Barack and Michelle Obama Join Chicago Public Library for Virtual Storytime

Libraries across the country have been pulling out all the stops to create engaging, educational online read-alouds for the millions of children staying home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Chicago Public Library’s Live From The Library Facebook series has featured appearances from authors, actors, and musicians; the latest guest readers on the list are Chicagoans Barack and Michelle Obama.

The former President and First Lady visited CPL’s Facebook page to read The Word Collector, written and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds. “We chose this book because it illustrates the transformative power of words,” President Obama explained. “I love words!”

In addition to reading the story, the pair also shared their thoughts about the value and importance of libraries. “I remember my first trip to the library and how important I felt,” Mrs. Obama reflected. “My library card was a key that unlocked a world of knowledge and experiences.”

Check out the video on CPL’s Facebook:

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Virtual Storytimes Keep Families Engaged

Families across the country count on library storytime programs to teach kids early literacy skills—but with most libraries closing to the public to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, these in-person read-alouds have been put on hold. Fortunately, America’s libraries have gotten creative, using video and audio technology to keep reading to children while maintaining social distancing.

Many librarians have found whimsical ways to make these virtual storytimes extra special. Amy Bayes, head supervisor of children’s services at Newton Public Library in Kansas, has been self-isolating at home on a farm, where she’s enlisted goats, pigs, and other animals to guest star in her videos. Denton Public Library in Texas has incorporated puppets, musical instruments, and crafts to keep their weekly livestreams engaging for viewers. And Betsy Thomas of Nebraska’s Kooser Elementary School has made such a splash with her creative backdrops and elaborate costumes that her virtual storytimes were featured on NBC’s Today.

Some libraries have even found high-profile guest readers to join their storytimes. Chicago Public Library’s Live From The Library series has featured appearances from actress Jane Lynch, Wilco singer Jeff Tweedy, and city mayor Lori Lightfoot.

Libraries have also worked with multilingual staff to offer storytimes in additional languages, thus reaching a larger segment of their communities. California’s Long Beach Public Library has converted their monthly Cuentos y Cantos series to a virtual format; in the videos, librarians Luisa Leija and Sheridan Cazarez share stories and songs in both English and Spanish.

Social media sites like Facebook and YouTube have been popular channels for libraries to share their storytimes with the public, but others have taken a different approach to meet the unique needs of their communities. Alaska’s Homer Public Library serves a rural population where many households lack reliable internet access, so they partnered with the local public radio station to broadcast read-aloud programs via AM radio. “We’ve been apart while the library is closed and we’re all staying home, but we’re still here together in our community,” youth services librarian Claudia Haines told Anchorage Daily News. “This is a way to stay connected.”

For more examples of how libraries are expanding their services during the pandemic, subscribe to the I Love Libraries newsletter.

Read Harry Potter for Free This National Library Week

National Library Week is April 19 – 25—and what better way to celebrate than by downloading free eBooks and audiobooks from your local library system?

Through the end of April, participating libraries are offering unlimited free loans of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone as an eBook and audiobook through the Libby app. With no wait times, you can download the book immediately. The novel is also available in more than 20 languages, so that non-English speakers can also enjoy the kids’ classic.

This year, the Harry Potter series was among the American Library Associations’ Top Ten Most Challenged Books list for 2019, which tracks censorship in libraries and schools. Critics of the novels cited the presence of magic and witchcraft as a reason to remove them from school and library shelves. Still, libraries and their staff continue to fight for everyone’s freedom to read, sharing access to a variety of materials (even those considered controversial).

If you’ve haven’t already, be sure to visit your library’s website to see what other digital resources they have for free—from eBooks, audiobooks, and movies to virtual storytimes and online courses. While most libraries have closed to the public due to the pandemic, they’re still finding innovative ways to keep their communities informed and entertained.

We’re celebrating National Library Week through April 25; here are more ways to join the festivities.

Visit this Library’s Virtual Branch in Animal Crossing: New Horizons

With coronavirus continuing to spread, in-person gatherings are off the table-but one librarian in South Carolina is using video games to bring her community together virtually.

Tina Chenoweth, Young Adult Services Manager at the Baxter-Patrick James Island branch of Charleston County Public Library, has been recreating her library in the popular new video game Animal Crossing: New Horizons. In the game, players move to a deserted island, construct buildings and infrastructure, and make their own furniture and decorations. Players across the world can use an online code to visit each other’s islands to explore, exchange resources, or just socialize.

“Even if there weren’t a pandemic happening, I absolutely would have incorporated Animal Crossing into our regular programming because I see it as a great way to get people working together toward a common goal,” Tina told I Love Libraries. “Then the pandemic happened and added that extra layer of interacting with people of all ages we can’t see in person and really made the whole idea that much more meaningful.”

