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Established in 1922 by the American Library Association, the Newbery Medal honors outstanding contributions to children's literature. Named after John Newbery, an influential English publisher, this accolade was the first of its kind globally. Over the past century, it has recognized numerous timeless classics. Below are eight remarkable books that have earned this distinguished award.
1. The Twenty-One Balloons // William Pène du Bois
Published in 1947, this imaginative tale chronicles the journey of a retired teacher who embarks on a global adventure in a massive hot air balloon. After an unexpected encounter with a seagull, he crash-lands on Krakatoa, where he encounters fascinating inhabitants and their unique culture. Competing against notable works such as Marguerite Henry's Misty of Chincoteague (who later won for King of the Wind) and Catherine Besterman's The Quaint and Curious Quest of Johnny Longfoot, The Twenty-One Balloons claimed the Newbery Medal in 1948.
2. Holes // Louis Sachar
Published in 1998, Holes follows Stanley Yelnats, a young boy wrongfully convicted of stealing a pair of shoes. Sent to a juvenile detention center, Camp Green Lake, he endures the grueling task of digging holes under the scorching sun. As the story unfolds, Stanley uncovers the mysteries of his family's curse and the sinister secrets of the camp. The novel earned both the National Book Award for Young People's Literature and the 1999 Newbery Medal. A staple in middle school curricula,
3. Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH // Robert C. O'Brien
This story revolves around a widowed mother mouse struggling to relocate her family to their summer home, a task complicated by her son's illness. She receives unexpected assistance from a group of highly intelligent lab rats, who reveal surprising truths about her late husband. Winning the Newbery Medal in 1972, the book was later turned into an animated film in 1982. Recently, the Russo brothers (Avengers: Endgame) have announced plans to adapt it into a live-action movie.
4. Up A Road Slowly // Irene Hunt
This 1966 novel tells the story of Julie, a young girl who moves to the countryside to live with her aunt after her mother's passing. Over 11 years, Julie navigates the complexities of friendships, love, and the challenges of growing up. Up a Road Slowly was Irene Hunt’s second work, following her debut novel, Across Five Aprils, which was a Newbery Medal finalist in 1965.
5. Walk Two Moons // Sharon Creech
Released in 1994, Walk Two Moons chronicles the journey of 13-year-old Sal as she travels with her grandparents from Ohio to Idaho. Along the way, she shares captivating stories about her friend, Phoebe Winterbottom, while yearning to see her mother once more. The novel earned Creech the 1995 Newbery Medal, along with the UK's Reading Association Award and Children's Book Award.
6. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry // Mildred D. Taylor
Set in the Jim Crow South, Taylor’s 1976 novel follows Cassie Logan, a young Black girl, and her family as they endure a year of hardship in Mississippi. Facing night riders, burnings, and systemic racism, the Logans strive to maintain their dignity and resilience. The book received the 1977 Newbery Medal and the Coretta Scott King Award, which recognizes outstanding children's literature by Black authors that portrays the African American experience.
7. Bud, Not Buddy // Christopher Paul Curtis
Set during the Great Depression, this novel follows 10-year-old Bud, who is placed with a foster family in Flint, Michigan, after his mother's passing. Struggling to adapt, Bud embarks on a journey to find his father, whom he believes is a renowned jazz musician. Bud, Not Buddy won the Newbery Medal, the International Reading Association's Children's Book Award, and the Coretta Scott King Award in 2000.
8. The Girl Who Drank The Moon // Kelly Barnhill
In this enchanting tale, the Protectorate's inhabitants live in fear of a witch residing in the forest. To appease her, they offer a baby as a yearly sacrifice. However, Xan, the witch, is kind-hearted and places the infants with loving families. When she accidentally bestows magical powers upon a child named Luna, the girl must learn to control her abilities. Meanwhile, the Protectorate plots to eliminate the witch. Barnhill’s novel, which won the Newbery Medal in 2017, was a surprise to the author, who admitted to The Washington Post that she thought it might be too unconventional for readers.
