WINNER
Wolf in the Snow by Matthew Cordell
HONOR BOOKS
Big Cat, Little Cat by Elisha Cooper
Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut illustrated by Gordon C. James, written by Derrick Barnes
A Different Pond illustrated by Thi Bui, written by Bao Phi
Grand Canyon by Jason Chin
WINNER
Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly
HONOR BOOKS
Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Gordon C. James
A Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds
Piecing Me Together by Renee Watson
After the Fall by Dan Santat
A traditional tale retold into something very special.
All Ears, All Eyes by Richard Jackson, illustrated by Katherine Tillotson
A brilliant book to share aloud, this picture book is wild and free.
All the Way to Havana by Margarita Engle, illustrated by Mike Curato
Engle’s skill with writing fills the page with the richness of Cuba and its cars.
Along the River by Vanina Starkoff
An import from Brazil, this book has a low key vibe that is full of laid back joy.
Be Quiet! by Ryan T. Higgins
This is a natural read aloud that will be a wild one to share with a preschool group. Brace yourself for lots of laughs.
Big Cat, Little Cat by Elisha Cooper
Simple and insightful, this book is solid and true.
Blue Sky, White Stars by Sarvinder Naberhaus, illustrated by Kadir Nelson
Awe inspiring, patriotic and grand, this picture book is superb.
The Book of Mistakes by Corinna Luyken
Creative, inviting and a gorgeous book to explore, this picture book will have everyone trying art even if they make mistakes.
Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Gordon C. James
…exceptional, a book that belongs in every public library in every community.
A Different Pond by Bao Phi, illustrated by Thi Bui
Told with grace and strength, this picture book is wondrous.
Home in the Rain by Bob Graham
A special book that looks at those delicate moments before the birth of a new baby, this picture book celebrates family and storms.
Little Fox in the Forest by Stephanie Graegin
This genre bending graphic-novel picture book is beautiful, rich and worthy of journeying through time and again.
Little Wolf’s First Howling by Laura McGee Kvasnosky, illustrated by Kate Harvey McGee
Mama Lion Wins the Race by Jon J. Muth
A truly special picture book, this one is for those kids who love racing and those who love toys and those who love a great read.
My Pictures After the Storm by Éric Veillé
Much more than a concept book, this is a funny and wry look at the chaos of life before and after.
Now by Antoinette Portis
Perfect for those of us who love the book we are reading right now most of all, this picture book is about simple pleasures and enjoying the current moment fully.
On a Magical Do-Nothing Day by Beatrice Alemagna
A great book to read and then set off on outdoor adventures together on a rainy day.
The Only Fish in the Sea by Philip C. Stead, illustrated by Matthew Cordell
A wet and rainy riot of a picture book that is sure to make even the dampest child smile.
The Rooster Who Would Not Be Quiet by Carmen Agra Deedy, illustrated by Eugene Yelchin
Strong, vital and important, this picture book is a great pick to read aloud and discuss.
Stack the Cats by Susie Ghahremani
A winning cat-filled counting book.
This House, Once by Deborah Freedman
Tony by Ed Galing, illustrated by Erin E. Stead
A lovely poetic picture book that slows you down to another time and place.
Town Is by the Sea by Joanne Schwartz, illustrated by Sydney Smith
Even as the book shows a richness of a well-spent childhood, it is overshadowed by the presence of the coal mine in the boy’s life and how it impacted his family and his father in particular.
The Treasure Box by Margaret Wild, illustrated by Freya Blackwood
A war-torn book that speaks to the power of history and knowledge along with resistance and resilience.
When’s My Birthday by Julie Fogliano, illustrated by Christian Robinson
Fogliano uses rhythm and internal rhymes to give the book a fast paced structure that almost sings. It is quick and funny and infectious.
Why Am I Me? by Paige Britt, illustrated by Sean Qualls and Selina Aiko
This picture book is a great way to start a discussion with a class or single child. Perfect for public libraries in search for diverse picture books that invite children to think deeply about the subject.
Windows by Julia Denos
There is a lovely quiet to this book, a pleasure in being outside at sunset, the sky lit with colors as the buildings turn dark with windows alight.
Wolf in the Snow by Matthew Cordell
A beautiful look at nature and wolves and the way that kindness can build bridges without words.
