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State Awards

Award Highlights

Maizy Chen's Last Chance

Lisa Yee

Twelve year-old Maizy discovers her family’s Chinese restaurant is full of secrets in this irresistible novel that celebrates food, fortune, and family.

10 Awards and counting

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Alabama

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Cover of In the Wild Light Ages 14 and up

In the Wild Light

Jeff Zentner

2024, Yellowhammer Young Adult Book Award, Honor Book
Cover of Tree Hole Homes Ages 4–8

Tree Hole Homes

Melissa Stewart; illustrated by Amy Hevron

2024, Yellowhammer Picture Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute Ages 12 and up

Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute

Talia Hibbert

2024, Yellowhammer Young Adult Book Award, Nominee
Cover of The Black Queen Ages 12 and up

The Black Queen

Jumata Emill

2024, Yellowhammer Young Adult Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Hidden Systems Ages 12 and up

Hidden Systems

Dan Nott

2024, Yellowhammer Young Adult Book Award, Honor Book
Cover of Dear Medusa Ages 14 and up

Dear Medusa

Olivia A. Cole

2024, Yellowhammer Young Adult Book Award, Honor Book

Arizona

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Cover of In Nightfall Ages 12 and up

In Nightfall

Suzanne Young

2025, Arizona Grand Canyon Reader Award, Selection
Cover of Fast Pitch Ages 8–12

Fast Pitch

Nic Stone

2024, Arizona Grand Canyon Reader Award, Nominee
Cover of Hope and Other Punch Lines Ages 12 and up

Hope and Other Punch Lines

Julie Buxbaum

2024, Arizona Grand Canyon Reader Award, Nominee
Cover of Operation Frog Effect Ages 8–12

Operation Frog Effect

Sarah Scheerger

2023, Arizona Grand Canyon Reader Award, Nominee
Cover of Mr. Lemoncello\'s Very First Game Ages 8–12

Mr. Lemoncello's Very First Game

Chris Grabenstein

2023-2024, Triple Crown Award, Nominee
Cover of Five Survive Ages 14 and up

Five Survive

Holly Jackson

2025, Arizona Grand Canyon Reader Award, Selection

Arkansas

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Cover of Five Survive Ages 14 and up

Five Survive

Holly Jackson

2024, Arkansas Teen Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Family of Liars: Deluxe Edition Ages 12 and up

Family of Liars: Deluxe Edition

E. Lockhart

2024, Arkansas Teen Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Wilder Girls Ages 14 and up

Wilder Girls

Rory Power

2020-2021, Arkansas Teen Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Two Can Keep a Secret Ages 14 and up

Two Can Keep a Secret

Karen M. McManus

2020-2021, Arkansas Teen Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Killing November Ages 12 and up

Killing November

Adriana Mather

2020-2021, Arkansas Teen Book Award, Nominee
Cover of House of Salt and Sorrows Ages 12 and up

House of Salt and Sorrows

Erin A. Craig

2020-2021, Arkansas Teen Book Award, Nominee

California

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Cover of In the Wild Light Ages 14 and up

In the Wild Light

Jeff Zentner

2025-2026, California Young Reader Medal, Nominee
Cover of Instructions for Dancing Ages 12 and up

Instructions for Dancing

Nicola Yoon

2025-2026, California Young Reader Medal, Nominee
Cover of We\'re Not from Here Ages 8–12

We're Not from Here

Geoff Rodkey

2023-2024, California Young Reader Medal, Nominee
Cover of The Peach Rebellion Ages 12 and up

The Peach Rebellion

Wendelin Van Draanen

2023, The John And Patricia Beatty Award, Winner
Cover of All Are Welcome (An All Are Welcome Book) Ages 4–8

All Are Welcome (An All Are Welcome Book)

Alexandra Penfold; illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman

2021-2022, California Young Reader Medal, Nominee
Cover of The Lion of Mars Ages 8–12

The Lion of Mars

Jennifer L. Holm

2022, California Young Reader Medal, Winner

Colorado

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Cover of The Flamingo Ages 5–8

The Flamingo

Guojing

2024, Colorado Children’s Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Those Are Not My Underpants! Ages 3–7

Those Are Not My Underpants!

Melissa Martin; illustrated by Troy Cummings

2024, Colorado Children’s Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Things Seen from Above Ages 8–12

Things Seen from Above

Shelley Pearsall

2024, Colorado Children’s Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Things Seen from Above Ages 8–12

Things Seen from Above

Shelley Pearsall

2024, Colorado Children’s Book Award, Selection
Cover of Can I Be Your Dog? Ages 3–7

Can I Be Your Dog?

Troy Cummings

2020, Colorado Children’s Book Award, Winner

Connecticut

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Cover of The Green Piano Ages 4–8

The Green Piano

Roberta Flack with Tonya Bolden; illustrated by Hayden Goodman

2024, Charter Oak Children’s Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Obie Is Man Enough Ages 10 and up

Obie Is Man Enough

Schuyler Bailar

2025, Nutmeg Book Award, Nominee
Cover of The Magic Fish Ages 12 and up

The Magic Fish

Trung Le Nguyen

2022-2023, Nutmeg Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Iveliz Explains It All Ages 10–14

Iveliz Explains It All

Andrea Beatriz Arango; illustrated by Alyssa Bermudez

2025, Nutmeg Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Chester Keene Cracks the Code Ages 8–12

Chester Keene Cracks the Code

Kekla Magoon

2025, Nutmeg Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Planet Earth Is Blue Ages 8–12

Planet Earth Is Blue

Nicole Panteleakos

2022, Nutmeg Book Award, Nominee

DC

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Cover of This Story Is Not About a Kitten Ages 4–8

