2026 Youth Media Awards: Celebrating This Year’s Winners
The 2026 Youth Media Awards took place on January 26 in Chicago, recognizing outstanding contributions to children’s literature and media. The event celebrated several notable authors, illustrators, and works that have significantly impacted young readers.
2026 Youth Media Awards Winners
Major Awards
- John Newbery Medal: Awarded to Renée Watson for All the Blues in the Sky.
- Randolph Caldecott Medal: Cátia Chien illustrated Fireworks, written by Matthew Burgess.
- Theodor Seuss Geisel Award:Stop That Mop! by Jonathan Fenske.
- Children’s Literature Legacy Award: Honored author and illustrator Candace Fleming for her substantial contributions.
Digital Media and Audiobooks
- Excellence in Early Learning Digital Media: Awarded to Weather Hunters, produced by WeatherHunters, Inc. and Silver Creek Falls Entertainment.
- Odyssey Award:
- Children’s (0-14):Clack, Clack! Smack! A Cherokee Stickball Story narrated by Traci Sorell.
- Young Adult (12-18):Trans History: From Ancient Times to the Present Day, produced by Iris McElroy and Juan Garcia Ticoulat.
Informational and Literary Awards
- Robert F. Sibert Medal:Alberto Salas Plays Paka Paka con la Papa by Sara Andrea Fajardo.
- Mildred L. Batchelder Award:Croco published by Tapioca Stories, written and illustrated by Azul López.
- Michael L. Printz Award:Legendary Frybread Drive-In: Intertribal Stories, edited by Cynthia Leitich Smith.
Special Recognitions
- Coretta Scott King Book Awards:
- Author Award:Will’s Race for Home by Jewell Parker Rhodes.
- Illustrator Award:The Library in the Woods, illustrated by R. Gregory Christie.
- Stonewall Book Award:
- Children’s Literature:Halfway to Somewhere by Jose Pimienta.
- Young Adult:One of the Boys by Victoria Zeller.
Additional Awards
- William C. Morris Award:All the Noise at Once by DeAndra Davis.
- Alex Awards: Featured works include The Favorites by Layne Fargo and Harriet Tubman: Live in Concert by Bob the Drag Queen.
- American Indian Youth Literature Awards: Highlighted best writings and illustrations by Native Americans.
The 2026 Youth Media Awards exemplified the vibrant diversity within children’s literature. This year’s winners demonstrate a strong commitment to enriching young minds through powerful stories and innovative media.
