Awards

From January, it was evident that 2021 was going to be a great year for young adult titles—and the rest of the year didn’t ease on the quality of YA literature.

The author of the 1974 Newbery Honor novel The Dark Is Rising and 1976 medalist The Grey King describes how her World War II memories shaped her writing and why "The Dark Is Rising" books are more of a symphony than a series.

The Crossover author on growing up with poetry, winning the Newbery, and the five Black contemporary poets every young person should read. 

The Dead End in Norvelt author talks about why he reads history, his inspiration for Miss Volker, and how "the facts nourish free will."  

The author of Newbery Medal winner A Single Shard talks about the Newbery's gifts, learning what it means to be Korean American, and that fan who read her book 62 times. 

Will the Printz committee honor nonfiction, a graphic novel, or the first book in a duology this year? A case could be made for any of these five standout titles. 

A We Need Diverse Books judging committee named Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley and Red, White and Whole by Rajani LaRocca the 2022 Walter Awards winners.

Works by David Bowles, Meg Medina, Eric Velasquez, and Monica Brown were honored by the Spanish Language Affiliate of the CBC at Bank Street College of Education.

Robin McKinley, who won a Newbery Honor for The Blue Sword in 1983 and the Newbery Medal in 1985 for The Hero and the Crown, discusses her introduction to the fantasy genre and her dedication to centering complex female characters.