The California Young Reader Medal is a set of five annual literary awards conferred upon

picture books A picture book combines visual and verbal narratives in a book format, most often aimed at young children. With the narrative told primarily through text, they are distinct from comics, which do so primarily through sequential images. The images ...

and fiction books selected by vote of California schoolchildren from a ballot prepared by committee. The program was established in 1974 with Intermediate, Primary, and Young Adult Medals that were inaugurated in 1975, 1976, and 1977 and were conferred biennially, and annually beginning in 1983. The program is intended to encourage recreational reading and is sponsored by four organizations that promote reading and literacy: the California Association of Teachers of English, the California Library Association, the California Reading Association, and the California School Library Association. There are five medals, last modified for 2002: Primary (grades K-3), Intermediate (grades 3–6), Middle School/Junior High (grades 6–9), Young Adult (grades 9–12), and Picture Books for Older Readers (grades 4 and up)—that is, roughly age 10 and up. Both writer and illustrator receive the Primary and Picture Book Medals, where applicable. The ballot for each medal comprises 3–5 books published during the preceding four years—two to five years ago when the process concludes. For example, 17 books published from 2010 to 2013 were nominated for 2014–2015.

Rules and process

Young readers, their parents, educators, librarians, and "anyone who works with young people" may recommend books. Candidates must be original works of fiction by living authors, available in

English English usually refers to: * English language * English people English may also refer to: Peoples, culture, and language * ''English'', an adjective for something of, from, or related to England ** English national ...

, published during the four preceding years and still in print. Nominations are made by award category and the books should be "often read or requested" and have "strong appeal for the age group". A committee of the sponsoring organizations selects "a well-balanced list of nominees" (finalists), considering merit and appeal. Children may vote in all categories where they know all of the candidates by reading or hearing read aloud. They cast a combined paper ballot at once, in a classroom or library monitored by an adult.

Winners

The medals in four categories inaugurated in 1975, 1976, 1977, and 1980 were biennial until 1983, and thereafter annual. For each category (now five) CYRM maintains a "Booklist" of finalists (3–5 annually) that provides basic bibliographic data for all, and cover images beginning in 2005 or so.

1970s

1975 : Intermediate: '' How to Eat Fried Worms'', by

Thomas Rockwell Thomas Rhodes Rockwell (born March 13, 1933) is an American author of children's books. Rockwell is the son of the American artist Norman Rockwell and his then-wife Mary Rockwell, an unpublished author. He grew up in Arlington, Vermont, a very r ...

1976 : Primary: ''How Droofus the Dragon Lost His Head'', by

Bill Peet William Bartlett Peet ('' né'' Peed; January 29, 1915 – May 11, 2002) was an American children's book illustrator and a story writer and animator for Walt Disney Animation Studios. Peet joined Disney in 1937 and worked first on ''Snow W ...

1977 : Intermediate: ''

Freaky Friday ''Freaky Friday'' is a comedic children's novel written by Mary Rodgers, first published by Harper & Row in 1972. It has been adapted for several films, including versions in 1976, 1995, 2003, and 2018, and was reinterpreted as a horror film f ...

'', by

Mary Rodgers Mary Rodgers (January 11, 1931 – June 26, 2014) was an American composer, screenwriter, and author who wrote the novel '' Freaky Friday'', which served as the basis of a 1976 film starring Jodie Foster, for which she wrote the screenplay, as ...

: Young Adult: ''

Watership Down ''Watership Down'' is an adventure novel by English author Richard Adams, published by Rex Collings Ltd of London in 1972. Set in Berkshire in southern England, the story features a small group of rabbits. Although they live in their natural ...

'', by

Richard Adams Richard George Adams (9 May 1920 – 24 December 2016) was an English novelist and writer of the books ''Watership Down'', '' Maia'', ''Shardik'' and '' The Plague Dogs''. He studied modern history at university before serving in the British Ar ...