This Story Is Not About a Kitten

Randall de Sève; illustrated by Carson Ellis

2023, Capitol Choices, Selection
Cover of The Agathas Ages 14 and up

The Agathas

Kathleen Glasgow and Liz Lawson

2023, Capitol Choices, Selection
Cover of Murder Among Friends Ages 12 and up

Murder Among Friends

Candace Fleming

2023, Capitol Choices, Selection
Cover of Jennifer Chan Is Not Alone Ages 8–12

Jennifer Chan Is Not Alone

Tae Keller

2023, Capitol Choices, Selection
Cover of Blue Ages 4–8

Blue

Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond; illustrated by Daniel Minter

2023, Capitol Choices, Selection
Cover of Answers in the Pages Ages 8–12

Answers in the Pages

David Levithan

2023, Capitol Choices, Selection

Delaware

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Cover of Whale Fall Ages 4–8

Whale Fall

Melissa Stewart; illustrated by Rob Dunlavey

2025, Delaware Diamonds, Nominee
Cover of Ice Cream Man Ages 4–8

Ice Cream Man

Glenda Armand and Kim Freeman; illustrated by Keith Mallet

2025, Delaware Diamonds, Nominee
Cover of Wild Symphony Ages 3–7

Wild Symphony

Dan Brown; illustrated by Susan Batori

2022, Blue Hen Book Awards, Winner
Cover of Vote for Our Future! Ages 4–8

Vote for Our Future!

Margaret McNamara; illustrated by Micah Player

2021-2022, Delaware Diamonds, Nominee
Cover of The Magic Fish Ages 12 and up

The Magic Fish

Trung Le Nguyen

2023, Blue Hen Book Award, Nominee
Cover of The Bug Girl Ages 4–8

The Bug Girl

by Sophia Spencer, the Bug Girl Herself, with Margaret McNamara; illustrated by Kerascoët

2021-2022, Delaware Diamonds, Nominee

Florida

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Cover of Confessions of a Class Clown Ages 8–12

Confessions of a Class Clown

Arianne Costner

2025-2026, Sunshine State Young Readers Award, Nominee
Cover of Trex Ages 8–12

Trex

Christyne Morrell

2025-2026, Sunshine State Young Readers Award, Nominee
Cover of Wander in the Dark Ages 12 and up

Wander in the Dark

Jumata Emill

2025-2026, Florida Teens Read Award, Nominee
Cover of Benny Ramírez and the Nearly Departed Ages 8–12

Benny Ramírez and the Nearly Departed

José Pablo Iriarte

2025-2026, Sunshine State Young Readers Award , Selection
Cover of Futureland: Battle for the Park Ages 8–12

Futureland: Battle for the Park

H.D. Hunter; illustrated by Khadijah Khatib

2025-2026, Sunshine State Young Readers Award , Selection
Cover of Midnight at the Houdini Ages 12 and up

Midnight at the Houdini

Delilah S. Dawson

2024-2025, Florida Teen Reads, Nominee

Georgia

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Cover of The Mona Lisa Vanishes Ages 10–14

The Mona Lisa Vanishes

Nicholas Day; illustrated by Brett Helquist

2025, Georgia Children’s Book Award, Nominee
Cover of The Bees of Notre-Dame Ages 4–8

The Bees of Notre-Dame

Meghan P. Browne; illustrated by E. B. Goodale

2025, Georgia Children’s Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Royal Blood Ages 12 and up

Royal Blood

Aimée Carter

2024, Georgia Peach Book Award For Teen Readers, Nominee
Cover of Not an Easy Win Ages 10 and up

Not an Easy Win

Chrystal D. Giles

2025, Georgia Children’s Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Not an Easy Win Ages 10 and up

Not an Easy Win

Chrystal D. Giles

2025, Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl, Selection
Cover of My Father, the Panda Killer Ages 14 and up

My Father, the Panda Killer

Jamie Jo Hoang

2024, Georgia Peach Book Award For Teen Readers, Nominee

Hawaii

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Cover of Snow Angel, Sand Angel Ages 4–8

Snow Angel, Sand Angel

Lois-Ann Yamanaka; illustrated by Ashley Lukashevsky

2024, Ānuenue Book Award, Winner
Cover of Confessions of a Class Clown Ages 8–12

Confessions of a Class Clown

Arianne Costner

2025, Nēnē Book Award, Nominee
Cover of The Mysterious Disappearance of Aidan S. (as told to his brother) Ages 8–12

The Mysterious Disappearance of Aidan S. (as told to his brother)

David Levithan

2022-2023, Nēnē Book Award, Nominee
Cover of The Lion of Mars Ages 8–12

The Lion of Mars

Jennifer L. Holm

2025, Nēnē Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Millionaires for the Month Ages 8–12

Millionaires for the Month

Stacy McAnulty

2025, Nēnē Book Award, Nominee

Illinois

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Cover of Tiger Trouble (Tig and Lily Book 1) Ages 5–8

Tiger Trouble (Tig and Lily Book 1)

Dan Thompson

2025, AISLE Readers’ Choice Awards, Selection
Cover of Not an Easy Win Ages 10 and up

Not an Easy Win

Chrystal D. Giles

2025-2026, Young Hoosier Book Award, Nominee
Cover of NO Is All I Know! Ages 3–7

NO Is All I Know!

Chris Grabenstein; illustrated by Leo Espinosa

2025-2026, Young Hoosier Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Lasagna Means I Love You Ages 8–12

Lasagna Means I Love You

Kate O'Shaughnessy

2025, Rebecca Caudill Young Readers’ Award, Nominee
Cover of Maizy Chen\'s Last Chance Ages 8–12

Maizy Chen's Last Chance

Lisa Yee

2024, Children’s And Young Adult Book Awards, Nominee
Cover of Dear Medusa Ages 14 and up

Dear Medusa

Olivia A. Cole

2025, AISLE Readers’ Choice Awards, Selection

Indiana

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Cover of Turtles of the Midnight Moon Ages 8–12

Turtles of the Midnight Moon

María José Fitzgerald

2024, Indiana Reads Aloud List, Nominee
Cover of Select Ages 8–12

Select

Christie Matheson

2025-2026, Young Hoosier Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Ice Cream Man Ages 4–8

