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Book Lists for Kids: Award Winners & Nominees

Use these lists to help you find books from our online catalog for your kids.

American Library Association Winners

Each year the American Library Association recognizes the best in children’s literature by American authors or illustrators published the previous year. The Newbery is the highest award for an author, the Caldecott for an illustrator. The Coretta Scott King awards honor African-American authors and illustrators. Other awards honor contributions in various categories. You can find out more on the ALA Awards website.

ALA Winners

Newbery Winners

Winners of the Newbery Medal for the best in children's literature by an American author for previous year

Caldecott Winners

Winners for the best illustrated children's book by an American artist from the previous year

Belpré Author Award

Winners for the best Latino/Latina-American author of a children's book from the previous year

Geisel Winners & Honors

Winners and honors books for the best beginning reader book by an American author from the previous year

Sibert Winners & Honors

Winners & honor books for the best children's non-fiction by an American author from the previous year

Illinois Readers' Choice Awards

Each year students across Illinois get to vote for their favorite books from lists of selected nominees. Voting typically takes place in schools, and the winners are announced in the spring. The Monarch Award is voted on by students in kindergarten through 3rd grade. The Bluestem Award is voted on by students in 3rd through 5th grade. The Rebecca Caudill Award is voted on by students in 4th through 8th grade. You can find out more about the Illinois Readers’ Choice awards on the Association of Illinois School Library Educators website.

Illinois Readers' Choice Awards

Monarch Winners

Winners of the annual Monarch award, voted on by K - 3rd grade students across Illinois

Bluestem Winners

Winners of the annual Bluestem award, voted on by 3rd - 5th grade students across Illinois

2026 Monarch Nominees

Nominees for the 2026 Monarch award, voted on by K - 3rd grade students across Illinois

2026 Bluestem Nominees

Nominees for the 2026 Bluestem award, voted on by 3rd - 5th grade students across Illinois

Blueberry Award Winners & Honor Books

Since 2021, the Evanston (IL) Public Library has given the Blueberry awards to celebrate the best in children's literature that inspires a love of nature and action for the planet.

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