The Wolf, the Duck & the Mouse by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen
The story has a mix of fun and fate that will have readers guessing right up until the end.
Yo Soy, Muslim: A Father’s Letter to His Daughter by Mark Gonzales, illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini
A great diverse picture book for all libraries.
#NotYourPrincess edited by Lisa Charleyboy and Mary Beth Leatherdale
Beautiful, angry and insistent, this collection of the voices of Native women belongs on the shelves of every library serving teens.
Akata Warrior by Nnedi Okorafor
Start with the first in the series, because you don’t want to miss a moment of this intoxicating blend of fantasy, horror and Nigeria.
Allegedly by Tiffany D. Jackson
Complex and riveting, this debut novel is one that is dazzling, deep and dark.
American Street by Ibi Zoboi
Beautifully written with strong characters and danger, this book is exceptional.
At the Edge of the Universe by Shaun David Hutchinson
I hope you find it just as compelling and wondrous as I did. Enjoy!
City of Saints and Thieves by Natalie C. Anderson
A thriller of a teen novel, this book has a unique setting and one dynamic female protagonist bent on revenge.
Crossing Ebenezer Creek by Tonya Bolden
An important book on a little-known episode during the Civil War, this book is intensely personal and a dangerous mix of romance and horror.
Dress Codes for Small Towns by Courtney Stevens
Complicated and incredibly poignant, this novel for teens rocks.
Eliza and Her Monsters by Francesca Zappia
Perhaps one of the greatest things about this book, though there are many great elements is Zappia’s portrayal of introverts. There is a coziness here, a feeling of safety in the pages, as if they are forming a critical spot for introverts to bloom, just like an online community.
The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee
This is an exceptional teen novel and definitely one of the best of the year.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
This debut novel is breathtakingly honest, searingly angry and exactly what we need right now. I can’t wait to see what this author does next!
Honestly Ben by Bill Konigsberg
A powerful and wildly funny look at sexuality, this novel makes me hope that future books in the series will be told from the perspectives of the other friends in the group.
A List of Cages by Robin Roe
A stunning debut novel that is deeply moving and wondrously hopeful.
Little & Lion by Brandy Colbert
A very special book for teens, this book is diverse and filled with moments of triumph and pain.
Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds
Moving and deep, this verse novel is one of the best. Get this into the hands of teens, particularly reluctant readers who will discover they love poetry after all.
Midnight at the Electric by Jodi Lynn Anderson
Engrossing, intelligent and incredibly rich, this novel for teens is truly exceptional.
Moxie by Jennifer Mathieu
This book raises its voice for feminism and fighting back. It’s a book for all genders and all libraries.
Piecing Me Together by Renee Watson
Powerful, strong and filled with writing that calls for action, this book is simply stellar.
Release by Patrick Ness
A successful and sexy mix of LGBT realism and magic, this novel is a delight.
A Single Stone by Meg McKinlay
Strong writing and a delicious tension make this book a stand out teen fantasy.
Solo by Kwame Alexander
Throughout the book, there are questions asked that are deep, about wealth and poverty, about privilege and race, about addiction and recovery, about parenting and failure. This is a rich book filled with lots to discover and discuss.
Starfish by Akemi Dawn Bowman
A book that celebrates individuality, art and survival, this novel is fresh and deeply moving.
Stone Mirrors: The Sculpture and Silence of Edmonia Lewis by Jeannine Atkins
Timely and simply amazing, this verse novel is uplifting and deeply moving.
We Are Okay by Nina LaCour
One of the best young adult books on loss and grief that I have ever read, this one will find a place in your heart.
You Bring the Distant Near by Mitali Perkins
A triumph of a novel for teens that celebrates family, diversity and love.
Baby’s First Words by Stella Blackstone and Sunny Scribens, illustrated by Christiane Engel
The entire book is merry and bright, just right for all families to enjoy.
Before & After by Jean Jullien
This book is silly and fun and will result in lots of conversation with little ones.
Cook in a Book: Pizza! By Lotta Nieminen
Make sure to have some baking supplies ready to make pizza with children after sharing this one. Yum!
Flora and the Chicks by Molly Idle
A charming counting book sure to please.
Flora and the Ostrich by Molly Idle
Expect the youngest Flora fans to adore this one.
Hello Humpback by Roy Henry Vickers and Robert Budd
This is an exceptional board book that belongs in all public libraries.