Ice Cream Man

Glenda Armand and Kim Freeman; illustrated by Keith Mallet

2025-2026, Young Hoosier Book Award, Nominee
Cover of The Lucky Ones Ages 8–12

The Lucky Ones

Linda Williams Jackson

2022, Eliot Rosewater Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Maizy Chen\'s Last Chance Ages 8–12

Maizy Chen's Last Chance

Lisa Yee

2025, Young Hoosier Book Award, Nominee
Cover of The Agathas Ages 14 and up

The Agathas

Kathleen Glasgow and Liz Lawson

2025, Eliot Rosewater Book Award, Nominee

Iowa

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Cover of Lasagna Means I Love You Ages 8–12

Lasagna Means I Love You

Kate O'Shaughnessy

2025, Iowa Children’s Choice Award, Nominee
Cover of Maizy Chen\'s Last Chance Ages 8–12

Maizy Chen's Last Chance

Lisa Yee

2025, Iowa Children’s Choice Award, Nominee
Cover of The Agathas Ages 14 and up

The Agathas

Kathleen Glasgow and Liz Lawson

2025, Iowa’s High School Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Dear Student Ages 10 and up

Dear Student

Elly Swartz

2023-2024, Iowa Children’s Choice Award, Nominee
Cover of What I Carry Ages 12 and up

What I Carry

Jennifer Longo

2022, All Iowa Reads, Selection
Cover of The Lonely Heart of Maybelle Lane Ages 8–12

The Lonely Heart of Maybelle Lane

Kate O'Shaughnessy

2022, All Iowa Reads, Selection

Kansas

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Cover of War and Millie McGonigle Ages 8–12

War and Millie McGonigle

Karen Cushman

2021, Kansas NEA Reading Circle, Selection
Cover of Can I Be Your Dog? Ages 3–7

Can I Be Your Dog?

Troy Cummings

2024, Kansas NEA Reading Circle, Selection
Cover of Jennifer Chan Is Not Alone Ages 8–12

Jennifer Chan Is Not Alone

Tae Keller

2025, William Allen White Children’s Book Award, Selection
Cover of Shelter Ages 8–12

Shelter

Christie Matheson

2023-2024, William Allen White Children’s Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Solving for M Ages 8–12

Solving for M

Jennifer Swender

2021-2022, William Allen White Children’s Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Bernice Buttman, Model Citizen Ages 8–12

Bernice Buttman, Model Citizen

Niki Lenz

2021-2022, William Allen White Children’s Book Award, Nominee

Kentucky

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Cover of Mine! Ages 3–7

Mine!

Candace Fleming; illustrated by Eric Rohmann

2024-2025, Bluegrass Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Dog Squad Ages 8–12

Dog Squad

Chris Grabenstein

2022-2023, Bluegrass Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Chaos Theory Ages 14 and up

Chaos Theory

Nic Stone

2024-2025, Bluegrass Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Bears Are Best! Ages 4–8

Bears Are Best!

Joan Holub; illustrated by Laurie Keller

2024-2025, Bluegrass Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Trex Ages 8–12

Trex

Christyne Morrell

2024-2025, Bluegrass Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Growing Pangs Ages 8–12

Growing Pangs

Kathryn Ormsbee; illustrated by Molly Brooks

2024-2025, Bluegrass Book Award, Nominee

Louisiana

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Cover of Camp Scare Ages 10 and up

Camp Scare

Delilah S. Dawson

2025, Louisiana Reader’s Choice, Honor
Cover of Maizy Chen\'s Last Chance Ages 8–12

Maizy Chen's Last Chance

Lisa Yee

2024, Louisiana Reader’s Choice, Nominee
Cover of The Q Ages 14 and up

The Q

Amy Tintera

2024, Louisiana Reader’s Choice, Nominee
Cover of The Boy Who Loved Maps Ages 4–8

The Boy Who Loved Maps

Kari Allen; illustrated by G. Brian Karas

2024, Louisiana Reader’s Choice, Selection
Cover of Hide and Geek Ages 8–12

Hide and Geek

T. P. Jagger

2024, Louisiana Reader’s Choice, Nominee
Cover of Curve & Flow Ages 4–8

Curve & Flow

Andrea J. Loney; illustrated by Keith Mallett

2024, Louisiana Reader’s Choice, Nominee

Maine

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Cover of The Mona Lisa Vanishes Ages 10–14

The Mona Lisa Vanishes

Nicholas Day; illustrated by Brett Helquist

2025, North Star Young Adult Book Award, Nominee
Cover of The Eyes and the Impossible Ages 8–12

The Eyes and the Impossible

Dave Eggers; illustrated by Shawn Harris

2025, Maine Student Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Something Like Home Ages 10–14

Something Like Home

Andrea Beatriz Arango

2025, Maine Student Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Shannon in the Spotlight Ages 10 and up

Shannon in the Spotlight

Kalena Miller

2025, Maine Student Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Lasagna Means I Love You Ages 8–12

Lasagna Means I Love You

Kate O'Shaughnessy

2025, Maine Student Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Ice Cream Man Ages 4–8

Ice Cream Man

Glenda Armand and Kim Freeman; illustrated by Keith Mallet

2025, Chickadee Book Award, Nominee

Maryland

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Cover of We Are Big Time Ages 8–12

We Are Big Time

Hena Khan; illustrated by Safiya Zerrougui

2025-2026, Black-Eyed Susan Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Next Stop Ages 8–12

Next Stop

Debbie Fong

2025-2026, Black-Eyed Susan Book Award, Nominee
Cover of The Wrong Way Home Ages 10 and up

The Wrong Way Home

Kate O'Shaughnessy

2025-2026, Black-Eyed Susan Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Wrecker Ages 10 and up

Wrecker

Carl Hiaasen

2025-2026, Black-Eyed Susan Book Award, Nominee
Cover of The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman Ages 10 and up

The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman

Gennifer Choldenko

2025-2026, Black-Eyed Susan Book Award, Nominee
Cover of The Mona Lisa Vanishes Ages 10–14

