOR: Genesis Begins Again, by Alicia D. Williams. (From my upcoming post on best books for 10 year olds: Genesis hates a lot of things about herself. Most especially? Her dark, dark, skin, which even her own father holds against her. But this isn’t the only thing she doesn’t like. She also hates that her family keeps getting put out of their home because dad gambles, and he loses the rent money on a regular basis. When Genesis is forced to start over again, at a new school, she not only discovers herself and a talent, but she also has the support of a trusted teacher who helps Genesis discover her own truth — and her own confidence. Powerful, triumphant, and oh so important, this is a story that will stay with you. Astonishing.

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

WINNER: The Undefeated, illustrated by Kadir Nelson and written by Kwame Alexander. In this exquisite work of poetry, only surpassed by Nelson’s breathtaking artwork, Alexander takes readers on a journey through the Black experience in America. From the bitterness of slavery to the fervor of the civil rights movement to the perseverance and spirit of the country’s most important leaders and heroes, this is a moving look at the manner in which Black Americans have overcome trauma to create lasting and indelible achievements in this country. Gripping, powerful, and achingly triumphant, this book is a force — a masterpiece that will be revered for years and years to come, by children and adults of all ages, colors and backgrounds. Absolutely gorgeous. The Undefeated is on our list of Amazing Picture Books for Black History Month.

HONOR: Bear Came Along, illustrated by LeUyen Pham and written by Richard T. Morris. Oh, how we adore this new book about friendship and community, and the ways in which working together and caring for those around you betters everyone! A big bear happens along a river, not realizing adventures are so much better with friends. Along the way he meets Froggy, Beaver, and Duck, as well as the Raccoons and the Turtles. The animals had no idea they needed each other, until the river forces them together, that is. We love the way this book shows that making friends can be easy — and we can always find ways to help another! Bear Came Along is on our list of Best Children’s Books About Friendship!

HONOR: Double Bass Blues, illustrated by Rudy Gutierrez and written by Andrea Loney.

HONOR: Going Down Home with Daddy, illustrated by Daniel Minter and written by Kelly Starling Lyons.

Theodor Seuss Geisel Award

This award is given to the most distinguished beginning reader book.

WINNER: Stop! Bot!, written and illustrated by James Yang.

HONOR: Chick and Brain: Smell My Foot! written and illustrated by Cece Bell. My six year old could not get through this book without laughing hysterically. And when I read it with him for the first time, I too was laughing so hard I could not catch my breath. If you want a book that’s sure to be a hit for new readers, with easy to read text, hilarious illustrations, and bucket loads of fun, this one is a must! Smell My Foot will be added to our list of awesome beginning books to engage new readers!

HONOR: Flubby is Not a Good Pet!: written and illustrated by J.E. Morris.

HONOR: The Book Hog, written and illustrated by Greg Pizzoli.

Coretta Scott King Book Awards – Author

This award recognizes African-American authors and illustrators of outstanding books for children and young adults.

WINNER (AUTHOR): New Kid, by Jerry Craft. (From our upcoming post on best books for 10 year olds: Already being touted as one of the most important books of the year, New Kid is an authentic graphic novel about a tween beginning seventh grade at a new school — a prestigious academic private school, that is — where Jordan Banks is one of the only kids of color in his whole grade. As Jordan tries to find a place within his new school, he finds himself straddled between two worlds — the upscale students at Riverdale Academy and his neighborhood friends in Washington Heights. More than a simple “new kid” story, New Kid tackles racism, hostility, socio-economic disparity and microaggressions that many children encounter on a regular basis. Absolutely, positively, fantastic.)

HONOR (AUTHOR): The Stars and the Blackness Between Them, by Junauda Petrus.

HONOR (AUTHOR): Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky, by Kwame Mbalia.

HONOR (AUTHOR): Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks, by Jason Reynolds.