1978 : Primary: ''Little Rabbit's Loose Tooth'', written by Lucy Bate, illustrated by Diane de Groat 1979 : Intermediate: ''

Danny, the Champion of the World ''Danny, the Champion of the World'', or simply Danny, is a 1975 children's book by Roald Dahl. The plot centres on Danny, a young English boy, and his father, William. They live in a Gypsy caravan, fix cars for a living in their mechanic sh ...

'', by

Roald Dahl Roald Dahl (13 September 1916 – 23 November 1990) was a British novelist, short-story writer, poet, screenwriter, and wartime fighter ace of Norwegian descent. His books have sold more than 250 million copies worldwide. Dahl has be ...

: Young Adult: ''The Late Great Me'', by

Sandra Scoppettone Sandra Scoppettone (born June 1, 1936, Morristown, New Jersey)Day, Frances Ann (2000). Lesbian and gay voices: An annotated bibliography and guide to literature for children and young adults. Greenwood Press. is an American author whose career spa ...

1980s

1980 : Primary: ''Big Bad Bruce'', by

: Middle School/Junior High: ''

The Pinballs ''The Pinballs'' is a 1976 young adult novel by American author Betsy Byars. It is about three foster children, Carlie, Harvey and Thomas J., who have been taken in by the Masons, a couple who have cared for many other foster children and also ha ...

'', by

Betsy Byars Betsy Byars (née Cromer; August 7, 1928 – February 26, 2020) was an American author of children's books. Her novel '' Summer of the Swans'' won the 1971 Newbery Medal.Author's website She has also received a National Book Award for Young Pe ...

1981 : Intermediate: ''

Summer of the Monkeys ''Summer of the Monkeys'' is a 1976 children's story written by Wilson Rawls. It was published by Doubleday (later released by Yearling Books) and was the winner of the William Allen White Book Award and the California Young Reader Medal. ...

'', by

Wilson Rawls Woodrow Wilson Rawls (September 24, 1913 – December 16, 1984) was an American writer best known for his books '' Where the Red Fern Grows'' and '' Summer of the Monkeys''. Early years Woodrow Wilson Rawls was born in Oklahoma in 1913. When ...

: Young Adult: ''

A Summer to Die ''A Summer to Die'' was Lois Lowry's first novel. Plot Meg, the younger of the two sisters, is the story's narrator and primary protagonist. Their father, an English professor at a university, has decided to take a year off from teaching to write ...

'', by

Lois Lowry Lois Ann Lowry (; née Hammersberg; March 20, 1937) is an American writer. She is the author of several books for children and young adults, including '' The Giver Quartet,'' ''Number the Stars'', and '' Rabble Starkey.'' She is known for writing ...

1982 : Primary: '' Miss Nelson is Missing'', written by Harry Allard, illustrated by James Marshall : Middle School/Junior High: ''Hail, Hail Camp Timberwood'', by

Ellen Conford Ellen Conford (March 20, 1942 – March 20, 2015) was an author for children and young adults. Among her writings are the ''Annabel the Actress'' and ''Jenny Archer'' series. Her books have won the Best Book of the Year Citation, Best Book of the ...

1983 : Primary: ''Liza Lou and the Yeller Belly Swamp'', by

Mercer Mayer Mercer Mayer (born December 30, 1943) is an American children's author and illustrator. He has published over 300 books, using a wide range of illustrative styles. Mayer is best known for his '' Little Critter'' and '' Little Monster'' series o ...

: Intermediate: ''

Superfudge ''Superfudge'' is a children's novel by Judy Blume, published in 1980. It is the sequel to '' Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing'' and '' Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great'' and is the third in the Fudge series. Plot The Hatcher family has a n ...

'', by

Judy Blume Judith Blume (née Sussman; born February 12, 1938) is an American writer of children's, young adult and adult fiction. Blume began writing in 1959 and has published more than 25 novels. Among her best-known works are ''Are You There God? It's Me ...

: Middle School/Junior High: ''

Tiger Eyes ''Tiger Eyes'' is a young adult novel written by Judy Blume in 1981 about a 15-year-old girl attempting to cope with the unexpected death of her father. In 2012, the novel was adapted into a film of the same name, directed by Judy's son, Lawren ...