The Mona Lisa Vanishes

Nicholas Day; illustrated by Brett Helquist

2025-2026, Black-Eyed Susan Book Award, Nominee

Massachusetts

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Cover of The Q Ages 14 and up

The Q

Amy Tintera

2025, MASL Readers’ Award, Nominee
Cover of Something Like Home Ages 10–14

Something Like Home

Andrea Beatriz Arango

2025, Massachusetts Children’s Book Award, Nominee
Cover of The Hero Next Door Ages 8–12

The Hero Next Door

Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich

2023-2024, Massachusetts Children’s Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Forever Neverland Ages 8–12

Forever Neverland

Susan Adrian

2022-2023, Massachusetts Children’s Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Well, That Was Unexpected Ages 12 and up

Well, That Was Unexpected

Jesse Q. Sutanto

2024, Massachusetts Teen Choices, Selection
Cover of The Words We Keep Ages 12 and up

The Words We Keep

Erin Stewart

2024-2025, MASL Readers’ Award, Nominee

Michigan

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Cover of The Mona Lisa Vanishes Ages 10–14

The Mona Lisa Vanishes

Nicholas Day; illustrated by Brett Helquist

2024, YouPer Award, Selection
Cover of Something Like Home Ages 10–14

Something Like Home

Andrea Beatriz Arango

2024, YouPer Award, Selection
Cover of Chaos Theory Ages 14 and up

Chaos Theory

Nic Stone

2025, Great Lakes Great Books Award, Nominee
Cover of Long Road to the Circus Ages 10 and up

Long Road to the Circus

Betsy Bird; illustrated by David Small

2022, Michigan Notable Books, Selection
Cover of Digging for Words Ages 4–8

Digging for Words

Angela Burke Kunkel; illustrated by Paola Escobar

2022-2023, Great Lakes Great Books Award, Nominee
Cover of What I Carry Ages 12 and up

What I Carry

Jennifer Longo

2021, Thumbs Up! Teen Book Award, Nominee

Minnesota

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Cover of How to Win a Slime War Ages 8–12

How to Win a Slime War

Mae Respicio

2025, Maud Hart Lovelace Award, Nominee
Cover of Maizy Chen\'s Last Chance Ages 8–12

Maizy Chen's Last Chance

Lisa Yee

2024, Minnesota Youth Reading Award, Nominee
Cover of Song for a Whale Ages 8–12

Song for a Whale

Lynne Kelly

2023, Maud Hart Lovelace Award, Nominee
Cover of The Smartest Kid in the Universe, Book 1 Ages 8–12

The Smartest Kid in the Universe, Book 1

Chris Grabenstein

2024, Minnesota Youth Reading Award, Honor
Cover of People Are Wild Ages 3–6

People Are Wild

Margaux Meganck

2023, Building Block Book Award, Nominee
Cover of White Bird: A Wonder Story (A Graphic Novel) Ages 8–12

White Bird: A Wonder Story (A Graphic Novel)

R. J. Palacio

2022, Maud Hart Lovelace Award, Winner

Mississippi

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Cover of The Mysterious Disappearance of Aidan S. (as told to his brother) Ages 8–12

The Mysterious Disappearance of Aidan S. (as told to his brother)

David Levithan

2023, Magnolia Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Fast Pitch Ages 8–12

Fast Pitch

Nic Stone

2023, Magnolia Book Award, Nominee
Cover of The List of Things That Will Not Change Ages 8–12

The List of Things That Will Not Change

Rebecca Stead

2022, Magnolia Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Like Nothing Amazing Ever Happened Ages 9–12

Like Nothing Amazing Ever Happened

Emily Blejwas

2022, Magnolia Book Award, Nominee
Cover of This Is My America Ages 12 and up

This Is My America

Kim Johnson

2022, Magnolia Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Smack Dab in the Middle of Maybe Ages 8–12

Smack Dab in the Middle of Maybe

Jo Watson Hackl

2020, Mississippi Library Association Children’s Author Award, Winner

Missouri

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Cover of The Black Queen Ages 12 and up

The Black Queen

Jumata Emill

2025-2026, Gateway Readers Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Tiger Trouble (Tig and Lily Book 1) Ages 5–8

Tiger Trouble (Tig and Lily Book 1)

Dan Thompson

2024, Denny O’Neil Graphic Novel List, Selection
Cover of One Smart Cookie Ages 4–8

One Smart Cookie

Mika Song

2024, Denny O’Neil Graphic Novel List, Selection
Cover of NO Is All I Know! Ages 3–7

NO Is All I Know!

Chris Grabenstein; illustrated by Leo Espinosa

2024, Building Block Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Lo and Behold Ages 10–14

Lo and Behold

Wendy Mass; illustrated by Gabi Mendez

2024, Denny O’Neil Graphic Novel List, Selection
Cover of Hidden Systems Ages 12 and up

Hidden Systems

Dan Nott

2024, Denny O’Neil Graphic Novel List, Selection

Montana

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Cover of Buffalo Fluffalo Ages 4–8

Buffalo Fluffalo

Bess Kalb; illustrated by Erin Kraan

2026, Treasure State Award, Nominee
Cover of Goldilocks for Dinner Ages 4–8

Goldilocks for Dinner

Susan Montanari; illustrated by Jake Parker

2022, Montana Treasure State Book Award, Nominee

Nebraska

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Cover of Invisible Son Ages 14 and up

Invisible Son

Kim Johnson

2025-2026, Bald Eagle Award, Nominee
Cover of Something Like Home Ages 10–14

Something Like Home

Andrea Beatriz Arango

2025-2026, Meadowlark Award, Nominee
Cover of The Mona Lisa Vanishes Ages 10–14

The Mona Lisa Vanishes

Nicholas Day; illustrated by Brett Helquist

2025-2026, Meadowlark Award, Nominee
Cover of Dog vs. Strawberry Ages 4–8

Dog vs. Strawberry

Nelly Buchet; illustrated by Andrea Zuill

2025-2026, Little Bluestem Award, Nominee
Cover of Lasagna Means I Love You Ages 8–12