Coretta Scott King Book Awards – Illustrator

WINNER (ILLUSTRATOR): The Undefeated, illustrated by Kadir Nelson and written by Kwame Alexander. In this exquisite work of poetry, only surpassed by Nelson’s breathtaking artwork, Alexander takes readers on a journey through the Black experience in America. From the bitterness of slavery to the fervor of the civil rights movement to the perseverance and spirit of the country’s most important leaders and heroes, this is a moving look at the manner in which Black Americans have overcome trauma to create lasting and indelible achievements in this country. Gripping, powerful, and achingly triumphant, this book is a force — a masterpiece that will be revered for years and years to come, by children and adults of all ages, colors and backgrounds. Absolutely gorgeous. The Undefeated is on our list of Amazing Picture Books for Black History Month.

HONOR (ILLUSTRATOR): The Bell Rang, written and illustrated by James E. Ransome.

HONOR (ILLUSTRATOR): Infinite Hope: A Black Artist’s Journey from World War II to Peace, written and illustrated by Ashley Bryan.

HONOR (ILLUSTRATOR): Sulwe, illustrated by Vashti Harrison and written by Lupita Nyong’o

Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award

WINNER (AUTHOR): Genesis Begins Again, by Alicia D. Williams. (From my upcoming post on best books for 10 year olds: Genesis hates a lot of things about herself. Most especially? Her dark, dark, skin, which even her own father holds against her. But this isn’t the only thing she doesn’t like. She also hates that her family keeps getting put out of their home because dad gambles, and he loses the rent money on a regular basis. When Genesis is forced to start over again, at a new school, she not only discovers herself and a talent, but she also has the support of a trusted teacher who helps Genesis discover her own truth — and her own confidence. Powerful, triumphant, and oh so important, this is a story that will stay with you. Astonishing.

WINNER (ILLUSTRATOR): What is Given from the Heart, by April Harrison. James Otis and his Mama don’t have much, but they have their health and strength, so Mama believes they are blessed. One Sunday, their reverend makes an announcement that a family new to their church has lost everything in a fire, and they will be collecting items to place in a Love Box to help this family in their time of need. James Otis wonders hard – what can he give this family that will be meaningful, especially when he has so little himself? He eventually comes up with an idea from the heart, but will it be enough? Powerful and incredibly touching — this one got a round of applause from each elementary class I read it to this year. *Note this book does speak of death, as James Otis lost his father; thus, it may not be appropriate for (or may need to be modified when reading aloud) with young children. For our full review of What is Given from the Heart, click here! What is Given from the Heart made our list of the Best Picture Books of 2019 as well as our list of 50+ Kids Books About Kindness To Help You Cultivate Compassion in Kids.

Pura Belpre Awards

This award honors Latinx writers and illustrators whose children’s books best portray, affirm and celebrate the Latino cultural experience.

WINNER (ILLUSTRATOR): Dancing Hands: How Teresa Carreno Played the Piano for President Lincoln, illustrated by Rafael Lopez and written by Margarita Engle.

HONOR (ILLUSTRATOR): Across the Bay, written and illustrated by Carlos Aponte.

HONOR (ILLUSTRATOR): My Papi Has a Motorcycle, illustrated by Zeke Pena and written by Isabel Quintero. This is a fabulous story set in a vibrant immigrant neighborhood. It beautifully conveys the love shared between a father and his daughter, their joyful ride on Papi’s motorcycle, and their exploration of their evolving neighborhood and community. The sweet girl so adores her hardworking father, and this is a testament to the mutual, unconditional love and adoration between father and daughter. My Papi Has a Motorcycle made our list of Children’s Books About Dads to Celebrate Fathers All Year Round and

HONOR (ILLUSTRATOR): Vamos! Let’s Go to the Market, written and illustrated by Raul Gonzalez.

WINNER (AUTHOR): Sal and Gabi Break the Universe, written by Carlos Hernandez.

HONOR (AUTHOR): Lefty Out Loud, written by Angela Cervantes.

HONOR (AUTHOR): The Other Half of Happy, Rebecca Balcarcel.

