Kids & Parents

Heavy Medal: Youth Media Awards 2019

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The John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children's literature is way older than I am

So is the Randolph Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture book for children.

Even so, I get very excited at this time of year to learn which authors and illustrators are recognized at the Youth Media Awards.

From left: YALSA President Crystle Martin, Coretta Scott King Chair Claudette McLinn, ALSC President Jamie Campbell Naidoo, ALA President Loida Garcia-Febo, and Reforma President Madeline Pena Feliz at the 2019 ALA Youth Media Awards presentation.

From left: YALSA President Crystle Martin, Coretta Scott King Chair Claudette McLinn, ALSC President Jamie Campbell Naidoo, ALA President Loida Garcia-Febo, and Reforma President Madeline Pena Feliz at the 2019 ALA Youth Media Awards presentation.

I am always thrilled when my favorite books win, but I am also eager to add more wonderful books to my to-be-read list.

As usual, there were some surprises in who won awards, as well as who didn’t. A few of winners had Chicago settings, so I could really immerse myself in those books.

It was encouraging to see more authors, illustrators and characters that mirror the diversity that makes Des Plaines great.

I’m excited to share some of the award winners with you.

Usually librarians organize lists alphabetically, but I decided to change thing up. My list is in backwards, chronological order.

I hope you are inspired to check out some of the less familiar awards.

You will need to scroll through newer awards to get to the granddaddy of them all—the Newbery Medal. 

Fox the Tiger

Fox the Tiger

written and illustrated by Corey R. Tabor

Theodor Seuss Geisel Award for the most distinguished beginning reader book.

Rescue & Jessica A Life-Changing Friendship

Rescue & Jessica: A Life-Changing Friendship

written by Jessica Kensky and Patrick Downes

illustrated by Scott Magoon

Schneider Family Book Award (young children, ages 0 to 10) for books that embody an artistic expression of the disability experience.

The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle

The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle

written by Leslie Connor

Schneider Family Book Award (middle grades, ages 11 to 13) for books that embody an artistic expression of the disability experience.

The Girl Who Drew Butterflies: How Maria Merian’s Art Changed Science

The Girl Who Drew Butterflies: How Maria Merian’s Art Changed Science

written by Joyce Sidman

Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award for the most distinguished informational book for children.

Front Desk

Front Desk

written by Kelly Yang 

Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature and is awarded based on literary and artistic merit for books that promote Asian/Pacific American culture and heritage.

Dreamers

Dreamers

illustrated and written by Yuyi Morales, is the Belpré Illustrator Award winner.

Pura Belpré Award (Illustrator) honoring a Latinx illustrator whose children's book best portrays, affirms and celebrates the Latino cultural experience

The Stuff of Stars

The Stuff of Stars

written by Marion Dane Bauer

illustrated by Ekua Holmes

Coretta Scott King (Illustrator) Book Award recognizing an African-American illustrator of outstanding books for children.

Julián Is a Mermaid

Julián Is a Mermaid

written by Jessica Love 

Stonewall Book Award - Mike Morgan & Larry Romans Children’s & Young Adult Literature Award given to English-language children’s books of exceptional merit relating to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender experience.

A Few Red Drops: The Chicago Race Riot of 1919

A Few Red Drops: The Chicago Race Riot of 1919

written by Claire Hartfield

Coretta Scott King (Author) Book Award recognizing an African-American author of outstanding books for children and young adults.

All-of-a-Kind-Family Hanukkah

All-of-a-Kind-Family Hanukkah

written by Emily Jenkins

illustrated by Paul Zelinsky

The Sydney Taylor Book Award for outstanding books for children that authentically portray the Jewish experience.

The Fox on the Swing

The Fox on the Swing

written by Evelina Daciūtė

illustrated by Aušra Kiudulaitė

translated by The Translation Bureau

Mildred L. Batchelder Award (1966) for an outstanding children’s book originally published in a language other than English in a country other than the United States, and subsequently translated into English for publication in the United States.

Hello Lighthouse

Hello Lighthouse

illustrated and written by Sophie Blackall

Randolph Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture book for children.

Merci Suárez Changes Gears

Merci Suárez Changes Gears

written by Meg Medina

John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children's literature.