Lasagna Means I Love You

Kate O'Shaughnessy

2024-2025, Meadowlark Award, Nominee
Cover of What Comes Next Ages 9–12

What Comes Next

Rob Buyea

2022, Nebraska Book Award, Nominee

Nevada

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Cover of Lasagna Means I Love You Ages 8–12

Lasagna Means I Love You

Kate O'Shaughnessy

2025, Meadowlark, Nominee
Cover of Maizy Chen\'s Last Chance Ages 8–12

Maizy Chen's Last Chance

Lisa Yee

2025, Nevada Young Readers Award, Nominee
Cover of Don\'t Eat Bees Ages 3–7

Don't Eat Bees

Dev Petty; illustrated by Mike Boldt

2025, Nevada Young Readers Award, Nominee
Cover of This Is Not That Kind of Book Ages 3–7

This Is Not That Kind of Book

Christopher Healy; illustrated by Ben Mantle

2022, Nevada Young Readers Award, Nominee
Cover of Once Upon a Goat Ages 3–7

Once Upon a Goat

Dan Richards; illustrated by Eric Barclay

2022, Nevada Young Readers Award, Nominee
Cover of The Lion of Mars Ages 8–12

The Lion of Mars

Jennifer L. Holm

2022-2023, Golden Sower Award, Nominee

New Hampshire

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Cover of Bears Are Best! Ages 4–8

Bears Are Best!

Joan Holub; illustrated by Laurie Keller

2024, Ladybug Picture Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Wilder Girls Ages 14 and up

Wilder Girls

Rory Power

2021, Flume Book Award, Nominee
Cover of House of Salt and Sorrows Ages 12 and up

House of Salt and Sorrows

Erin A. Craig

2021, Flume Book Award, Nominee
Cover of The Lonely Heart of Maybelle Lane Ages 8–12

The Lonely Heart of Maybelle Lane

Kate O'Shaughnessy

2020, Great Stone Face Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Stepping Stones Ages 8–12

Stepping Stones

Lucy Knisley

2020, Great Stone Face Book Award, Nominee
Cover of The List of Things That Will Not Change Ages 8–12

The List of Things That Will Not Change

Rebecca Stead

2020, Great Stone Face Book Award, Nominee

New Jersey

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Cover of Hidden Systems Ages 12 and up

Hidden Systems

Dan Nott

2025, Garden State Teen Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Unstoppable Us, Volume 1: How Humans Took Over the World Ages 10 and up

Unstoppable Us, Volume 1: How Humans Took Over the World

Yuval Noah Harari; illustrated by Ricard Zaplana Ruiz

2025, Garden State Teen Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Sofía Acosta Makes a Scene Ages 8–12

Sofía Acosta Makes a Scene

Emma Otheguy

2023, M. Jerry Weiss Award, Nominee
Cover of My Aunt Is a Monster Ages 8–12

My Aunt Is a Monster

Reimena Yee

2025, Garden State Children’s Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Maybe An Artist, A Graphic Memoir Ages 12 and up

Maybe An Artist, A Graphic Memoir

Liz Montague

2025, Garden State Teen Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Maizy Chen\'s Last Chance Ages 8–12

Maizy Chen's Last Chance

Lisa Yee

2023, M. Jerry Weiss Award, Nominee

New Mexico

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Cover of The Black Queen Ages 12 and up

The Black Queen

Jumata Emill

2024-2025, Land Of Enchantment Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Momo Arashima Steals the Sword of the Wind Ages 8–12

Momo Arashima Steals the Sword of the Wind

Misa Sugiura

2024, Land Of Enchantment Book Award, Nominee
Cover of The Long Ride Ages 10 and up

The Long Ride

Marina Budhos

2023, Land Of Enchantment Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Blue Ages 4–8

Blue

Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond; illustrated by Daniel Minter

2024, Land Of Enchantment Book Award, Nominee
Cover of We\'re Not from Here Ages 8–12

We're Not from Here

Geoff Rodkey

2021-2022, Land Of Enchantment- Lizard, Nominee
Cover of Song for a Whale Ages 8–12

Song for a Whale

Lynne Kelly

2021-2022, Land Of Enchantment- Lizard, Nominee

New York

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Cover of When Beavers Flew Ages 4–8

When Beavers Flew

Kristen Tracy; illustrated by Luisa Uribe

2024, NYPL Best Books for Kids, Selection
Cover of We Are Big Time Ages 8–12

We Are Big Time

Hena Khan; illustrated by Safiya Zerrougui

2024, NYPL Best Books for Kids, Selection
Cover of The School for Invisible Boys Ages 8–12

The School for Invisible Boys

Shaun David Hutchinson

2024, NYPL Best Books for Kids, Selection
Cover of The Queen of Ocean Parkway Ages 8–12

The Queen of Ocean Parkway

Sarvenaz Tash

2024, NYPL Best Books for Kids, Selection
Cover of The Night Market Ages 4–8

The Night Market

Seina Wedlick; illustrated by Briana Mukodiri Uchendu

2024, NYPL Best Books for Kids, Selection
Cover of The Last Stand Ages 3–7

The Last Stand

Antwan Eady; illustrated by Jerome & Jarrett Pumphrey

2024, NYPL Best Books for Kids, Selection

North Carolina

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Cover of Yoshi, Sea Turtle Genius Ages 4–8

Yoshi, Sea Turtle Genius

Lynne Cox; illustrated by Richard Jones

2024-2025, North Carolina Children’s Book Award, Nominee
Cover of This Story Is Not About a Kitten Ages 4–8

This Story Is Not About a Kitten

Randall de Sève; illustrated by Carson Ellis

2025, North Carolina Children’s Book Award, Selection
Cover of Dog Squad Ages 8–12

