36 Children’s and YA Books With Award Buzz

by Kwame Alexander ; illustrated by Dare Coulter

With powerful art from a bold new talent, this is a probing and sensitive take on a devastating chapter of U.S. history. Full review >

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by Kirsten W. Larson ; illustrated by Katherine Roy

A luminous thematic pairing. Full review >

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by David Álvarez with David Bowles ; illustrated by David Álvarez

Like a mighty dream recalled from time gone by. Full review >

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by Aaron Becker ; illustrated by Aaron Becker

Look upon this work, ye mighty picture-book creators, and despair. A stunning accomplishment. Full review >

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by Joy Harjo ; illustrated by Michaela Goade

A contemplative, visually dazzling masterpiece that will resonate even more deeply each time it is read. Full review >

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by Jessica Lanan ; illustrated by Jessica Lanan

Readers will leap for this magnificent glimpse at a most marvelous arachnid. Full review >

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by Vashti Harrison ; illustrated by Vashti Harrison

A healing balm with the power to make the world a bit kinder. Full review >

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by Jack Wong ; illustrated by Jack Wong

A gorgeously rendered love letter to swimming and the magical experiences that it can unlock. Full review >

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by Michael Genhart ; illustrated by John Parra

Tenderly tremendous. Full review >

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by Winsome Bingham ; illustrated by E.B. Lewis

This lovely introduction to an essential topic will be a new classic. Full review >

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by Jason Reynolds ; illustrated by Jerome Pumphrey & Jarrett Pumphrey

A bar set stratospherically high and cleared with room to spare. Full review >

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by Michelle Markel ; illustrated by Barbara McClintock

A cacophony of verve and frolic, this is biographical storytelling at its absolute best. Full review >

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by Leonard S. Marcus

A fresh angle offering yet another reason to regard Lincoln as our presidential G.O.A.T. Full review >

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by Katherine Marsh

A moving presentation of a long-suppressed piece of history. Full review >

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by Erin Bow

Adroit, sensitive, horrifying, yet hilarious. Full review >

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by Dan Santat ; illustrated by Dan Santat

Full of laughter and sentiment, this is a nudge for readers to dare to try new things. Full review >

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by Daniel Nayeri ; illustrated by Daniel Miyares

An enticing taste of a rich historical world. Full review >

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by Jenn Bailey ; illustrated by Mika Song

Deeply relatable reassurance for readers unnerved by change. Full review >

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by Zira Nauryzbai & Lilya Kalaus ; translated by Shelley Fairweather-Vega

A promising series opener that journeys into a thrilling world. Full review >

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by Jon Klassen ; illustrated by Jon Klassen

Employing his customary pitch-perfect tonal gymnastics, only Klassen could inspire readers to want craniums as pals. Full review >

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by Chris Harris ; illustrated by Andrea Tsurumi

Sidesplitting fun throughout for one or a crowd. Full review >

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by Rebecca Lim

Tough but uplifting and, above all, heartfelt. Full review >

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by Nicholas Day ; illustrated by Brett Helquist

A multistranded yarn skillfully laid out in broad, light brush strokes with some cogent themes mixed in. Full review >

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by Jacqueline Woodson

An exquisitely wrought story of self and community. Full review >

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by Amber McBride

Important messages uniquely delivered. Full review >

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by Krystal Marquis

A dazzling debut. Full review >

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by Trang Thanh Tran

Both the ghosts and the humans in this richly layered work are alluring and deadly. Full review >

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by Olivia A. Cole

Illuminating. Full review >

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by Patrick Ness ; illustrated by Tea Bendix

[Blanking] masterful. Full review >

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by Ari Tison

Remarkably compelling. Full review >

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by Elizabeth Santiago ; illustrated by McKenzie Mayle

Deeply moving, beautifully written, and inspiring. Full review >

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by Kim Johnson

A powerful, emotional, and insightful read. Full review >

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by Kaz Rowe ; illustrated by Kaz Rowe

An uplifting portrayal of the beauty of diversity and courage in the face of oppression. Full review >

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by Hannah V. Sawyerr

An unforgettable story of healing told through phenomenal poetry. Full review >

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by Kenneth M. Cadow

A heartfelt novel about the challenges of youth and the value of community. Full review >

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by Moa Backe Åstot ; translated by Eva Apelqvist

A fresh voice and a setting that’s pure fire. Full review >

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