'', by

: Young Adult: ''Summer of Fear'', by

Lois Duncan Lois Duncan Steinmetz (April 28, 1934 – June 15, 2016), known as Lois Duncan, was an American writer, novelist, poet, and journalist. She is best known for her young-adult novels, and has been credited by historians as a pioneering figure in th ...

1984 : Primary: ''Bagdad Ate It'', written by Phyllis Green, illustrated by Joel Schick : Intermediate: ''The Trouble with Tuck'', by Theodore Taylor : Middle School/Junior High: ''

There's a Bat in Bunk Five ''There’s a Bat in Bunk Five'' (1980) is a young adult novel written by Paula Danziger. Plot summary In this sequel to '' The Cat Ate My Gymsuit'', Marcy Lewis finds herself as a counselor in training at the summer camp near Woodstock, New Yo ...

'', by

Paula Danziger Paula Danziger (August 18, 1944 – July 8, 2004) was an American children's author. She wrote more than 30 books, including her 1974 debut '' The Cat Ate My Gymsuit'', for children's and young adult audiences. At the time of her death, all her ...

: Young Adult: '' Stranger with My Face'', by

1985 : Primary: ''Herbie's Troubles'', written by Carol Chapman, illustrated by Kelly Oechsli : Intermediate: ''

The Indian in the Cupboard ''The Indian in the Cupboard'' is a low fantasy children's novel by the British writer Lynne Reid Banks. It was published in 1980 with illustrations by Robin Jacques (UK) and Brock Cole (US). It was later adapted as a 1995 children's film o ...

'', by Lynne Reid Banks : Middle School/Junior High: ''Taking Terri Mueller'', by

Norma Fox Mazer Norma Fox Mazer (May 15, 1931 – October 17, 2009) was an American author and teacher, best known for her books for children and young adults. Her novels featured credible young characters confronting difficult situations such as family separati ...

: Young Adult: ''The Truth Trap'', by Frances Miller 1986 : Primary: ''Space Case'', written by Edward Marshall, illustrated by James Marshall : Intermediate: ''Nothing's Fair in Fifth Grade'', by Barthe DeClements : Middle School/Junior High: ''Girl with the Silver Eyes'', by

Willo Davis Roberts Willo Davis Roberts (May 29, 1928 – November 19, 2004) was an American writer, known primarily for children's mystery and suspense novels. Biography Willo Louise Davis was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In 1949, she married David W. Roberts. ...

: Young Adult: '' The Darkangel'', by Meredith Pierce Beginning in 1987, the illustrators of Primary Award-winning books have officially received full recognition alongside the writers. 1987 : Primary: ''The Napping House'', written by

Audrey Wood Audrey Wood (born August 12, 1948) is an American children's author. Wood resides in Santa Barbara, California. Biography Wood's first memories of storytelling were in Sarasota, Florida, where her father was employed by Ringling Brother ...

, illustrated by Don Wood : Intermediate: ''The Dollhouse Murders'', by

Betty Ren Wright Betty Ren Wright (June 15, 1927 – December 31, 2013) was an American writer of children's fiction including '' Christina's Ghost'', ''The Dollhouse Murders'', ''The Ghosts Of Mercy Manor'' and ''A Ghost in The House''. Background Wright l ...

: Middle School/Junior High: ''You Shouldn't Have to Say Goodbye'', by Patricia Hermes : Young Adult: ''Pursuit'', by Michael French 1988 : Primary: ''

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie ''If You Give a Mouse a Cookie'' is a children's book written by Laura Numeroff and illustrated by Felicia Bond, first published in 1985 by Harper and Row. Described as a "circular tale", illustrating a slippery slope, it is Numeroff and Bond ...