In Animal Crossing, players are given a plot of land on their island where they can build their house; Tina has repurposed hers as a library, complete with a children’s area in a separate room. The island also features an outdoor creative studio with a crafting table that players can use to create their own tools and decorative objects, as well as a bulletin board where players can leave messages for other visitors.

A screenshot from the video game Animal Crossing featuring a library with bookshelves, a telescope, and a globe

BPJI patrons have been loving visiting the library’s island-many have even created virtual items to “donate” to the space. “Patrons and visitors have been super supportive. In fact, almost all the bookcases, the library wallpaper, and a good portion of the decorations in the library were supplied by patrons,” Tina shared. “One visitor kept flying back and forth between BPJI’s island and his own island in order to ferry supplies. It’s so heartwarming!”

The virtual library is one of many offerings Tina’s library has created or expanded in light of COVID-19. “CCPL has rolled out an impressive virtual programming lineup that includes regular storytimes along with exercise, journaling, poetry, cooking, craft programs, and more,” Tina said. “Our patrons still have access to Wi-Fi in our parking lots, as well as access to our digital resources, and we recently began offering a new remote telephone service as well.”

Looking ahead, Tina hopes to continue building the library’s island to be even more fun and engaging for visitors, and to more closely resemble its in-person counterpart; one future project she’s considering  is to add a learning lab/PC room like the one at the brick-and-mortar BPJI branch. She might also start stocking the virtual branch with in-game “DIY recipes” (items that let players create new furniture or decorations) for patrons to use in their own gameplay-sharing free information and resources with her community just as real-life libraries do every day.

Animal Crossing players can visit the BPJI island using the library’s Nintendo Switch friend code, 0912-2261-5044. For more stories about innovative and creative libraries, subscribe to the I Love Libraries newsletter.

Kids Staying Home? Librarians Recommend These Apps and Games

With schools closing across the country to slow the spread of COVID-19, parents and caregivers are in a challenging position: keeping kids engaged and entertained at home, often while working remotely at the same time. The internet offers countless children’s apps and games that purport to be educational, but choosing which ones to download can be overwhelming for busy families. The Association of Library Service to Children’s Notable Children’s Digital Media (NCDM) List is a great source for finding librarian-approved digital content for kids 14 and younger.

Today’s librarians can offer expert recommendations for apps and games in addition to suggesting books. “Librarians serve as media mentors and can support children and caregivers in decisions around media use,” explains Alec Chunn, Youth Services Librarian at Eugene Public Library and 2020 NCDM Committee Co-Chair. “It’s part of our job to help patrons understand how to evaluate resources online, even if they are the kind of resources they download and take home to use.”

The NCDM List is selected based on a variety of criteria, including design, price, and accessibility. “The best digital media have great artwork and design, functional links, customizable controls, multiple language options, clear goals, engaging content, and promote diverse experiences,” Alec shares. The list includes options for pre-kindergarteners, elementary schoolers, middle schoolers, and parents and caregivers.

The librarians behind the NCDM List acknowledge that during the COVID-19 crisis, kids might have more screen time than usual. “As a parent and librarian, I take to heart the recommendations of physicians and mental healthcare professionals when considering recommended screen time and use, [but] all or most of the recommended time limits are probably out the window during this period of self-quarantine and education at home,” says Robin Howe, Children’s Librarian at King County Library System and 2021 NCDM Committee Co-Chair. “We can at least help them to access the better quality media currently available.”

Caregivers can also make the most of kids’ screen time by using educational apps and games as a family. “Since the majority of people are home now, it is a great time to co-view/engage in digital media together,” shares Laura Bos, Youth Technology Librarian at Mount Prospect Public Library and 2021 NCDM Committee Co-Chair. “This is one quality in digital media that we look at when evaluating it since it can make the experience more interactive and enriching.”

