ALL BOOKS & HANDS-ON LISTS > 2025 ALA AWARD WINNERS & CONTENDERS
The John Newbery Medal is given to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. Established in 1921 and first awarded in 1922, it is the oldest children’s book award in the world and is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious honors in children’s literature. The award is named after John Newbery, an 18th-century English publisher who was one of the first to publish books specifically for children. The Newbery Medal recognizes excellence in writing, rewarding books that show originality, creativity, and literary quality.
Winning the Newbery Medal or Honor not only elevates an author’s status in children’s literature but also helps bring quality literature to the attention of teachers, librarians, and young readers.
Our expert certified librarians at Follett Content compile a list of contenders for John Newbery Medal. This list is available for educators to research, share, or download a PDF of the list with our free export options.
All Award Seals and images are owned and trademarked by the American Library Association (ALA). © 1996–2024 American Library Association
By Isler, Emily Barth
Fiction
Middle School
5 Professional reviews
By Behar, Ruth
Fiction
Middle School
6 Professional reviews
Resources Available
By Magoon, Kekla
Fiction
Upper Elementary
6 Professional reviews
Resources Available
By Alexander, Kwame
Fiction
Middle School
3 Professional reviews
By Schu, John
Fiction
Middle School
4 Professional reviews
Resources Available
By Carter, Caela
Fiction
Upper Elementary
4 Professional reviews
By Melleby, Nicole
Fiction
Middle School
5 Professional reviews
By O'Shaughnessy, Kate
Fiction
Middle School
5 Professional reviews
By Choldenko, Gennifer
Fiction
Middle School
4 Professional reviews
By Cho, Tina
Nonfiction
Middle School
4 Professional reviews
By Bradley, Kimberly Brubaker
Fiction
Middle School
4 Professional reviews
Resources Available
By Nadel, Estelle
Autobiography; Nonfiction
Middle School
4 Professional reviews
Resources Available
By Kelly, Erin Entrada
Fiction
Upper Elementary
7 Professional reviews
Resources Available
By McGhee, Alison
Fiction
Upper Elementary
5 Professional reviews
By Rellihan, Anne
Fiction
Upper Elementary
4 Professional reviews
By Ursu, Anne
Fiction
Middle School
7 Professional reviews
Resources Available
By Gidwitz, Adam
Fiction
Middle School
5 Professional reviews
Resources Available
By Wendell, Mindy Nichols
Fiction
Upper Elementary
4 Professional reviews
By Hiranandani, Veera
Fiction
Middle School
6 Professional reviews
Resources Available
By Isler, Emily Barth
Fiction
Middle School
5 Professional reviews
By Behar, Ruth
Fiction
Middle School
6 Professional reviews
Resources Available
By Magoon, Kekla
Fiction
Upper Elementary
6 Professional reviews
Resources Available
Black Star (Door of No Return)
By Alexander, Kwame
Fiction
Middle School
3 Professional reviews
By Schu, John
Fiction
Middle School
4 Professional reviews
Resources Available
By Carter, Caela
Fiction
Upper Elementary
4 Professional reviews
Winnie Nash Is Not Your Sunshine
By Melleby, Nicole
Fiction
Middle School
5 Professional reviews
By Lowry, Lois
Fiction
Middle School
3 Professional reviews
By O'Shaughnessy, Kate
Fiction
Middle School
5 Professional reviews
The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman
By Choldenko, Gennifer
Fiction
Middle School
4 Professional reviews
By Cho, Tina
Nonfiction
Middle School
4 Professional reviews
By Bradley, Kimberly Brubaker
Fiction
Middle School
4 Professional reviews
Resources Available
The Girl Who Sang : a Holocaust Memoir of Hope and Survival
By Nadel, Estelle
Autobiography; Nonfiction
Middle School
4 Professional reviews
Resources Available
By Kelly, Erin Entrada
Fiction
Upper Elementary
7 Professional reviews
Resources Available
By Sepetys, Ruta
Fiction
Middle School
5 Professional reviews
By McGhee, Alison
Fiction
Upper Elementary
5 Professional reviews
By Millington, Allie
Fiction
Upper Elementary
6 Professional reviews
Not the Worst Friend in the World
By Rellihan, Anne
Fiction
Upper Elementary
4 Professional reviews
By Ursu, Anne
Fiction
Middle School
7 Professional reviews
Resources Available
Max in the House of Spies (Operation Kinderspion, Book 1)
By Gidwitz, Adam
Fiction
Middle School
5 Professional reviews
Resources Available
By Wendell, Mindy Nichols
Fiction
Upper Elementary
4 Professional reviews
By Zarr, Sara
Fiction
Middle School
3 Professional reviews
By Larson, Kirby
Fiction
Upper Elementary
6 Professional reviews
By DiCamillo, Kate
Fiction
Upper Elementary
6 Professional reviews
Resources Available
By Sumner, Jamie
Fiction
Middle School
4 Professional reviews
By Fipps, Lisa
Fiction
Middle School
6 Professional reviews
By Hiranandani, Veera
Fiction
Middle School
6 Professional reviews
Resources Available
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