Award-Winners

Find out about the annual winners of the Newbery Medal, Caldecott Medal, Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award, and Pura Belpré Illustrator Award — as well as other children's book awards from the American Library Association and other literacy organizations. Many organizations end the year with a "best of" list of children's books. Here are links to the awards and lists that we like, including selections from the Children's Book Council, School Library Journal, Horn Book, Parent's Choice, The New York Times, and many more.

In this section:

2021 Newbery Medal

The Newbery Medal is awarded annually by the American Library Association to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. One or more Honor books are recognized each year as well.

When You Trap a Tiger
by Tae Keller

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2021 Caldecott Medal

The Caldecott Medal is awarded annually by the American Library Association to the author of the most distinguished American picture book for children. One or more Honor books are recognized each year as well.

We Are Water Protectors
Illustrated by Michaela Goade

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2021 Coretta Scott King Awards

The Coretta Scott King Book Awards are 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. One or more Honor books are recognized each year as well.

2021 Coretta Scott King Author Award

Before the Ever After
by Jacqueline Woodson

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2021 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award

RESPECT: Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul
Illustrated by Frank Morrison

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2021 Pura Belpré Awards

The Pura Belpré is awarded annually by the American Library Association honoring a Latino writer illustrator whose children’s books best portray, affirm and celebrate the Latino cultural experience. One or more Honor books are recognized each year as well.