Here are librarians’ 2020 picks for Notable Children’s Digital Media:

For Pre-Kindergarteners

Bandimal (iOS)

The Cat in the Hat Builds That (iOS/Android/Amazon)

Funexpected Math (iOS)

GoNoodle – Kids Videos (iOS/Android/Amazon)

Hopster Coding Safari (iOS)

Jet’s Bot Builder (iOS/Android/Amazon)

Little Chickies / Los Pollitos (iOS/Android)

PEEP Family Science: Colors (iOS/Android)

Pokémon Playhouse (iOS/Android/Amazon)

Sago Mini Village (iOS/Android/Amazon)

Storyline Online (iOS/Android)

Tami’s Tower (iOS/Android/Amazon)

Think & Learn Code-a-pillar (iOS/Android/Amazon)

For Elementary Schoolers

Apart of Me (iOS/Android)

Aquation: The Freshwater Access Game (iOS/Android)

Arithmagic – Math Wizard Game (iOS/Android/Amazon)

Career Girls (Web)

Drops (iOS/Android)

Funexpected Math (iOS)

GoNoodle – Kids Videos (iOS/Android/Amazon)

Hopster Coding Safari (iOS)

Jet’s Bot Builder (iOS/Android/Amazon)

Little Mouse’s Encyclopedia (iOS/Android/Amazon)

Me: A Kid’s Diary (iOS)

NAMOO – Wonders of Plant Life (iOS/Android)

OurStory Kids (Android)

Puku: Learn New Words (iOS/Android)

Storyline Online (iOS/Android)

Tami’s Tower (iOS/Android/Amazon)

Think & Learn Code-a-pillar (iOS/Android/Amazon)

Thinkrolls: Space (iOS/Android/Amazon)

Who Was? Adventure (iOS)

For Middle Schoolers

Apart of Me (iOS/Android)

Aquation: The Freshwater Access Game (iOS/Android)

Career Girls (Web)

Drops (iOS/Android)

Me: A Kid’s Diary (iOS)

My Child Lebensborn (iOS/Android)

NAMOO – Wonders of Plant Life (iOS/Android)

OurStory Kids (Android)

For Parents/Caregivers

Novel Effect (iOS/Android)

OurStory Kids (Android)

Descriptions of the listed apps and games are available at the Notable Children’s Digital Media List website. For more expert recommendations from librarians, subscribe to the I Love Libraries newsletter.

Experience Hogwarts with This Virtual Library Escape Room

Libraries across the country are closing their doors to slow the spread of COVID-19, but that doesn’t mean they’ve stopped serving their communities. One library in McMurray, Pennsylvania created an online Harry Potter escape room to keep local teens entertained at home.

Peters Township Public Library’s digital escape room includes a variety of magic-themed puzzles, set during your first year at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. You can complete it alone or in a group—or even compete with friends to see who gets the fastest time.

Sydney Krawiec, Youth Services Librarian at PTPL, designed the virtual escape room after Pennsylvania’s public libraries closed in March. She had designed several in-person escape rooms in the past (including two with a Harry Potter theme), so she decided to try creating one online. “As my colleagues and I started brainstorming ways to share resources and do digital storytimes, I kept wishing we could provide something that would bring a family together in a more interactive way than just watching a screen,” she told I Love Libraries. “I wanted to start a conversation.”

In addition to the escape room, PTPL staff are working hard to keep Peters Township residents connected, informed, and entertained. “We are doing our best to issue library cards via email and share out additional resources to our community during this time,” Sydney said. “Staff members have done virtual storytimes and we are working on bringing more programming to our patrons.”

To hear about how libraries are serving their communities amid the coronavirus pandemic, subscribe to the I Love Libraries newsletter.

5 Coretta Scott King Award Winners to Read This Black History Month

Each year, a jury of library workers selects outstanding African American authors and illustrators of books for children and young adults to receive the Coretta Scott King Book Award. Commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his wife Coretta Scott King, the award highlights literature that demonstrate an appreciation of African American culture and universal human values. 

In honor of Black History Month, we asked current members of the Coretta Scott King Book Awards Jury to share some of their favorite winners from years past. Here are their picks:

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor. This title was one of the CSK author honor winners back in 1977 and it was the first CSK book I ever read. I remember reading about Cassie, Little Man, and the rest of the Logan family like it was yesterday. Reading about her and her ability to maintain her spunky personality and witty nature all while dealing with racism and social ills made me feel like we were best friends. I also remember the shiny CSK seal. From that moment on, I knew if I saw books with the ‘triangle’ [that’s what I called it back then] that it would have characters who looked, talked, and lived like me.”—LaKeshia Darden (2019-21 Jury Chair)

“A past favorite of mine is the 2005 illustrator honor The People Could Fly: The Picture Book, written by Virginia Hamilton and illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon. The Dillons bring one of our finest folktales to life through their rich and expressive illustrations. The People Could Fly: The Picture Book pairs well with the 2020 author honor, Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky, written by Kwame Mbalia. Mbalia weaves our past oral traditions into an exciting and thought provoking fantasy adventure. Both books provide uplifting stories that highlight the power and beauty of Black culture.”—Jewel Davis

Thank You, Omu by Oge Mora highlights the joy of food and sharing. It illustrates how the generosity of black women provides for communities in ways big and small. For many of us, this is the story of our grandmothers, mothers, and aunts.”—Maegen Rose

“The 2011 CSK Author and Illustrator winners are particular favorites. I loved One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia, and eagerly awaited the next two books in the Gaither sisters trilogy, both of which also won the CSK Author award. Bryan Collier’s Dave the Potter, published that same year, is another book I love. I have a print from the book hanging in my workspace, and I was thrilled to see one of Dave’s pots when I visited the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.”—Susan Polos

Check out the full list of Coretta Scott King Book Awards winners.