Dog Squad

Chris Grabenstein

2024, North Carolina Children’s Book Award, Nominee
Cover of The Boy at the Back of the Class Ages 8–12

The Boy at the Back of the Class

Onjali Q. Raúf

2024, North Carolina Book Award, Selection
Cover of How to Solve a Problem Ages 4–8

How to Solve a Problem

Ashima Shiraishi; illustrated by Yao Xiao

2024, North Carolina Book Award, Selection
Cover of Kill Creatures Ages 14 and up

Kill Creatures

Rory Power

2023, North Carolina Children’s Book Award, Nominee

North Dakota

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Cover of Lasagna Means I Love You Ages 8–12

Lasagna Means I Love You

Kate O'Shaughnessy

2025, North Dakota Flicker Tale Award, Nominee
Cover of Nana Akua Goes to School Ages 4–8

Nana Akua Goes to School

Tricia Elam Walker; illustrated by April Harrison

2022, North Dakota Children’s Book Award, Nominee
Cover of The Beauty That Remains Ages 14 and up

The Beauty That Remains

Ashley Woodfolk

2018, North Dakota Children’s Book Award, Nominee

Ohio

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Cover of Dungeons and Drama Ages 12 and up

Dungeons and Drama

Kristy Boyce

2025, Choose To Read Ohio, Nominee
Cover of Wrecker Ages 10 and up

Wrecker

Carl Hiaasen

2024, Ohio Buckeye Children’s and Teen Book Award, Nominee
Cover of The Mona Lisa Vanishes Ages 10–14

The Mona Lisa Vanishes

Nicholas Day; illustrated by Brett Helquist

2024, Ohio Buckeye Children’s and Teen Book Award, Nominee
Cover of The Eyes and the Impossible Ages 8–12

The Eyes and the Impossible

Dave Eggers; illustrated by Shawn Harris

2024, Ohio Buckeye Children’s and Teen Book Award, Nominee
Cover of One of Us Is Back Ages 14 and up

One of Us Is Back

Karen M. McManus

2024, Ohio Buckeye Children’s and Teen Book Award, Nominee
Cover of The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read Ages 4–8

The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read

Rita Lorraine Hubbard; illustrated by Oge Mora

2021, Ohioana Book Award, Finalist

Oklahoma

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Cover of The Bees of Notre-Dame Ages 4–8

The Bees of Notre-Dame

Meghan P. Browne; illustrated by E. B. Goodale

2025, OLA Sequoyah Book Award Masterlist, Nominee
Cover of The Bees of Notre-Dame Ages 4–8

The Bees of Notre-Dame

Meghan P. Browne; illustrated by E. B. Goodale

2024, Oklahoma Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Something Like Home Ages 10–14

Something Like Home

Andrea Beatriz Arango

2025, OLA Sequoyah Book Award Masterlist, Nominee
Cover of The Bees of Notre-Dame Ages 4–8

The Bees of Notre-Dame

Meghan P. Browne; illustrated by E. B. Goodale

2025, OLA Sequoyah Book Award Masterlist, Nominee
Cover of Chaos Theory Ages 14 and up

Chaos Theory

Nic Stone

2025, OLA Sequoyah Book Award Masterlist, Nominee
Cover of The Last Rabbit Ages 8–12

The Last Rabbit

Shelley Moore Thomas

2023, OLA Sequoyah Book Award Masterlist, Nominee

Oregon

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Cover of Growing Pangs Ages 8–12

Growing Pangs

Kathryn Ormsbee; illustrated by Molly Brooks

2022, Oregon Spirit Book Award, Winner
Cover of Brave Every Day Ages 4–8

Brave Every Day

Trudy Ludwig; illustrated by Patrice Barton

2022, Oregon Spirit Book Award, Honor
Cover of This Is My America Ages 12 and up

This Is My America

Kim Johnson

2022, Oregon Spirit Book Award, Winner
Cover of How I Became a Spy Ages 8–12

How I Became a Spy

Deborah Hopkinson

2020, Leslie Bradshaw Award, Nominee
Cover of Stronger, Faster, and More Beautiful Ages 14 and up

Stronger, Faster, and More Beautiful

Arwen Elys Dayton

2018, Oregon Spirit Book Award, Honor
Cover of Giraffe Problems Ages 3–7

Giraffe Problems

Jory John; illustrated by Lane Smith

2018, Oregon Spirit Book Award, Winner

Pennsylvania

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Cover of Yoshi, Sea Turtle Genius Ages 4–8

Yoshi, Sea Turtle Genius

Lynne Cox; illustrated by Richard Jones

2024-2025, Keystone To Reading Elementary Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Whale Fall Ages 4–8

Whale Fall

Melissa Stewart; illustrated by Rob Dunlavey

2024-2025, Pennsylvania Young Readers’ Choice Award, Nominee
Cover of Whale Fall Ages 4–8

Whale Fall

Melissa Stewart; illustrated by Rob Dunlavey

2024-2025, Keystone To Reading Elementary Book Award, Nominee
Cover of The Mona Lisa Vanishes Ages 10–14

The Mona Lisa Vanishes

Nicholas Day; illustrated by Brett Helquist

2024-2025, Keystone To Reading Elementary Book Award, Nominee
Cover of The Black Queen Ages 12 and up

The Black Queen

Jumata Emill

2024-2025, Pennsylvania Young Readers’ Choice Award, Nominee
Cover of Spice Road Ages 14 and up

Spice Road

Maiya Ibrahim

2024-2025, Keystone To Reading Elementary Book Award, Nominee

Rhode Island

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Cover of The Wicked Bargain Ages 12 and up

The Wicked Bargain

Gabe Cole Novoa

2024, Rhode Island Teen Book Award, Nominee
Cover of The Boy at the Back of the Class Ages 8–12

The Boy at the Back of the Class

Onjali Q. Raúf

2021, Rhode Island Children’s Book Award, Nominee
Cover of The List of Things That Will Not Change Ages 8–12

