Each year the American Library Association honors books, videos, and other outstanding materials for children and teens. Recognized worldwide for the high quality they represent, the Youth Media Awards, including the Newbery, Caldecott, Printz, and Coretta Scott King Book Awards, guide parents, educators, librarians, and others in selecting the best materials for youth. Selected by committees composed of librarians and other experts, the awards encourage original and creative work in the field of children’s and young adult literature.
John Newbery Medal
Since 1922, lovers of children’s literature — children and adults alike — anxiously await the announcement of the Newbery Medal for the “most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.” This anniversary commemorates not only a century of captivating books, it celebrates the longevity and evolution of the award. The world has changed in the last 100 years, and with it, the Newbery Medal seeks to recognize stories that represent and respect all youth.
This year’s winner is The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera.
The Randolph Caldecott Medal
This award was named in honor of nineteenth-century English illustrator Randolph Caldecott. It is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children.
This year’s winner is Watercress, written by Andrea Wang and illustrated by Jason Chin.
The Coretta Scott King Award
Awards are given 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. The award commemorates the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and honors his wife, Mrs. Coretta Scott King, for her courage and determination to continue the work for peace and world brotherhood.
This year’s winner is Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre, written by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Floyd Cooper.
Pura Belpré Awards
The award is named after Pura Belpré, the first Latina librarian at the New York Public Library. The Pura Belpré Award, established in 1996, is presented annually to a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth
This year’s winner is ¡Vamos! Let’s Cross the Bridge, written by Raúl Gonzalez and illustrated by Raúl Gonzalez
Michael L. Printz Award
This is an award for a book that exemplifies literary excellence in young adult literature. It is named for a Topeka, Kansas school librarian who was a long-time active member of the Young Adult Library Services Association. The award is administered by YALSA and sponsored by Booklist, a publication of the American Library Association
This year’s winner is Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley