On Monday, the American Library Association announced the winners of the 2017 Youth Media Awards, including the Caldecott Medal, Newbery Medal, Coretta Scott King Awards, Theodor Seuss Geisel Award, and several others.
It was certainly an exciting day in the book world! John Lewis’s graphic novel March: Book Three set a new record by winning four (count ’em: FOUR) medals in a single year. Also, for the second year in a row, a picture book appeared in the Newbery category; Ashley Bryan’s Freedom Over Me received a 2017 Newbery Honor (last year, Last Stop on Market Street won the medal).
We want to offer our heartfelt congratulations to all of the winners and honor books! It’s wonderful to recognize the amazing work being done every year in children’s books.
We’ve listed a few of the award winners and honors below. For the full list, visit the American Library Association’s website—and get reading!
Caldecott Medal
Awarded annually to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children.
Winner: Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, written & illustrated by Javaka Steptoe
Honor books:
Leave Me Alone! written & illustrated by Vera Brosgol
Freedom in Congo Square, illustrated by R. Gregory Christie & written by Carole Boston Weatherford
Du Iz Tak? written & illustrated by Carson Ellis
They All Saw A Cat, written & illustrated by Brendan Wenzel
Newbery Medal
Awarded annually to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.
Winner: The Girl Who Drank the Moon, written by Kelly Barnhill
Honor books:
Freedom Over Me: Eleven Slaves, Their Lives and Dreams Brought to Life by Ashley Bryan, written & illustrated by Ashley Bryan
The Inquisitor’s Tale: Or, The Three Magical Children and Their Holy Dog, written by Adam Gidwitz & illustrated by Hatem Aly
Wolf Hollow, written by Lauren Wolk
CORETTA SCOTT KING Book AWARDs
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.
Winner (Author): March: Book Three, written by John Lewis & Andrew Aydin, illustrated by Nate Powell
Winner (Illustrator): Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, written & illustrated by Javaka Steptoe
Author Honor Books:
As Brave As You, written by Jason Reynolds
Freedom Over Me: Eleven Slaves, Their Lives and Dreams Brought to Life by Ashley Bryan, written & illustrated by Ashley Bryan
Illustrator Honor Books:
Freedom in Congo Square, illustrated by R. Gregory Christie & written by Carole Boston Weatherford
Freedom Over Me: Eleven Slaves, Their Lives and Dreams Brought to Life by Ashley Bryan, written & illustrated by Ashley Bryan
In Plain Sight, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney & written by Richard Jackson
Theodor Seuss Geisel Award
Given annually to the author(s) and illustrator(s) of the most distinguished American book for beginning readers.
Winner: We Are Growing: A Mo Willems’ Elephant & Piggie Like Reading! Book, written by Laurie Keller
Honor books:
Good Night Owl, written & illustrated by Greg Pizzoli
Oops, Pounce, Quick, Run! An Alphabet Caper, written & illustrated by Mike Twohy
Go Otto Go! written & illustrated by David Milgrim
The Infamous Ratsos, written by Kara LaReau & illustrated by Matt Myers
Pura Belpré Award
Given 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.
Winner (Author): Juana & Lucas, written & illustrated by Juana Medina
Winner (Illustrator): Lowriders to the Center of the Earth, illustrated by Raúl Gonzalez & written by Cathy Camper
Author Honor Book:
The Only Road, written by Alexandra Diaz
Illustrator Honor Books:
Esquivel!: Space-Age Sound Artist, illustrated by Duncan Tonatiuh & written by Susan Wood
The Princess and the Warrior: A Tale of Two Volcanoes, illustrated & written by Duncan Tonatiuh
There were many other awards given, so make sure you don’t miss the full list, which can be found here. In the meantime, stop by blue manatee and check out the winners for yourself!
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