Lines by Sarvinder Naberhaus, illustrated by Melinda Beck
A simple concept book about shapes that shows how our entire universe features squares and circles.
Opposite Surprise by Agnese Baruzzi
This is a board book that begs to be shared and talked about.
The World Shines for You by Jeffrey Burton, illustrated by Don Clark
A great book to share aloud with one or two children and discuss the pictures together. There is so much to explore here!
Amina’s Voice by Hena Khan
Filled with important questions for our modern world, this middle-grade novel sings with a voice all its own.
Beyond the Bright Sea by Lauren Wolk
This is a beautifully written and deep novel for middle grade readers who will long to visit Crow’s island themselves.
The Explorer by Katherine Rundell
Filled with adventure, wilderness and plenty of icky moments, this is a gripping and fabulous look at the Amazon.
A Face Like Glass by Frances Hardinge
A masterpiece of fantasy writing, this book is rather like the True Delicacies of the novel, something that may change your life forever.
Felix Yz by Lisa Bunker
A dynamic mix of LGBT, science fiction and growing up, this novel is entirely unique just like its main character.
The First Rule of Punk by Celia C. Pérez
A fresh and fun new read that blends Mexican Americans with punk rock in a winning formula.
Forest World by Margarita Engle
Another adept verse novel from a true master, this is a book that explores home, habitat and family.
Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly
An intelligent adventure of a book that is about friendships that seem impossible but happen anyway.
One Last Word: Wisdom from the Harlem Renaissance by Nikki Grimes
Masterful, skilled and very timely, this book of poetry elevates us all and sings to the skies that African-American children are valuable and vital in this world.
Patina by Jason Reynolds
Every public library should have this series on their shelves. It will run right off the shelves.
The Song from Somewhere Else by A. F. Harrold
A novel that combines horror and fantasy into one dark summer, this book is simply amazing.
Spirit Hunters by Ellen Oh
A great pick for fans of Ghostbusters or scary stories, I look forward to more adventures with these characters.
Stealing Our Way Home by Cecilia Galante
Beautifully written and intelligently crafted, this novel is a remarkable look at grief and families.
Tumble & Blue by Cassie Beasley
A vibrant and strong story of failure and heroism.
The War I Finally Won by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
A sequel that is just as good as the first, get this into the hands of fans.
When My Sister Started Kissing by Helen Frost
A beautiful verse novel that captures summer days on a lake and a family becoming stronger.
York: The Shadow Cipher by Laura Ruby
This mix of magic, technology, mysteries and ciphers is exceptional and just right for summer reading.
All’s Faire in Middle School by Victoria Jamieson
The author of the popular Roller Girl returns with a book about Impy, a girl who has been homeschooled until this year.
The Big Bad Fox by Benjamin Renner
This graphic novel is exceptional. Renner uses perfect comedic timing throughout the book. He melds slapstick comedy with real heart throughout the book and gives readers a villainous but incompetent Fox that they can root for.
Bolivar by Sean Rubin
Pure joy in a graphic novel that will have you believing in Bolivar too.
Castle in the Stars: The Space Race of 1869 by Alex Alice
With a dynamic mix of historical detail, science and steampunk, this graphic novel is exceptional.
The Dam Keeper by Robert Kondo and Dice Tsutsumi
With unique and fabulous artwork, this graphic novel is based on the Oscar-nominated film.
Lighter Than My Shadow by Katie Green
A harrowing look at anorexia from its very beginnings as a child through to new adulthood and its lingering effects even after recovery, this graphic novel is frank and honest about the illness.
Nightlights by Lorena Alvarez
A dynamic and creative graphic novel for children, this one will light up readers’ imaginations.
Real Friends by Shannon Hale
Newbery Honor winning author Hale tells the story of her own elementary-school years and the tensions of changing friendships.
Spinning by Tillie Walden
…showing an incredible skill for storytelling and art as a young author.
Thornhill by Pam Smy
Get this into the hands of children who enjoy ghost stories, because this one will haunt readers.
Brave Red, Smart Frog by Emily Jenkins, illustrated by Rohan Daniel Eason
Perfect for sharing classic stories with slightly older children, this book is fresh and exciting.
A Case in Any Case by Ulf Nilsson
A wonderful ending to a top notch series, make sure to start from the beginning! And maybe have some cake on hand to munch along.