The List of Things That Will Not Change

Rebecca Stead

2022, Rhode Island Children’s Book Award, Nominee
Cover of The Boy at the Back of the Class Ages 8–12

The Boy at the Back of the Class

Onjali Q. Raúf

2021, Rhode Island Children’s Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Chaos Theory Ages 14 and up

Chaos Theory

Nic Stone

2025, Rhode Island Teen Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Maizy Chen\'s Last Chance Ages 8–12

Maizy Chen's Last Chance

Lisa Yee

2024, Rhode Island Middle School Book Award, Selection

South Carolina

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Cover of Hello from Renn Lake Ages 8–12

Hello from Renn Lake

Michele Weber Hurwitz

2021-2022, South Carolina Book Awards, Nominee
Cover of Vinyl Moon Ages 14 and up

Vinyl Moon

Mahogany L. Browne

2023-2024, South Carolina Book Awards, Selection
Cover of Sofía Acosta Makes a Scene Ages 8–12

Sofía Acosta Makes a Scene

Emma Otheguy

2023-2024, South Carolina Book Awards, Selection
Cover of Maizy Chen\'s Last Chance Ages 8–12

Maizy Chen's Last Chance

Lisa Yee

2023-2024, South Carolina Book Awards, Selection
Cover of There Are No Bears in This Bakery Ages 4–8

There Are No Bears in This Bakery

Julia Sarcone-Roach

2021-2022, South Carolina Book Awards, Nominee
Cover of The Ghost in Apartment 2R Ages 10 and up

The Ghost in Apartment 2R

Denis Markell

2021-2022, South Carolina Book Awards, Nominee

South Dakota

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Cover of The Lonely Heart of Maybelle Lane Ages 8–12

The Lonely Heart of Maybelle Lane

Kate O'Shaughnessy

2022-2023, Prairie Pasque Book Award, Nominee
Cover of The Smartest Kid in the Universe, Book 1 Ages 8–12

The Smartest Kid in the Universe, Book 1

Chris Grabenstein

2022, South Dakota Children’s Book Awards, Winner
Cover of Our Friend Hedgehog Ages 5–9

Our Friend Hedgehog

Lauren Castillo

2022, South Dakota Children’s Book Awards, Winner
Cover of The Lion of Mars Ages 8–12

The Lion of Mars

Jennifer L. Holm

2024, Prairie Bloom Book Award, Nominee
Cover of That Weekend Ages 14 and up

That Weekend

Kara Thomas

2022-2023, South Dakota Teen Choice Awards, Nominee
Cover of Pony Ages 10 and up

Pony

R. J. Palacio

2022-2023, South Dakota Teen Choice Awards, Nominee

Tennessee

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Cover of Disability Visibility (Adapted for Young Adults) Ages 12 and up

Disability Visibility (Adapted for Young Adults)

Edited by Alice Wong

2022-2023, Volunteer State Book Award, Nominee
Cover of What\'s Inside a Caterpillar Cocoon? Ages 4–7

What's Inside a Caterpillar Cocoon?

Written and Illustrated by Rachel Ignotofsky

2024, Volunteer State Book Award, Nominee
Cover of We Are Starlings Ages 4–8

We Are Starlings

Robert Furrow and Donna Jo Napoli; illustrated by Marc Martin

2024, Volunteer State Book Award, Nominee
Cover of The Mona Lisa Vanishes Ages 10–14

The Mona Lisa Vanishes

Nicholas Day; illustrated by Brett Helquist

2024, Volunteer State Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Something Like Home Ages 10–14

Something Like Home

Andrea Beatriz Arango

2024, Volunteer State Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Not an Easy Win Ages 10 and up

Not an Easy Win

Chrystal D. Giles

2024, Volunteer State Book Award, Nominee

Texas

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Cover of Dungeons and Drama Ages 12 and up

Dungeons and Drama

Kristy Boyce

2025-2026, TAYSHAS Reading List, Selection
Cover of We Are Big Time Ages 8–12

We Are Big Time

Hena Khan; illustrated by Safiya Zerrougui

2024-2025, Texas Little Maverick Graphic Novel Reading List, Selection
Cover of Tryouts Ages 8–12

Tryouts

Sarah Sax

2024-2025, Texas Little Maverick Graphic Novel Reading List, Selection
Cover of Tig and Lily: Up Late! Ages 5–8

Tig and Lily: Up Late!

Dan Thompson

2024-2025, Texas Little Maverick Graphic Novel Reading List, Selection
Cover of The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman Ages 10 and up

The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman

Gennifer Choldenko

2025, Texas Lone Star Reading List, Selection
Cover of Taxi Ghost Ages 8–12

Taxi Ghost

Sophie Escabasse

2024-2025, Texas Maverick Graphic Novel Reading List, Selection

Utah

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Cover of Rayne & Delilah\'s Midnite Matinee Ages 14 and up

Rayne & Delilah's Midnite Matinee

Jeff Zentner

2021, Beehive Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Jackpot Ages 14 and up

Jackpot

Nic Stone

2021, Beehive Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Aurora Rising Ages 12 and up

Aurora Rising

Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

2021, Beehive Book Award, Nominee
Cover of The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein Ages 12 and up

The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein

Kiersten White

2021, Beehive Book Award, Nominee
Cover of The Cardboard Kingdom Ages 9–12

The Cardboard Kingdom

Chad Sell

2021, Beehive Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Skyward Ages 12 and up

Skyward

Brandon Sanderson

2021, Beehive Book Award, Nominee

Vermont

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Cover of Not an Easy Win Ages 10 and up

Not an Easy Win

Chrystal D. Giles

2024-2025, Golden Dome Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Lasagna Means I Love You Ages 8–12

Lasagna Means I Love You

Kate O'Shaughnessy

2024-2025, Golden Dome Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Dear Rosie Ages 8–12

Dear Rosie

Meghan Boehman and Rachael Briner

2024, Vermont Book Awards, Nominee
Cover of A Quantum Life (Adapted for Young Adults) Ages 12 and up