'', written by Laura Joffe Numeroff, illustrated by Felicia Bond : Intermediate: ''Be a Perfect Person in Just Three Days'', by

Stephen Manes Stephen Manes (born January 8, 1949) is the author of the 2011 nonfiction book ''Where Snowflakes Dance and Swear: Inside the Land of Ballet.'' Its subject, the workings of a ballet company, marked a significant departure for an author best known f ...

: Middle School/Junior High: '' The Root Cellar'', by

Janet Lunn Janet Louise Lunn, (''née'' Swoboda; December 28, 1928 – June 26, 2017) was a Canadian children's writer. Early life and education Lunn was born in Dallas, Texas; she moved with her family to Vermont when she was an infant. In 1938, sh ...

: Young Adult, '' Interstellar Pig'', by

William Sleator William Warner Sleator III (February 13, 1945 – August 3, 2011), known as William Sleator, was an American science fiction author who wrote primarily young adult novels but also wrote for younger readers. His books typically deal with adolescent ...

1989 : Primary: ''What Happened to Patrick's Dinosaurs?'', written by Carol Carrick, illustrated by Donald Carrick : Intermediate: '' The Castle in the Attic'', by Elizabeth Winthrop : Middle School/Junior High: ''The Stalker'', by

Joan Lowery Nixon Joan Lowery Nixon (February 3, 1927 – June 28, 2003) was an American journalist and author, specializing in historical fiction and mysteries for children and young adults. Biography Joan Lowery was born on February 3, 1927, in Los Angeles, ...

: Young Adult: ''The Face at the Edge of the World'', by

Eve Bunting Anne Evelyn Bunting (née Bolton) (born December 19, 1928), also known as Eve Bunting, is a Northern Ireland-born American writer of more than 250 books. Her work covers a broad array of subjects and includes fiction and non-fiction books. Her n ...

1990s

1990 : Primary: ''Eyes of the Dragon'', written by Margaret Leaf, illustrated by Ed Young : Intermediate: ''The War with Grandpa'', by

Robert Kimmel Smith Robert Kimmel Smith (July 31, 1930 – April 18, 2020) was a novelist and award-winning American children's author. Smith was born in Brooklyn, New York and first learned to read from his mother Sally. Smith was inspired to become a writer at age ...

: Middle School/Junior High: ''The Other Side of Dark'', by

: Young Adult: ''Izzy, Willy Nilly'', by

Cynthia Voigt Cynthia Voigt (born February 25, 1942) is an American writer of books for young adults dealing with various topics such as adventure, mystery, racism and child abuse. Her first book in the Tillerman family series, ''Homecoming'', was nominated ...

1991 : Primary: ''Tacky the Penguin'', written by Helen Lester, illustrated by Lynn M. Munsinger : Intermediate: ''Harry's Mad'', by

Dick King-Smith Ronald Gordon King-Smith OBE (27 March 1922 – 4 January 2011), was an English writer of children's books, primarily using the pen name Dick King-Smith. He is best known for ''The Sheep-Pig'' (1983). It was adapted as the movie ''Babe'' (1995 ...

: Middle School/Junior High: ''December Stillness'', by

Mary Downing Hahn Mary Downing Hahn (born December 9, 1937) is an American writer of young adult novels and a former school librarian. She is known for books such as ''Stepping On The Cracks'' and ''Wait Till Helen Comes''. She published her first book in 1979 and ...

: Young Adult: ''Night Kites'', by M.E. Kerr 1992 : Primary: ''Never Spit on Your Shoes'', by Denys Cazet : Intermediate: '' All About Sam'', by

: Middle School/Junior High: ''Sniper'', by Theodore Taylor : Young Adult: ''A Sudden Silence'', by

1993 : Primary: ''Julius, the Baby of the World'', by

Kevin Henkes Kevin Henkes (born November 27, 1960) is an American writer and illustrator of children's books. As an illustrator he won the Caldecott Medal for '' Kitten's First Full Moon'' (2004). Two of his books were Newbery Medal Honor Books, '' Olive's Oc ...

