From Spotify Wrapped to Top 10 lists ranking movies, music, and more, I love a good year in review! As the “best of” book lists begin to appear, I eagerly anticipate diving into the world of children’s literature to discover the year’s most celebrated new titles.
Just like in 2022 and 2023, I’m delighted to share my curated collection of award-winning children’s and young adult books for 2024. These exceptional stories have earned recognition for their diverse characters, compelling narratives, and thought-provoking themes. This collection expands beyond the celebrated Caldecott and Newbery titles to showcase a more inclusive range of awards and honorees.
Links to Bookshop.org are provided for easy access to each title. So, grab your favorite warm beverage, settle in, and get ready to unwrap some of the best children’s literature 2024 has to offer!
Alex Awards
Focus: The Alex Awards are given to ten books written for adults that have special appeal to young adults, ages 12 through 18. (ala.org)
2024 Winner: The 10 Alex Award Winners for 2024
American Indian Youth Literature Award
“The awards were established as a way to identify and honor the very best writing and illustrations by and about American Indians. Books selected to receive the award will present American Indians in the fullness of their humanity in the present and past contexts.” (American Indian Library Association)
PreK-2
Forever Cousins, written by Laurel Goodluck (Mandan & Hidatsa and Tsimshian), illustrated by Jonathan Nelson (Navajo/Diné) (Picture book winner)
PreK-3
A Letter for Bob, written by Kim Rogers (Wichita & Affiliated Tribes), illustrated by Jonathan Nelson (Navajo/Diné) (Picture book winner)
Middle Grades
We Still Belong, written by Christine Day (Upper Skagit), (Middle School winner)
Young Adults (Ages 13+)
Rez Ball, written by Byron Graves (Ojibwe) (Young Adult winner)
2024 American Indian Youth Literature Award Honor Titles
Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature
“The goal of the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature is to honor and recognize individual work about Asian/Pacific Americans and their heritage, based on literary and artistic merit.” (Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association)
PreK-3
The Truth About Dragons, written by Julie Leung and illustrated by Hanna Cha (Picture Book winner)
Middle Grades
Ruby Lost and Found, written by Christina Li (Children’s Literature winner)
Young Adult (Ages 14+)
I’d Rather Burn Than Bloom, written by Shannon C. F. Rogers (Young Adult Winner)
Coretta Scott King Book Award
The awards “encourage the artistic expression of the African American experience via literature and the graphic arts; promote an understanding and appreciation of the Black culture and experience, and commemorate the life and legacy of Mrs. Coretta Scott King for her courage and determination in supporting the work of her husband, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., for peace and world brotherhood.” (Ala.org)
Young Adult (Ages 13+)
Nigeria Jones, by Ibi Zoboi (Author Winner)
PreK-3
An American Story, by Kwame Alexander, Illustrated by Dare Coulter (Illustrator Winner)
John Newbery Award
“The most distinguished contributions to American literature for children.” (Ala.org)
Middle Grades
The Eyes and the Impossible, by Dave Eggers (Winner)
John Steptoe Award for New Talent
The award, “affirms new talent and offers visibility for excellence in writing and/or illustration at the beginning of a career as a published African American creator of children’s books.” (Ala.org)
Young Adult (Ages 12+)
There Goes the Neighborhood, by Jade Adia (Author Winner)
Grades 1-4
We Could Fly, illustrated by Briana Mukodiri Uchendu, written by Rhiannon Giddens (Illustrator winner)
National Book Award for Young People’s Literature
The National Book Award for Young People’s Literature is one of five annual National Book Awards, which are given by the National Book Foundation (NBF) to recognize outstanding literary work by US citizens. They are awards given “by writers to writers.” (Wikipedia)
Middle Grades
Kareem Between, by Shifa Saltagi Safadi
Pura Belpré Award
The Belpré Award “honors Latinx writers and illustrators whose works best portray, affirm, and celebrate the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth.” (ala.org)
Young Adults (Ages 14-18)
Saints of the Household, by Ari Tison (Young Adult Narrative winner)
Middle Grades
Mexikid: A Graphic Memoir, by Pedro Martín (Children’s Narrative winner and Youth illustrator winner)
Randolph Caldecott Medal
Awarded to the illustrator of the “most distinguished American picture book for children.”
PreK-3
Big, written and illustrated by Vashti Harrison
Schneider Family Book Award
Books that “embody an artistic expression of the disability experience for child and adolescent audiences.” (ala.org)
K-3
Henry, Like Always, written by Jenn Bailey, illustrated by Mika Song (Young Children Winner)
Middle Grades
The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn, by Sally J. Pla (Middle Grades)
Young Adult (Ages 12+)
Forever is Now, by Mariama J. Lockington (Teen Winner)
Sydney Taylor Book Award
Presented by the Association of Jewish Libraries to, “outstanding books for children and teens that authentically portray the Jewish experience.” (AJL)
PreK-3
Two New Years by Richard Ho, illustrated by Lynn Scurfield (Picture Book Winner)
Middle Grades
The Dubious Pranks of Shaindy Goodman by Mari Lowe (Middle Grade)
Young Adult (Ages 14+)
The Blood Years by Elana K. Arnold (Young Adult)
2024 Sydney Taylor Book Awards Honors and Notable Books
Stonewall Book Awards-Mike Morgan & Larry Romans Children’s & Young Adult Literature Award
The Stonewall Book Awards are presented to English language books that have exceptional merit relating to the LGBTQIA+ experience. (Ala.org)
Middle Grades
Cross My Heart and Never Lie by Nora Dåsnes and translated by Matt Bagguley (Children’s)
Young Adult (Ages 13+)
Only This Beautiful Moment by Abdi Nazemian (Young Adult)
Walter Dean Myers Awards for Outstanding Children’s Literature
The Walter Dean Myers Awards for Outstanding Children’s Literature, also known as “The Walters” and hosted by nonprofit We Need Diverse Books (WNDB) “recognize diverse authors whose works feature diverse main characters and address diversity in a meaningful way.”
Middle Grades
Remember Us by Jacqueline Woodson (Younger Readers Category)
Young Adult (Ages 14+)
Saints of the Household, by Ari Tison (Teen Category)
About the Author
Sarah Murphy is the Evaluation Manager and a Professional Learning Specialist at Teaching Channel. She holds a B.A. in History and a Master’s in Education. Sarah began teaching in 2004 at the elementary level. She now leads Teaching Channel’s Evaluation Team, managing our wonderful team of Course Evaluators. Sarah is also a coursewriter and content creator, specializing in edtech, educator wellness, and content area teaching.
Fun fact: Sarah has camped in 18 national parks and hopes to visit all 63 someday!
