John Newbery MedalNew KidJerry CraftJordan Banks is a seventh grader who loves to draw. His parents enroll him in a private school where he is among only a few students of color. Jordan has to navigate the differences between his school life and his neighborhood while trying to remain himself. The graphic novel follows his adjustment to the new school, including microaggressions and the friendships he makes there.All readersLexile Text Measure GN320LATOS Book Level 2.9View book detailsJohn Newbery Medal and Honor Books 2020
The 2020 edition includes 4 Newbery Honor Books and 1 John Newbery Medal recipient. It records one year of the Newbery program for distinguished contributions to American children's literature. The program recognizes writing rather than illustration, sales, popularity, or a universal reading level.
2020 John Newbery Medal and Honor BooksSee the original list
Selections5
Published byAssociation for Library Service to Children (ALA)
SectionsAll readers
All readers
5 selections
John Newbery MedalNew KidJerry CraftJordan Banks is a seventh grader who loves to draw. His parents enroll him in a private school where he is among only a few students of color. Jordan has to navigate the differences between his school life and his neighborhood while trying to remain himself. The graphic novel follows his adjustment to the new school, including microaggressions and the friendships he makes there.All readersLexile Text Measure GN320LATOS Book Level 2.9View book details
Newbery Honor BookGenesis Begins AgainAlicia D. WilliamsThirteen-year-old Genesis Anderson enters a new, predominantly white middle school after her family rents a house outside Detroit. Repeated evictions tied to her father’s gambling have made home uncertain. Genesis also faces bullying and colorism at school and within her family, while struggling with a harsh view of herself. Singing offers her release, but sharing her voice with the school feels daunting.All readersLexile Text Measure 670LATOS Book Level 4.5View book details
Newbery Honor BookOther Words for HomeJasmine WargaAs tensions rise in Syria, twelve-year-old Jude leaves with her pregnant mother to stay with relatives in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her father, older brother, and best friend remain behind. Jude adjusts to a new culture, middle school, and an initially distant cousin, while getting to know children in her ELL class and awaiting her baby sister’s arrival. After she begins wearing hijab, she encounters Islamophobia. She is also worried about her father and brother, who is involved in protests, and feels that classmates do not understand events in Syria.All readersLexile Text Measure 930LATOS Book Level 5.3View book details
Newbery Honor BookScary Stories for Young FoxesJunyi WuAn old vixen tells connected cautionary tales to young fox kits. The stories center on Mia and Uly, foxes from separate dens who are cut off from their families and must survive the dangers of the forest. Their frightening encounters involve predators, people, other foxes, and monsters. The book is structured as a collection of horror tales, with the kits facing a range of terrifying episodes.All readersLexile Text Measure 640LATOS Book Level 4.4View book details
Newbery Honor BookThe UndefeatedKwame AlexanderThis poem honors Black life in the United States while confronting the harm of slavery and segregation. It recognizes Black Americans’ courage, creativity, endurance, and achievements, drawing on historical and contemporary people and cultural references. Artwork expands on the poem’s references, and an author’s note provides brief context for the people and events named in the text and illustrations. The book also affirms the possibilities held by Black youth.All readersLexile Text Measure 361LATOS Book Level 2.6View book details