ALA 2024 Winners
There’s something compelling about a list of award winners. Did I love the same books? Have they uncovered something I must read next? The American Library Association announced the top books, digital media, video, and audiobooks for children and young adults at ALA’s 2024 LibLearnX conference in Baltimore on Jan. 22. Below are some of the winners and honorees that I’ve read and enjoyed.
Simon Sort of Says by Erin Bow, honoree for the Newbery Award and Schneider Family Book Award
Bow slowly reveals information about the school shooting that Simon survived. It’s not until about the halfway point of the book that you get all the details. Since that event, Simon and his parents have moved to Grin and Bear It, Nebraska, a place where no one can have internet because it would interfere with scientists looking for signs of alien life. Simon is thrilled that no one at his new school will be able to Google him. He can start over. When that doesn’t work out, he leans on the support of his parents and new friends to accept his past.
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros, winner of an Alex Award
One of my favorite books of 2023. Violet believed she would grow up to be a scribe, like her beloved late father. But when she comes of age, her mother (the commanding general of the military) demands that she enter training to become a dragon rider. That training leaves many dead even before graduation, and Violet must use her cunning, instincts, and alliances to survive. Book 2 of the series is already out!
Stateless by Elizabeth Wein and narrated by Moira Quirk, honoree for the Odyssey Award
Just before World War II, teen pilots from across Europe compete in a race to symbolize peace and cooperation. But when one of the contestants disappears (and is perhaps murdered), the pilots have to race against more than the clock. The main character is flying for England, while keeping her Russian origins secret.
Berry Song by Michaela Goade, honoree for American Indian Youth Literature Award
This lyrical picture book was a delight to read. Beautiful, sweeping illustrations fill the pages, and the text tells of nature, family, food, and traditions. The back matter is a wonderful addition to the text, explaining Native American traditions.
The ALA also gives awards to an author’s body of work. Christopher Paul Curtis received the Coretta Scott King—Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement; Kyle Lukoff will deliver the 2025 ALSC Children’s Literature Lecture; Pam Muñoz Ryan received the Children’s Literature Legacy Award; and Neal Shusterman received the Margaret A. Edwards Award. Below are books by these four fantastic authors that I would recommend.
The Watsons Go to Birmingham–1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis (1995)
The Watson family of Flint, Michigan, take a trip to mama’s hometown in Alabama. The historic backdrop is important and interesting, but the daily foibles of the family members bring humor to the book.
Different Kinds of Fruit by Kyle Lukoff (2022)
Annabelle is kind of obsessed with new kid Bailey, who is non-binary. Getting to know Bailey and becoming familiar with the LGBT community is exciting for Annabelle, but her dad isn’t supportive of their friendship. Eventually he reveals that he is transgender, and he’s worried that Annabelle’s friendship with Bailey may reveal his secret.
Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan (2000)
This historical novel is set in the 1930s in Mexico and the United States. Esperanza’s life in Mexico was pampered and luxurious. When her father dies and her home is burned, she and her mother flee to California to begin again. Esperanza must quickly adapt to a very different life, learning to care for neighbor’s children and work as a packer of produce.
Scythe by Neal Shusterman (2017)
In a world where the natural causes of death have been eliminated, members of the society are chosen to become “scythes,” those who kill to control the population. The book is told in dual perspectives of two trainee scythes, and the reader sees how the process to become a killer can change even the deepest beliefs. When the two fall for each other, things become even more complicated.