The 2020 ALA Youth Media Awards are out!

The American Library Association (ALA) announced the top books, video and audio books for children and young adults – including the Caldecott, Coretta Scott King, Newbery and Printz awards – at its Midwinter Meeting in Philadelphia this morning.

Here’s the list of 2020 award winners:

John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children’s literature:

“New Kid,” written by Jerry Craft, is the 2020 Newbery Medal winner. The book is illustrated by the author and published by HarperCollins Children’s Books, a division of HarperCollins Publishers.

Four Newbery Honor Books also were named: “The Undefeated,” written by Kwame Alexander, illustrated by Kadir Nelson and published by Versify, an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt; “Scary Stories for Young Foxes,” written by Christian McKay Heidicker, illustrated by Junyi Wu and published by Henry Holt and Company, an imprint of Macmillan Publishing Group; “Other Words for Home,” written by Jasmine Warga and published by Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers; and “Genesis Begins Again,” written by Alicia D. Williams and published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division, a Caitlyn Dlouhy Book.

Randolph Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture book for children: “The Undefeated,” illustrated by Kadir Nelson is the 2020 Caldecott Medal winner. The book was written by Kwame Alexander and published by Versify, an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Three Caldecott Honor Books also were named: “Bear Came Along,” illustrated by LeUyen Pham, written by Richard T. Morris and published by Little, Brown and Company, a division of Hachette Book Group; “Double Bass Blues,” illustrated by Rudy Gutierrez, written by Andrea J. Loney and published by Alfred A. Knopf, a division of Random House Children’s Books, a division of Penguin Random House LLC; and “Going Down Home with Daddy,” illustrated by Daniel Minter, written by Kelly Starling Lyons and published by Peachtree Publishers.

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

“New Kid” written by Jerry Craft, is the King Author Book winner. The book is illustrated by the author and published by HarperCollins Children’s Books, a division of HarperCollins Publishers.

Three King Author Honor Books were selected: “The Stars and the Blackness Between Them,” written by Junauda Petrus and published by Dutton Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC; “Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky,” written by Kwame Mbalia and published by Disney-Hyperion, an imprint of Disney Book Group; and “Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks,” written by Jason Reynolds and published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division, a Caitlyn Dlouhy Book.

Coretta Scott King (Illustrator) Book Award:

“The Undefeated,” illustrated by Kadir Nelson, is the King Illustrator Book winner. The book is written by Kwame Alexander and published by Versify, an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Three King Illustrator Honor Books were selected: “The Bell Rang,” illustrated by James E. Ransome, written by the illustrator and published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division, a Caitlyn Dlouhy Book; “Infinite Hope: A Black Artist’s Journey from World War II to Peace,” illustrated by Ashley Bryan, written by the illustrator and published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division, a Caitlyn Dlouhy Book; and “Sulwe,” illustrated by Vashti Harrison, written by Lupita Nyong’o and published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division.

Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Author Award:

“Genesis Begins Again,” written by Alicia D. Williams, is the Steptoe author award winner. The book is published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division, a Caitlyn Dlouhy Book.

Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Illustrator Award:

“What Is Given from the Heart,” illustrated by April Harrison, is the Steptoe illustrator award winner. The book is written by Patricia C. McKissack and published by Schwartz & Wade Books, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, a division of Penguin Random House LLC.

Coretta Scott King – Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement:

Mildred D. Taylor is the winner of the Coretta Scott King – Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement. The award pays tribute to the quality and magnitude of beloved children’s author Virginia Hamilton.

Born in Mississippi in 1943 and raised in Ohio, Taylor resides in Colorado. “Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry” won the 1977 Newbery Award and a Coretta Scott King Book Award honor.

Taylor received the international 2003 inaugural NSK Neustadt Prize for Children’s Literature. Her books earned national recognition including four CSK author awards and two author honors. Her 2020 Logan family series conclusion “All the Days Past, All the Days to Come” continues addressing systemic injustice, entrenched inequality and the roots of racism.

Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in literature written for young adults:

“Dig,” written by A.S. King, is the 2020 Printz Award winner. The book is published by Dutton Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers, a division of Penguin Random House.

