John Newbery MedalFreewaterAmina Luqman-DawsonTwelve-year-old Homer and his sister Ava escape from a plantation, leaving their mother behind. They reach Freewater, a hidden community in the Great Dismal Swamp made by formerly enslaved people. When outside danger threatens the community, Homer plans to defend his new friends and rescue his mother. The historical adventure centers the siblings’ search for refuge, family, and safety in the swamp.All readersLexile Text Measure 690LATOS Book Level 4.59View book detailsJohn Newbery Medal and Honor Books 2023
The 2023 edition includes 3 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.
2023 John Newbery Medal and Honor BooksSee the original list
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Published byAssociation for Library Service to Children (ALA)
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All readers
4 selections
John Newbery MedalFreewaterAmina Luqman-DawsonTwelve-year-old Homer and his sister Ava escape from a plantation, leaving their mother behind. They reach Freewater, a hidden community in the Great Dismal Swamp made by formerly enslaved people. When outside danger threatens the community, Homer plans to defend his new friends and rescue his mother. The historical adventure centers the siblings’ search for refuge, family, and safety in the swamp.All readersLexile Text Measure 690LATOS Book Level 4.59View book details
Newbery Honor BookIveliz Explains It AllAndrea Beatriz ArangoTold in verse, this novel follows twelve-year-old Iveliz as she begins junior high. She is coping with grief and mental-health concerns while trying to handle school. Her grandmother questions the medication that helps her, adding to the strain Iveliz feels at home. As she works through these challenges, Iveliz looks for a way to explain what she needs and ask others to support her.All readersLexile Text Measure 940LATOS Book Level 6.2View book details
Newbery Honor BookThe Last MapmakerChristina SoontornvatSai, an apprentice to celebrated mapmaker Paiyoon Wongyai, conceals that her father is a thief in a society that judges people by their family histories. After her island nation’s war, she travels with Paiyoon on a ship sent to chart unknown southern territory. On board, Sai befriends Rian and a stowaway named Bo while the expedition’s purpose becomes tied to the rumored Sunderlands. The fantasy story explores colonialism, resource exploitation, animal cruelty, and environmental preservation.All readersLexile Text Measure 740LATOS Book Level 4.7View book details
Newbery Honor BookMaizy Chen’s Last ChanceLisa YeeEleven-year-old Maizy Chen and her mother leave Los Angeles for the summer to help at the Golden Palace, their family’s Chinese restaurant in Last Chance, Minnesota, while Maizy’s grandfather is ill. Maizy has met her grandparents only once, and tension remains between them and her mother. At the restaurant, she befriends regulars and spends time with Opa, who shares the story of her great-great-grandfather’s journey from China to California and later to Last Chance.All readersLexile Text Measure 670LATOS Book Level 4.3View book details