2026 Youth Media Award Winners
Each year, the American Library Association (ALA) announces awards for authors, illustrators, and top contributors who create outstanding literary works for children and teens. The 2026 award winners have been announced! See below for some of the year’s notable winners:
2026 Newbery Medal Winner
All the Blues in the Sky by Renée Watson
Thirteen-year-old Sage is grief stricken when her best friend is killed in a hit-and-run accident. A counseling group at school helps her process her anguish in this heartbreaking work of verse and prose.
2026 Belpré Children’s Illustration Award
Popo the Xolo by Angelina Paloma Angelina Lopez
An abuela crossing from this life to the next travels with her dog, Popo, a Xoloitzcuintle (a Mexican hairless dog) through the nine levels of Mictlān to reach her final rest. Blending Indigenous Mexican mythology and Mexican culture this picture book celebrates departed family members by displaying their memories.
2026 Odyssey Award Winner for Children
Clack, Clack! Smack! A Cherokee Stickball Story produced by Arnie and Debra Cardillo for Live Oak Media. Written by Traci Sorell and illustrated Joseph Erb. Narrated by a full cast.
In this reflective story, Cherokee culture is represented as children work together to bring success for their team while practicing true sportsmanship. High-energy narration and Tsalagi (Cherokee) vocabulary make this audio story relevant for many children.