Four Printz Honor Books also were named: “The Beast Player,” written by Nahoko Uehashi, translated by Cathy Hirano and published by Godwin Books/Henry Holt, an imprint of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group; “Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me,” written by Mariko Tamaki, illustrated by Rosemary Valero-O’Connell and published by First Second/Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group; “Ordinary Hazards: A Memoir,” written by Nikki Grimes and published by Wordsong, an imprint of Boyds Mills & Kane; and “Where the World Ends,” written by Geraldine McCaughrean and published by Flatiron Books, an imprint of Macmillan Publishers.

Schneider Family Book Award for books that embody an artistic expression of the disability experience:

“Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You,” written by Sonia Sotomayor, illustrated by Rafael López and published by Philomel Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC, wins the award for young children (ages 0 to 10). One honor book for Young Children was selected: “A Friend for Henry,” written by Jenn Bailey, illustrated by Mika Song and published by Chronicle Books LLC.

“Song for a Whale,” written by Lynne Kelly and published by Delacorte Press, an imprint of Random House Children’s Book, a division of Penguin Random House LLC, is the winner for middle grades (ages 11-13). One honor book for middle grades was selected: “Each Tiny Spark,” written by Pablo Cartaya and published by Kokila Penguin Young Readers Group, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC.

“Cursed,” written by Karol Ruth Silverstein and published by Charlesbridge, is the winner for teens (ages 13-18). One honor book for teens was selected: “The Silence Between Us,” written by Alison Gervais and published by Blink.

Alex Awards for the 10 best adult books that appeal to teen audiences:

“A Boy and His Dog at the End of the World,” By C.A. Fletcher, Published by Orbit, a division of Hachette Group

“Do You Dream of Terra-Two?” By Temi Oh, Published by Saga Press/Gallery Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, Inc.

“Dominicana,” By Angie Cruz, Published by Flatiron Books, an imprint of Macmillan Publishers “Gender Queer: A Memoir,” By Maia Kobabe, Published by Lion Forge, an imprint of Oni Press

“High School,” By Sara Quin and Tegan Quin, Published by MCD, a division of Farrar, Straus and Giroux, an imprint of Macmillan Publishers

“In Waves,” By AJ Dungo, Published by Nobrow

“Middlegame,” By Seanan McGuire, Published by Tor.com Publishing, an imprint of Tom Doherty Associates, a division of Macmillan

“The Nickel Boys,” By Colson Whitehead, Published by Doubleday, a division of Penguin Random House

“Red, White & Royal Blue” By Casey McQuiston, Published by St. Martin’s Griffin, a division of St. Martin’s Publishing Group, an imprint of Macmillan Publishers

“The Swallows,” By Lisa Lutz, Published by Ballantine Books, an imprint of Random House, a division of Penguin Random House

Children’s Literature Legacy Award honors an author or illustrator whose books, published in the United States, have made, over a period of years, a substantial and lasting contribution to

literature for children through books that demonstrate integrity and respect for all children’s lives and experiences. The 2020 winner is Kevin Henkes, whose award-winning works include “Kitten’s First Full Moon” which won the Caldecott Award in 2005 and “The Year of Billy Miller,” recipient of a Newbery Honor in 2014. In addition, Henkes has received two Geisel honors, two Caldecott honors and a second Newbery honor.

Margaret A. Edwards Award for lifetime achievement in writing for young adults:

The 2020 winner is Steve Sheinkin. His books include: “Bomb: The Race to Build-and Steal-the World’s Most Dangerous Weapon,” “The Port Chicago 50: Disaster, Mutiny, and the Fight for Civil Rights,” and “The Notorious Benedict Arnold: A True Story of Adventure, Heroism, & Treachery,” all published by Roaring Brook Press, an imprint of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, and “Lincoln’s Grave Robbers,” published by Scholastic Press, an imprint of Scholastic Inc.

2020 ALSC Children’s Literature Lecture Award recognizing an author, critic, librarian, historian or teacher of children’s literature, who then presents a lecture at a winning host site.

Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop will deliver the 2021 Children’s Literature Lecture. Dr. Sims Bishop, Professor Emerita at The Ohio State University, has served on numerous noteworthy committees for ALA and other organizations, and has been recognized with prestigious awards for her work. Her research, writing, and teaching have informed and expanded conversations about representation of African Americans in children’s literature and provided a critical framework for research and pedagogy. Her essay, “Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors,” is not only cited globally, it has inspired shifts in publishing, teaching, and the inclusion of authentic, diverse voices in literature for children and teens.

