Written by Mary Kay Carson, Writer-in-Residence, Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library
Our 2025 Writer-in-Residence is Mary Kay Carson, award-winning author of children’s nonfiction books. Attend her upcoming workshops and writers' office hours. And listen to her as host of CHPL's "Inside the Writer's Head" podcast.
Awards season isn’t just a Hollywood thing. Every winter the American Library Association (ALA) drops mega-accolades on the best books in juvenile literature. The winners of ALA’s annual Youth Media Awards, opens a new window are selected by committees of dedicated, hard-reading librarians from across the nation.
Check them out! The 2025 winners are:
The Newbery Medal honors the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. This year's winner is The First State of Being.
The Caldecott Medal goes to the artist/illustrator for the most distinguished American picture book for children. This year's winner is Chooch Helped.
The Printz Award honors the year’s most distinguished work of young adult literature. This year's winner is Brownstone.
The Seuss Geisel Award goes to the author and illustrator of the best American book for beginning readers. This year's winner is Vacation.
The Sibert Medal honors the author and illustrator of the best informational book published. This year's winner is Life After Whale.
The YALSA Award honors the best in nonfiction written for young adults. This year's winner is Rising From the Ashes.
The Coretta Scott King Award honors the best book by African American authors and illustrators. This year's winner is Twenty-four Seconds From Now.
The Pura Belpré Award honors Latine authors and illustrators whose work celebrates the Latine experience. This year's Children’s Author winner is Lola. This year's Young Adult Author winner is Shut Up, This Is Serious.
The Asian/Pacific American Award celebrates Asian/Pacific American culture and heritage. This year's winner is Continental Drifter.
Happy reading—and writing!
Browse and borrow more award winners on CHPL.org.
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