New Award Books

The Secret World of Walter Andersen - Hester Bass
Residents along the Mississippi Gulf Coast thought Walter Anderson was odd, rowing across twelve miles of open water in a leaky skiff to reach Horn, an uninhabited island without running water or electricity. But this solitary artist didn't much care what they thought as he spent weeks at a time on his personal paradise, sleeping under his boat, sometimes eating whatever washed ashore, sketching and painting the natural surroundings and the animals that became his friends. Here Walter created some of his most brilliant watercolors, work he kept hidden during his lifetime. Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children

Noah Webster: Weaver of Words-  Pegi Deitz Shea
This book is an exploration of the life and work of Noah Webster, which discusses his promotion of a living American language and universal education for all, career as a newspaper publisher, and creation of America's first insurance company. Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children Honor


Big Wolf & Little Wolf - Nadine Brun-Cosme
Big Wolf has always lived alone at the top of a hill under a tree, so when a little wolf suddenly arrives one day, he does not know what to think. Mildred L. Batchelder Honor

Book Fiesta! - Pat Mora
Children read aloud in various settings to celebrate of El día de los niños, or Children's Day, in this bilingual story. Includes facts about Mexico's annual celebration of children and the book fiestas that are often included.  Pura Belpre Illustrator Award

Mare's War - Tanita S. Davis
Teens Octavia and Tali learn about strength, independence, and courage when they are forced to take a car trip with their grandmother, who tells about growing up Black in 1940s Alabama and serving in Europe during World War II as a member of the Women's Army Corps.  Coretta Scott King Author Award Honor

Return to Sender - Julia Alvarez
After his family hires migrant Mexican workers to help save their Vermont farm from foreclosure, eleven-year-old Tyler befriends the oldest daughter, but when he discovers they may not be in the country legally, he realizes that real friendship knows no borders.  Pura Belpre Author Award