My Thoughts on the YMAs

Monday morning was an exciting day in the kid lit world. The American Library Association’s Youth Media Awards were announced! Now that I’ve had some time to reflect, I wanted to share some of my thoughts on the YMAs (for what it’s worth).

If you’re looking for a complete list of award winners and honors, check out my post from Monday or check out the ALA press release! The Youth Media Awards are not just for the Newbery and Caldecott Medals. Besides the “biggies”, there are over 20 other awards given out as well! And you’re missing out on some amazing literature if you’re not checking out the other awards.

Year of Honors

This should be considered the year of honors, in my opinion. Of the 24 awards categories (that have the option of giving out additional honors) there were 58 honor books selected! If you’re unfamiliar with the process, every committee can make their own decision on whether or not they feel there should honor awarded and to how many titles.

What I love is that with 58 additional titles, there are lots of great books to read and suggest. There were a bunch of titles I hadn’t even heard about yet, which was somewhat shocking. I feel like I’m pretty in tune with children’s literature and some were complete surprises. Then I think of the average parent looking for books for their kids, no wonder they’re overwhelmed. And they revert back to suggesting books they read as a kid – it’s probably just because that’s what they’re comfortable with!

Favorite Award

The Schneider Family Book Award is probably my favorite award. The award is given to “books that embody an artistic expression of the disability experience.” I think this area of diversity is grossly underrepresented and I’m always excited to cheer on really great books.

I’m so happy for Ann Clare LeZotte, the author of Show Me a Sign and her win! I read this book as an ARC on my way home from a conference and fell in love with the story. It’s the story of a young girl growing up in a deaf community on Martha’s Vineyard in the early 19th century. The story is based in fact as there was such a community at that time.

New Award

This year the Pura Belpré Award also recognized YA authors, which was super cool! They already have an author and illustrator category for younger audiences, so it was awesome to learn about great YA titles by Latinx creators.

What I love about awards is that I get to see authors and illustrators in a whole new light. I’m familiar with Yamile’s work in the picture book world and her upcoming middle grade novel as well. I’m intrigued to read her YA work now too!

Don’t Miss Out

There are also awards for nonfiction books for all ages – so don’t miss the Sibert Award or Excellence in Nonfiction. Or check out the Alex Awards for adult titles that appeal to a teen audience. There are so many amazing books, you’ll definitely want to do your research.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, have no fear! Check out my ALA Youth Media Awards 101 post to learn the basics about each award. Or even better, stop by your local children’s bookstore or public library and ask the staff. I promise, most of us kid lit nerds LOVE talking books and sharing our thoughts!

The Biggies

Finally, here are just a few of my thoughts on the YMAs that most people are familiar with the Caldecott and Newbery awards.

Caldecott Award

Illustrator, Michaela Goade took home the award this year for We Are Water Protectors. It’s the celebration of nature as one young water protector takes a stand against a black snake. She is the first Native American illustrator to win the Caldecott. This is extremely exciting for the award as the field has been traditionally filled with and awards given to white men.

Surprisingly or maybe not, Goade is only the fourth woman this century to take home the Caldecott. As in the 21st century! The award is well-deserved as the book is absolutely gorgeous.

The honors also surprised me as I wasn’t familiar with most of the titles, so I’ll be placing some holds this week. I love pouring over beautiful illustrations, so I’m excited to learn about new-to-me creators!

Newbery Award

Tae Keller won the Newbery Award was for her book, When You Trap a Tiger, which I read and enjoyed! A story that I’d consider magical realism as Lily is visited by a magical tiger straight from her grandmother’s folktales. This is a well-written story and one that would make for an excellent discussion piece.

The Newberry also awarded five honor titles. Christina Soontornvat actually won two of them and for two different genres too! She won for All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys’ Soccer Team and for A Wish in the Dark. This has only ever happened one other time in 1954. Meindert DeJong won two honors that year as well. I really enjoyed a Wish in the Dark, a different take on Les Miserables. And I’ve heard amazing things about All Thirteen, so I’ll definitely have to grab that one at the library.

Take Away

So that’s just a few of my thoughts on the YMAs this year. Take some time to check out all the amazing authors and illustrators who won awards on Monday. But, also remember that there are literally thousands of creators out there who never ever win an award who make some amazing stuff. Let the awards open your minds to reading new authors and illustrators. And remember, any book is a winner when it connects a reader and a story together!