Mildred L. Batchelder Award 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:

“Brown” is the 2020 Batchelder Award winner. Originally published in Norwegian as “Brune,” the book was written by Håkon Øvreås, illustrated by Øyvind Torseter, translated by Kari Dickson and published by Enchanted Lion Books.

Four Honor Books also were selected: “The Beast Player,” published by Godwin Books/Henry Holt, an imprint of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, written by Nahoko Uehashi, illustrated by Yuta Onoda and translated from the Japanese by Cathy Hirano; “The Distance Between Me and the Cherry Tree,” published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an

imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division, written by Paola Peretti, illustrated by Carolina Rabei, translated from the Italian by Denise Muir; “Do Fish Sleep?” published by Enchanted Lion Books, written by Jens Raschke, illustrated by Jens Rassmus, translated from the German by Belinda Cooper; and “When Spring Comes to the DMZ,” published by Plough Publishing House, written by Uk-Bae Lee, illustrated by the author, translated from the Korean by Chungyon Won and Aileen Won.

Odyssey Award for best audiobook produced for children and/or young adults, available in English in the United States:

“Hey, Kiddo: How I Lost My Mother, Found My Father, and Dealt with Family Addiction,” produced by Scholastic Audiobooks, is the 2020 Odyssey Award winner. The book is written by

Jarrett J. Krosoczka and narrated by the author, Jeanne Birdsall, Jenna Lamia, Richard Ferrone and a full cast.

Four Odyssey Honor Audiobooks also were selected:

“Redwood and Ponytail,” produced by Hachette Audio, written by K.A. Holt and narrated by Cassandra Morris and Tessa Netting; “Song for a Whale,” produced by Listening Library, an imprint of the Penguin Random House Audio Publishing Group, written by Lynne Kelly and narrated by Abigail Revasch with the author; “We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga,” produced by Live Oak Media, written by Traci Sorell and narrated by Lauren Hummingbird, Agalisiga (Choogie) Mackey, Ryan Mackey, Traci Sorell, Tonia Weavel; “We’re Not from Here,” produced by Listening Library, an imprint of the Penguin Random House Audio Publishing Group, written by Geoff Rodkey and narrated by Dani Martineck.

Pura Belpré Awards honoring a Latino writer and illustrator whose children’s books best portray, affirm and celebrate the Latino cultural experience:

“Dancing Hands: How Teresa Carreño Played the Piano for President Lincoln,” illustrated by Rafael López, is the Belpré Illustrator Award winner. The book was written by Margarita Engle and published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division.

Three Belpré Illustrator Honor Books were named:

“Across the Bay,” illustrated by Carlos Aponte, written by the illustrator and published by Penguin Workshop, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC; “My Papi Has a Motorcycle,” illustrated by Zeke Peña, written by Isabel Quintero and published by Kokila, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC; and “¡Vamos! Let’s Go to the Market,” illustrated by Raúl Gonzalez, written by the author and published by Versify, an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

“Sal and Gabi Break the Universe,” written by Carlos Hernandez, is the Pura Belpré Author Award winner. The book is published by Disney-Hyperion, an imprint of Disney Book Group.

Four Belpré Author Honor Books was named:

“Lety Out Loud,” written by Angela Cervantes and published by Scholastic Press, an imprint of Scholastic Inc.; “The Other Half of Happy,” written by Rebecca Balcárcel and published by Chronicle Books; “Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré,” written by Anika Aldamuy Denise, illustrated by Paola Escobar and published by HarperCollins Children’s Books, a division of HarperCollins Publishers; and “Soldier for Equality: José de la Luz Sáenz and the Great War,” written by Duncan Tonatiuh, illustrated by the author and published by Abrams Books for Young Readers, an imprint of ABRAMS.

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

“Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story,” written by Kevin Noble Maillard and illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal, is the Sibert Award winner. The book is published by Roaring Brook Press, a division of Holtzbrinck Publishing Holdings.

Four Sibert Honor Books were named:

“All in a Drop: How Antony van Leeuwenhoek Discovered an Invisible World,” written by Lori Alexander, illustrated by Vivien Mildenberger and published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt; “This Promise of Change: One Girl’s Story in the Fight for School Equality,” written by Jo Ann Allen Boyce and Debbie Levy and published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books; “Ordinary Hazards: A Memoir,” written by Nikki Grimes and published by WordSong, an imprint of Highlights; and “Hey, Water!” written and illustrated by Antoinette Portis and published by Neal Porter Books, Holiday House.

The Excellence in Early Learning Digital Media Award is given to a digital media producer that has created distinguished digital media for an early learning audience.

