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Award-Winning and Notable Kids’ Books

Discover the annual winners of the Newbery Medal, Caldecott Medal, Coretta Scott King Awards, and Pura Belpré Awards — as well as other children’s book awards from the American Library Association and other literacy organizations. 

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Browse the annual winners of the Newbery Medal, Caldecott Medal, Coretta Scott King Awards, and Pura Belpré Awards — as well as other children’s book awards from the American Library Association, ALA Affiliates, and other literacy organizations. 

Many organizations end the year with a “best of” list of children’s books. Here are links to notable awards and lists, including selections from the Children’s Book Council, School Library Journal, Horn Book, The New York Times, and many more.

Newbery Medal

The Newbery Medal (opens in a new window) is awarded annually by the American Library Association to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. One or more Honor books are recognized each year as well.

Caldecott Medal

The Caldecott Medal (opens in a new window) is awarded annually by the American Library Association to the author of the most distinguished American picture book for children. One or more Honor books are recognized each year as well.

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2023 Caldecott Medal

Hot Dog (opens in a new window) 
Written and illustrated by Dog Salati

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Coretta Scott King Awards

The Coretta Scott King Book Awards (opens in a new window) are awarded annually to outstanding African American authors and illustrators of books for children and young adults that demonstrate an appreciation of African American culture and universal human values. One or more Honor books are recognized each year as well.

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2023 Coretta Scott King Author Award

Freewater (opens in a new window)
by Amina Luqman-Dawson

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2023 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award

Standing in the Need of Prayer: A Modern Retelling of the Classic Spiritual (opens in a new window) by Carole Boston Weatherford
Illustrated by Frank Morrison

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Pura Belpré Awards

The Pura Belpré Awards (opens in a new window) are awarded annually by the American Library Association to honor writers and illustrators whose children’s and young adult books best portray, affirm, and celebrate the Latino cultural experience. One or more Honor books are recognized each year as well.

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2023 Pura Belpré Children’s Author Award

Frizzy (opens in a new window)
by Claribel A. Ortega

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2023 Pura Belpré Youth Illustrator Award

Where Wonder Grows (opens in a new window) by Xelena González
Illustrated by Adriana M. Garcia

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Other notable awards

International English-language children’s book awards

“Best of” annual lists

 

Additional booklists

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