HONOR (AUTHOR): Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpre, written by Anika Aldamuy Denise and illustrated by Paola Escobar. This is a stunning picture book about Pura Belpre, her arrival in the United States in the early 1920s, and her job at a neighborhood library as a bilingual assistant. While working at the library, Belpre was surprised at the lack of any stories from her native Puerto Rico on the shelves. She thus began to spin unique tales for the children based on her home in Puerto Rico, infusing the neighborhood’s library with multicultural tales, diverse storytelling… and puppets! Exquisite in prose and illustration, we simply adore this one! For our full review of Planting Stories, click here! Planting Stories also made our list of Books About Strong Girls.

HONOR (AUTHOR): Soldier for Equality: Jose de la Luz Saenz and the Great War, written and illustrated by Duncan Tonatiuh.

Stonewall Book Award

This award is given annual to English-language children’s and young adult books of exceptional merit relating to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender experience.

WINNER: When Aidan Became a Brother, by Kyle Lukoff and illustrated by Kaylani Juanita. Oh, how we love this own voices book! When Aidan was born, she had a beautiful name and a beautiful room and beautiful dresses. But even though there is no one way to be a girl, Aidan knew he wasn’t a girl at all. When he realized he was a trans boy, his parents helped him settle into a new life. But then his parents tell them they are expecting a baby – and Aidan wants to do whatever he can to make things right for his brother or sister. But what does that even mean? And does anything else matter besides loving his new sibling with his whole heart? A new book about gender identity we absolutely love! When Aidan Became a Brother made our list of LGBT Children’s Books Honoring the Many Beautiful Forms of Love & Identity.

WINNER: The Black Flamingo, by Dean Atta and illustrated by Anshika Khullar.

HONOR: Pet, by Akwaeke Emezi.

HONOR: Like a Love Story, by Abdi Nazemian.

HONOR: The Best at It, by Maulik Pancholy

Sydney Taylor Awards

This award is presented annually to outstanding books for children and teens that authentically portray the Jewish experience.

WINNER (YOUNGER READERS): The Book Rescuer: How a Mensch from Massachusetts Saved Yiddish Literature for Generations to Come, by Sue Macy and illustrated by Stacy Innerst.

HONOR (YOUNGER READERS): Gittel’s Journey, by Leslea Newman and illustrated by Amy June Bates

HONOR (YOUNGER READERS): The Key from Spain: Flory Jagoda and Her Music, by Debbie Levy and illustrated by Sonja Wimmer

WINNER (Middle Grade): White Bird: A Wonder Story, by RJ Palacio.

HONOR (Middle Grade): Anya and the Dragon, by Sofiya Pasternack

HONOR (Middle Grade): 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.

WINNER (TEEN READERS): Someday We Will Fly, by Rachel DeWoskin.

HONOR (TEEN READERS): Dissenter on the Bench: Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Life and Work, by Victoria Ortiz

HONOR (TEEN READERS): Sick Kids in Love, by Hannah Moskowitz

Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature

This award promotes Asian/Pacific American culture and heritage and is awarded based on literary and artistic merit.

WINNER (PICTURE BOOK): Queen of Physics: How Wu Chien Shiung Helped Unlock the Secrets of the Atom, by Teresa Robeson, illustrated by Rebecca Huang.

HONOR (PICTURE BOOK): Bilal Cooks Daal, by Aisha Saeed and illustrated by Anoosha Syed.

WINNER (OLDER KIDS): Stargazing, by Jen Wang

HONOR (OLDER KIDS): I’m OK, by Patti Kim

WINNER (YOUNG ADULT): They Called Us Enemy, by George Takei, Justin Eisinger and Steven Scott, illustrated by Harmony Becker.

HONOR (YOUNG ADULT): Frankly in Love, by David Yoon

Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award

This award goes to the most distinguished informational book for children.

WINNER: Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story, by Kevin Noble Maillard and illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal. What a treasure of a book! This beauty uses fry bread, a staple food among many tribes around the country, to describe family, community and even history. Fry Bread is a celebratory ode to tradition, while simultaneously depicting the important role this food continues to have as a means to promote unity among Native Americans. Beautiful prose, beautiful illustrations, and beautiful sentiment abound in this story that has a significant place on children’s bookshelves around the country! Fry Bread made our list of the Best Picture Books of 2019.