The 2020 in Early Learning Digital Media Award winner is Molly of Denali, produced by PBS Kids.

The committee selected two honor recipients including “Seek,” produced by iNaturalist, and “States of Matter by Tinybop,” produced by Tinybop, Inc.

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

“When Aidan Became a Brother,” written by Kyle Lukoff, illustrated by Kaylani Juanita and published by Lee & Low Books Inc. and “The Black Flamingo,” written by Dean Atta, illustrated by Anshika Khullar and published by Hodder Children’s Books, an imprint of Hachette Children’s Group, part of Hodder and Stoughton are the 2020 recipients of the Stonewall Book Awards – Mike Morgan & Larry Romans Children’s & Young Adult Literature Award.

Three Honor Books were selected:

“Pet,” written by Akwaeke Emezi and published by Make Me a World, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, a division of Penguin Random House LLC; “Like a Love Story,” written by Abdi Nazemian and published by Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, and “The Best at It,” written by Maulik Pancholy and published by Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

Theodor Seuss Geisel Award for the most distinguished beginning reader book is:

“Stop! Bot!” written and illustrated by James Yang. The book is published by Viking, Penguin Young Readers.

Three Geisel Honor Books were named:

“Chick and Brain: Smell My Foot!” written and illustrated by Cece Bell and published by Candlewick Press; “Flubby Is Not a Good Pet!” written and illustrated by J. E. Morris and published by Penguin Workshop, an imprint of Penguin Random House; and “The Book Hog,” written and illustrated by Greg Pizzoli and published by Disney-Hyperion, an imprint of Disney Book Group.

William C. Morris Award for a debut book published by a first-time author writing for teens:

Four other books were finalists for the award:

YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults:

“Free Lunch,” written by Rex Ogle, is the 2020 Excellence winner. The book is published by Norton Young Readers, an imprint of W.W. Norton & Company.

Four other books were finalists for the award:

“The Great Nijinsky: God of Dance,” written and illustrated by Lynn Curlee and published by Charlesbridge Teen; “A Light in the Darkness: Janusz Korczak, His Orphans, and the

Holocaust,” written by Albert Marrin and published by Alfred A. Knopf, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, a division of Penguin Random House; “A Thousand Sisters: The Heroic Airwomen of the Soviet Union in World War II,” written by Elizabeth Wein and published by Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers; and “Torpedoed: The True Story of the World War II Sinking of ‘The Children’s Ship’,” written by Deborah Heiligman and published by Henry Holt, an imprint of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group.

Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature. The award promotes Asian/Pacific American culture and heritage and is awarded based on literary and artistic merit. The award offers three youth categories including Picture Book, Children’s Literature and Young Adult Literature. The award is administered by the Asian Pacific American Librarians Association (APALA), an affiliate of the American Library Association. This year’s winners include:

The Picture Book winner is “Queen of Physics: How Wu Chien Shiung Helped Unlock the Secrets of the Atom,” written by Teresa Robeson, illustrated by Rebecca Huang and published by Sterling Children’s Books. The committee selected one Picture Book honor title: “Bilal Cooks Daal,” written by Aisha Saeed, illustrated by Anoosha Syed and published by Salaam Reads/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing.

The Children’s Literature winner is “Stargazing,” written by Jen Wang and published by First Second, an imprint of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group. The committee selected one children’s literature honor title: “I’m Ok,written by Patti Kim and published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing.

The Young Adult Literature winner is “They Called Us Enemy,” written by George Takei, Justin Eisinger and Steven Scott, illustrated by Harmony Becker and published by Top Shelf Productions, an imprint of IDW Publishing. The committee selected one Young Adult Literature honor title: “Frankly in Love,” written by David Yoon and published by G. P. Putnam’s Sons, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers, a division of Penguin Random House LLC.

The Sydney Taylor Book Award is presented annually to outstanding books for children and teens that authentically portray the Jewish experience. Presented by the Association of Jewish Libraries since 1968, the award encourages the publication and widespread use of quality Judaic literature. This year’s winners include:

The Picture Book winner is “The Book Rescuer: How a Mensch from Massachusetts Saved Yiddish Literature for Generations to Come,” by Sue Macy, illustrated by Stacy Innerst and published by Paula Wiseman Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster. Two Picture Book honor books were selected: “Gittel’s Journey,” by Lesléa Newman, illustrated by Amy June Bates and published by Abrams Books for Young Readers, and “The Key from Spain: Flory Jagoda and Her Music,” by Debbie Levy, illustrated by Sonja Wimmer and published by Kar-Ben Publishing, a division of Lerner Publishing Group.