A Quantum Life (Adapted for Young Adults)

Hakeem Oluseyi and Joshua Horwitz

2024, Green Mountain Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Pony Ages 10 and up

Pony

R. J. Palacio

2022-2023, Golden Dome Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Obie Is Man Enough Ages 10 and up

Obie Is Man Enough

Schuyler Bailar

2022-2023, Golden Dome Book Award, Nominee

Virginia

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Cover of The Green Piano Ages 4–8

The Green Piano

Roberta Flack with Tonya Bolden; illustrated by Hayden Goodman

2024, Virginia Reader’s Choice Award, Nominee
Cover of Blue Bison Needs a Haircut Ages 4–8

Blue Bison Needs a Haircut

Scott Rothman; illustrated by Pete Oswald

2024, Virginia Reader’s Choice Award, Nominee
Cover of The Words We Keep Ages 12 and up

The Words We Keep

Erin Stewart

2024, Virginia Reader’s Choice Award, Nominee
Cover of Growing Pangs Ages 8–12

Growing Pangs

Kathryn Ormsbee; illustrated by Molly Brooks

2022, VLA Graphic Novel Diversity Award, Honor
Cover of Curve & Flow Ages 4–8

Curve & Flow

Andrea J. Loney; illustrated by Keith Mallett

2023, Virginia Library Association Cardinal Cup, Honor
Cover of Jackpot Ages 14 and up

Jackpot

Nic Stone

2021-2022, Virginia Reader’s Choice Award, Nominee

Washington

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Cover of The Turning Pointe Ages 12 and up

The Turning Pointe

Vanessa L. Torres

2023, Washington State Book Award, Finalist
Cover of Jennifer Chan Is Not Alone Ages 8–12

Jennifer Chan Is Not Alone

Tae Keller

2023, Washington State Book Award, Winner
Cover of I Am Not a Penguin: A Pangolin\'s Lament Ages 3–7

I Am Not a Penguin: A Pangolin's Lament

Liz Wong

2022, Washington Children’s Choices Picture Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Happily for Now Ages 8–12

Happily for Now

Kelly Jones; illustrated by Kelly Murphy

2022, Washington State Book Award, Finalist
Cover of Ben Yokoyama and the Cookie of Doom Ages 8–12

Ben Yokoyama and the Cookie of Doom

Matthew Swanson; illustrated by Robbi Behr

2023-2024, Sasquatch Book Award, Selection
Cover of A Kind of Spark Ages 8–12

A Kind of Spark

Elle McNicoll

2023-2024, Sasquatch Book Award, Selection

Wisconsin

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Cover of White Bird: A Wonder Story (A Graphic Novel) Ages 8–12

White Bird: A Wonder Story (A Graphic Novel)

R. J. Palacio

2021, Golden Archer, Nominee
Cover of Thurgood Ages 5–9

Thurgood

Jonah Winter; illustrated by Bryan Collier

2021, Wisconsin State Reading Association Recommends List, Selection
Cover of Pet Ages 12 and up

Pet

Akwaeke Emezi

2021, Wisconsin State Reading Association Recommends List, Selection
Cover of Overview, Young Explorer\'s Edition Ages 8–12

Overview, Young Explorer's Edition

Benjamin Grant with Sandra Markle

2021, Wisconsin State Reading Association Recommends List, Selection
Cover of The Boy at the Back of the Class Ages 8–12

The Boy at the Back of the Class

Onjali Q. Raúf

2021, Wisconsin State Reading Association Recommends List, Nominee
Cover of Dragons in a Bag Ages 8–12

Dragons in a Bag

Zetta Elliott

2021, Golden Archer Award, Nominee

Wyoming

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Cover of Lucky Duck Ages 3–7

Lucky Duck

Greg Pizzoli

2025, Buckaroo Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Buffalo Fluffalo Ages 4–8

Buffalo Fluffalo

Bess Kalb; illustrated by Erin Kraan

2025, Buckaroo Book Award, Nominee
Cover of The Mona Lisa Vanishes Ages 10–14

The Mona Lisa Vanishes

Nicholas Day; illustrated by Brett Helquist

2024, Indian Paintbrush Book Award, Nominee
Cover of Bad Dog Ages 3–7

Bad Dog

Mike Boldt

2021-2022, Buckaroo Book Award, Winner
Cover of When You Trap a Tiger Ages 8–12

When You Trap a Tiger

Tae Keller

2020, Kansas NEA Reading Circle, Selection
Cover of Turtle Boy Ages 10 and up

Turtle Boy

M. Evan Wolkenstein

2022, Texas Lone Star Reading List, Selection
Cover of Turtle Boy Ages 10 and up

Turtle Boy

M. Evan Wolkenstein

2022, South Carolina Book Awards, Nominee
Cover of Turtle Boy Ages 10 and up

Turtle Boy

M. Evan Wolkenstein

2022, William Allen White Children’S Book Award, Nominee
Cover of This Is My America Ages 12 and up

This Is My America

Kim Johnson

2020, Wisconsin State Reading Association Recommends List, Selection
Cover of This Is My America Ages 12 and up

This Is My America

Kim Johnson

2021, Spirit Of Texas , Selection
Cover of This Is My America Ages 12 and up

This Is My America

Kim Johnson

2021-2022, Volunteer State Book Award, Nominee
Cover of This Is My America Ages 12 and up

This Is My America

Kim Johnson

2022, South Carolina Book Awards, Nominee
Cover of This Is My America Ages 12 and up

This Is My America

Kim Johnson

2022, Oregon Spirit Book Award, Winner
Cover of This Is My America Ages 12 and up

This Is My America

Kim Johnson

2022, OLA Sequoyah Book Award Masterlist, Nominee
Cover of This Is My America Ages 12 and up

This Is My America

Kim Johnson

2022, Magnolia Book Award, Nominee
Cover of This Is My America Ages 12 and up

This Is My America

Kim Johnson

2022, Gateway Readers Book Award, Nominee

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