HONOR: All in a Drop: How Antony van Leeuwenhoek Discovered an Invisible World, by Lori Alexander and illustrated by Vivien Mildenberger.

HONOR: This Promise of Change: One Girl’s Story in the Fight for School Equality, by Jo Ann Allen Boyce and Debbie Levy.

HONOR: Ordinary Hazards: A Memoir, by Nikki Grimes.

HONOR: Hey, Water! written and illustrated by Antoinette Portis.

Schneider Family Book Award

This award goes to a book that embodies an artistic expression of the disability experience.

WINNER (YOUNG CHILDREN): Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You, by Sonia Sotomayor and illustrated by Rafael Lopez.

HONOR (YOUNG CHILDREN): A Friend for Henry, by Jenn Bailey, illustrated by Mika Song. We fell in love with this book right from the start for the way it immediately helps kids build compassion for Henry as he searches for a friend in Classroom Six. But Henry is on the autism spectrum, and when his day becomes too close and too loud, Henry wonders if he will ever find a friend who will listen and share and like things to stay in just the right order like he does. Sensitive, authentic, and compassionate, we simply adore this story about a literal child who eventually finds what he desires most – a new friend. A Friend for Henry made 2 of our lists: The Best Books for Autistic Children & Neurodiverse Kids and The Best Books About Friendship.

WINNER (MIDDLE GRADE): Song for a Whale, by Lynne Kelly.

HONOR (MIDDLE GRADE): Each Tiny Spark, by Pablo Cartaya.

WINNER (TEENS): Cursed, by Karol Ruth Silverstein.

HONOR (TEENS): The Silence Between Us, by Alison Gervais.

The American Indian Youth Literature Award

This award is announced in even years and was established to identify and honor the best writing and illustrations by and about American Indians.

WINNER (YOUNG CHILDREN): Bowwow Powwow, by Brenda Child (Red Lake Ojibwe) translated into Ojibwe by Gordon Jourdain (Lac La Croix First Nation) and illustrated by Jonathan Thunder (Red Lake Ojibwe).

HONOR (YOUNG CHILDREN): Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story, by Kevin Noble Maillard and illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal. What a treasure of a book! This beauty uses fry bread, a staple food among many tribes around the country, to describe family, community and even history. Fry Bread is a celebratory ode to tradition, while simultaneously depicting the important role this food continues to have as a means to promote unity among Native Americans. Beautiful prose, beautiful illustrations, and beautiful sentiment abound in this story that has a significant place on children’s bookshelves around the country! Fry Bread made our list of the Best Picture Books of 2019.

HONOR (YOUNG CHILDREN): Birdsong, written and illustrated by Julie Flett.

HONOR (YOUNG CHILDREN): At the Mountain’s Base, by Traci Sorell and illustrated by Weshoyot Alvitre.

HONOR (YOUNG CHILDREN): We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga, by Traci Sorell and illustrated by Frane Lessac. What a fabulous new book on gratitude, set in a vibrant Cherokee community. This “own voices” picture book travels through the seasons, giving readers a glimpse of the Native American community at rest and play. The word “ostaliheliga” is used by the members of the Cherokee Nation to express gratitude and is sprinkled throughout the pages. We simply LOVE this one! We are Grateful made our list of Essential Children’s Books About Gratitude to Teach Appreciation & Generosity!

HONOR (YOUNG CHILDREN): Raven Makes the Aleutians, adapted from a traditional Tlingit story and illustrated by Janine Gibbons.

WINNER (MIDDLE GRADE): Indian No More, by Charlene Willing McManis with Traci Sorell.

HONOR (MIDDLE GRADE): I Can Make This Promise by Christine Day.

HONOR (MIDDLE GRADE): The Grizzly Mother, by Hetxw’ms Gyetxw and illustrated by Natasha Donovan

WINNER (TEENS): Hearts Unbroken, by Cynthia Leitich Smith

Congratulations to all the winners!

For the complete list of awards, including the Michael L. Printz Award, CLICK HERE!