The Middle Grade winner is “White Bird: A Wonder Story,” by R. J. Palacio and published by Alfred A. Knopf, an imprint of Penguin Random House. Two Middle Grade honor books were selected: “Anya and the Dragon,” by Sofiya Pasternack and published by Versify, an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, and “Games of Deception: The True Story of the First U.S. Olympic Basketball Team at the 1936 Olympics in Hitler’s Germany,” by Andrew Maraniss and published by Philomel Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

The Young Adult winner is “Someday We Will Fly,” by Rachel DeWoskin and published by Viking Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Penguin Random House. Two Young Adult honor books were selected: “Dissenter on the Bench: Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Life and Work,” by Victoria Ortiz and published by Clarion Books, an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, and “Sick Kids in Love,” by Hannah Moskowitz and published by Entangled Teen, an imprint of Entangled Publishing LLC.

The American Indian Youth Literature award is announced in even years and established to identify and honor the very best writing and illustrations by and about American Indians. The award is administered by the American Indian Library Association (AILA), an affiliate of the American Library Association. Additional information regarding the American Indian Youth Literature Award is available at ailanet.org. This year’s winners include:

The Picture Book winner is “Bowwow Powwow: Bagosenjige-niimi’idim,” written by Brenda J. Child (Red Lake Ojibwe), translated into Ojibwe by Gordon Jourdain (Lac La Croix First Nation), illustrated by Jonathan Thunder (Red Lake Ojibwe) and published by the Minnesota Historical Society Press.

The committee selected five Picture Book Honor titles including: “Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story,” written by Kevin Noble Maillard (Seminole Nation, Mekusukey Band), illustrated by Juana Martínez-Neal (Peruvian-American) and published by Roaring Brook Press / Macmillan; “Birdsong,” written and illustrated by Julie Flett (Cree-Métis) and published by Greystone Kids; “At the Mountain’s Base,” written by Traci Sorell (Cherokee), illustrated by Weshoyot Alvitre (Tongva/Scots-Gaelic), and published by Kokila / Penguin Random House; “We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga,” written by Traci Sorell (Cherokee), illustrated by Frané Lessac, and published by Charlesbridge; and “Raven Makes the Aleutians,” adapted from a traditional Tlingit story and illustrated by Janine Gibbons (Haida, Raven of the Double-Finned Killer Whale clan, Brown Bear House) and published by Sealaska Heritage.

The Middle Grade Book winner is “Indian No More,” written by Charlene Willing McManis (Umpqua/Confederated Tribes of Grande Ronde) with Traci Sorell (Cherokee), cover art by Marlena Myles (Spirit Lake Dakota, Mohegan, Muscogee Creek), published by Tu Books / Lee & Low.

The committee selected two Middle Grade Book Honor titles including: “I Can Make This Promise,” written by Christine Day (Upper Skagit), with cover art by Michaela Goade (Tlingit, Kiks.ádi clan, Steel House), published by HarperCollins; and “The Grizzly Mother,” written by Hetxw’ms Gyetxw (“Brett D. Huson,” Gitxsan), illustrated by Natasha Donovan (Métis Nation of British Columbia), and published by Highwater Press.

The Young Adult Book winner is “Hearts Unbroken,” written by Cynthia Leitich Smith (Muscogee) and published by Candlewick Press.

The committee selected four Young Adult Book Honor titles including: “Surviving the City,” written by Tasha Spillett (Nehiyaw-Trinidadian), illustrated by Natasha Donovan (Métis Nation of British Columbia), and published by Highwater Press; “Reawakening Our Ancestors’ Lines: Revitalizing Inuit Traditional Tattooing,” gathered and compiled by Angela Hovak Johnston (Inuk), with photography by Cora De Vos (Inuk), published by Inhabit Media; “An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States for Young People,” written by Debbie Reese (Nambé Owingeh) and Jean Mendoza adapted from the adult book by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz, published by Beacon Press; and “Apple in the Middle,” written by Dawn Quigley (Ojibwe, Turtle Mountain Band) and published by North Dakota State University Press.

Each year the American Library Association honors books, videos and other outstanding materials for children and teens. Recognized worldwide for the high quality they represent, the ALA Youth Media Awards (YMAs), including the prestigious Newbery, Caldecott, Printz, and Coretta Scott King Book Awards, guide parents, educators, librarians and others in selecting the best materials for youth.

Recognized worldwide for the high quality they represent, ALA awards guide parents, educators, librarians and others in selecting the best materials for youth. Selected by judging committees of librarians and other children’s experts, the awards encourage original and creative work.

Learn more about the ALA youth media awards. Libraries or publishers looking to purchase award seals can visit the ALA Store.