Charlie and Mouse by Laurel Snyder
We don’t see nearly enough stories about children who love spending time with their siblings. This book celebrates that as well as the silliness of childhood. Children will look forward to the next adventures of these brothers.
Elizabeth and Zenobia by Jessica Miller
A delightfully creepy Gothic read for elementary students.
The Good for Nothing Button by Charise Mericle Harper
A zingy riot of an early reader, this one is a winner.
Good Night, Planet by Liniers
It’s a great introduction to graphic novels for young children and a way to get new readers more confident.
If My Moon Was Your Sun by Andreas Steinhofel, illustrated by Nele Palmtag
A book that lingers with you, fills you up and that you want to hold onto.
I’m Just No Good at Rhyming: And Other Nonsense for Mischievous Kids and Immature Grown-Ups by Chris Harris
Give this one to fans of Shel Silverstein, it is sure to impress and entertain.
Princess Cora and the Crocodile by Laura Amy Schlitz
A Newbery Medalist and a Caldecott Medalist join forces in this wonderful mashup of princess tale and crocodile naughtiness.
The Purloining of Prince Oleomargarine by Mark Twain and Philip Stead
An incredible achievement in children’s books, this one is worthy of awards and I hope receives some!
The 57 Bus by Dashka Slater (9780374303235)
The skill evident in this book is remarkable. This is the nonfiction book that teen readers today need.
A Boy, A Mouse, and a Spider: The Story of E. B. White by Barbara Herkert, illustrated by Lauren Castillo (9781627792455)
The illustrations by Castillo are wonderful, creating moments of time and beautiful spaces that show White on his journey to becoming one of the most beloved children’s authors.
Bravo!: Poems about Amazing Hispanics by Margarita Engle, illustrated by Rafael Lopez (9780805098761)
An important book for public libraries, this is a celebration of Latino impact on the world as a whole.
Creekfinding: A True Story by Jacqueline Briggs Martin, illustrated by Claudia McGehee (9780816698028)
A fascinating topic that is just right for environmental units or Earth Day, this picture book is a celebration of nature and man working together.
Danza!: Amalia Hernández and El Ballet Folklórico de México by Duncan Tonatiuh (9781419725326)
Tonatiuh uses his signature illustration style that is a delightful mix of folk images and modern edge. The illustrations are a match for the topic, each strengthening the other.
Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos by Monica Brown, illustrated by John Parra (9780735842694)
An appealing and unique look at Frida Kahlo.
Her Right Foot by Dave Eggers (9781452162812)
Rumbles of awards surround this title. It deserves all of them. Unique and fabulous.
Let’s Clap, Jump, Sing & Shout; Dance, Spin & Turn It Out!: Games, Songs & Stories from an African American Childhood by Patricia C. McKissack, illustrated by Brian Pinkney (9780375870880)
This book is almost an encyclopedia of games and songs. Page after page will have readers humming along, singing aloud and looking for a partner to play a newfound or best-loved game.
Muddy: The Story of Blues Legend Muddy Waters by Michael Mahin, illustrated by Evan Turk (9781481443494)
A strong and special book about a musician who didn’t do what he was told and succeeded because of that.
A New School Year: Poem Stories in Six Voices by Sally Derby, illustrated by Mika Song (9781580897303)
A great book to start the new school year with poetry.
Out of Wonder: Poems Celebrating Poets by Kwame Alexander with Chris Colderley and Marjory Wentworth, illustrated by Ekua Holmes (9780763680947)
This book belongs in every elementary school collection and every public library. It is extraordinary.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg: The Case of R.B.G. vs. Inequality by Jonah Winter, illustrated by Stacy Innerst (9781419725593)
This is a strong biography of Ginsburg and her importance to the entire country.
Silent Days, Silent Dreams by Allen Say (9780545927611)
Filled with grace and a deep understanding, this picture book biography is truly exceptional work from a master.
This Is How We Do It by Matt Lamothe (9781452150185)
Wonderful for classrooms and libraries, this nonfiction picture book is exceptional.
The World Is Not a Rectangle: A Portrait of Architect Zaha Hadid by Jeanette Winter (9781481446693)
Winter has a gorgeous way with biographies, keeping them brief enough for even preschool audiences but detailed enough to intrigue and to speak to the individual and their life.
Waking Brain Cells 