John Newbery MedalAll the Blues in the SkyRenée WatsonSage’s best friend is dead. Analytical at heart, she struggles with the turbulent nature of grief. Watson mixes verse and prose to convey the aftermath of a 13-year-old trying to move forward after immeasurable loss. Experiencing shades of grief, Sage discovers that from the buds of sorrow, strength still blooms.All readersLexile Text Measure NPATOS Book Level 5.0View book detailsJohn Newbery Medal and Honor Books 2026
The 2026 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.
2026 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 MedalAll the Blues in the SkyRenée WatsonSage’s best friend is dead. Analytical at heart, she struggles with the turbulent nature of grief. Watson mixes verse and prose to convey the aftermath of a 13-year-old trying to move forward after immeasurable loss. Experiencing shades of grief, Sage discovers that from the buds of sorrow, strength still blooms.All readersLexile Text Measure NPATOS Book Level 5.0View book details
Newbery Honor BookThe Nine Moons of Han Yu and LuliKarina Yan GlaserTwo stories unfold across time in this historical novel. In Chang’an in 731, Han Yu sells steamed buns in a crowded market while people whisper that he can summon tigers. In Depression-era New York Chinatown, Luli lives above her parents’ restaurant and dreams about dim sum and Chinese art. Both young people leave familiar lives on perilous journeys to protect their families, facing plague and financial crisis. Their adventures connect danger, art, and a touch of magic.All readersATOS Book Level 6.0AR Interest Level Middle Grades (MG 4-8)View book details
Newbery Honor BookA Sea of Lemon Trees: The Corrido of Roberto AlvarezMaría Dolores ÁguilaIn 1929 Lemon Grove, California, fifth grader Roberto Alvarez learns after Christmas break that Mexican students can no longer attend their grammar school. Roberto and his friends from la colonia are ordered to a converted barn instead. As families organize against the segregation order, children face consequences for staying home, and Roberto’s friend David faces deportation despite being a U.S. citizen. Roberto, who loves school, becomes lead plaintiff in the community’s case against the school board.All readersLexile Text Measure 800LATOS Book Level 5.1View book details
Newbery Honor BookThe Teacher of Nomad Land: A World War II StoryDaniel NayeriSet in 1941 during the Anglo-Soviet invasion of Iran, this historical novel follows Babak and his younger sister after their father dies. Afraid that they will be separated, the orphaned siblings cross the mountains together. Babak takes on his father’s former work teaching nomad communities, carrying a chalkboard and textbooks as they seek the tribes on their annual journey. British and Soviet forces occupy the country, while Nazi spies create further danger. Along the way, the siblings meet a Jewish boy hiding from a spy, and their search for safety becomes more urgent.All readersATOS Book Level 4.3AR Interest Level MG 4–8View book details
Newbery Honor BookThe Undead Fox of Deadwood ForestAubrey HartmanClare is an undead fox who ushers souls to the afterlife from Deadwood Forest. He dreads All Hallow’s Eve, when the four afterlife realms are open to souls whether or not they belong there, and a prophecy warns that someone in Deadwood will vanish. When the badger Gingersnipes arrives, Clare cannot send her to any realm. Hesterfowl tells him that Gingersnipes is the next Usher, meant to replace him, but Clare does not want to step aside.All readersATOS Book Level 5.3AR Interest Level MG 4–8View book details