: Intermediate: '' Fudge-a-Mania'', by

: Middle School/Junior High: '' Something Upstairs'', by

Avi Avi is a given name, usually masculine, often a diminutive of Avram, Avraham, etc. It is sometimes feminine and a diminutive of the Hebrew spelling of Abigail. People with the given name include: * Avi (born 1937), Newbery award-winning Americ ...

: Young Adult: '' The Silver Kiss'', by

Annette Curtis Klause Annette Curtis Klause (born June 20, 1953) is an English-American writer and librarian, specializing in young adult fiction. She is currently a children's materials selector for Montgomery County Public Libraries in Montgomery County, Maryland ...

1994 : Primary: ''High-Wire Henry'', written by Mary Calhoun, illustrated by Erick Ingraham : Intermediate: ''Scared Stiff'', by

: Middle School/Junior High: ''

There's a Girl in My Hammerlock ''There's a Girl in My Hammerlock'' is a 1991 young adult novel by Jerry Spinelli. Plot Maisie Potter tries out for the wrestling team in her junior high to get close to a boy she likes, but she soon finds out that what she really loves is the s ...

'', by

Jerry Spinelli Jerry Spinelli (born February 1, 1941) is an American writer of children's novels that feature adolescence and early adulthood. His novels include '' Maniac Magee'', '' Stargirl'', and ''Wringer''. Life Spinelli was born in Norristown, Penns ...

: Young Adult: '' We All Fall Down'', by

Robert Cormier Robert Edmund Cormier (January 17, 1925 – November 2, 2000) was an American author and journalist, known for his deeply pessimistic novels, many of which were written for young adults. Recurring themes include abuse, mental illness, violence, ...

1995 : Primary: '' Martha Speaks'', by Susan Meddaugh : Intermediate: ''Stonewords'', by Pam Conrad : Middle School/Junior High: ''Rescue Josh McGuire'', by Ben Mikaelsen : Young Adult: ''Downriver'', by

Will Hobbs Will Hobbs (born 1947) is the American author of twenty novels for upper elementary, middle school and young adult readers, as well as two picture book stories. Hobbs credits his sense of audience to his fourteen years of teaching reading and Eng ...

1996 : Primary: '' Stellaluna'', by

Janell Cannon Janell Cannon is an American children's author and illustrator. Her first book, '' Stellaluna'' (1993), about a baby fruit bat, has been included in the National Education Association and School Library Journal's list of 100 best children's books ...

: Intermediate: ''Time for Andrew'', by

: Middle School/Junior High: ''

Freak the Mighty ''Freak the Mighty'' is a young adult novel by Rodman Philbrick. Published in 1993, it was followed by the novel '' Max the Mighty'' in 1998. The primary characters are friends Maxwell Kane, a large, developmentally disabled, but kind-hearted ...

'', by

Rodman Philbrick Rodman Philbrick (born January 22, 1951) is an American writer of novels for adults and children. He has written popular children's books such as ''Freak the Mighty'', Max the Mighty, The Last Book on Earth and has written other mysteries and thr ...

: Young Adult: ''

Shadow of the Dragon A shadow is a dark area where light from a light source is blocked by an opaque object. It occupies all of the three-dimensional volume behind an object with light in front of it. The cross section of a shadow is a two-dimensional silhouette, ...

'', by Sherry Garland 1997 : Primary: ''Don't Fidget a Feather!'', written by Erica Silverman, illustrated by S. D. Schindler : Intermediate: ''Jennifer Murdley's Toad'', by

Bruce Coville Bruce Farrington Coville (, born May 16, 1950) is an author of young adult fiction. Coville was first published in 1977 and has written over 100 books. Biography Coville was born on May 16, 1950, in Syracuse, New York, where he resided . Bru ...

: Middle School/Junior High: ''Sparrow Hawk Red'', by Ben Mikaelsen : Young Adult: '' Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes'', by

Chris Crutcher Chris Crutcher (born July 17, 1946) is an American novelist and a family therapist. He received the Margaret A. Edwards Award from the American Library Association in 2000 for his lifetime contribution in writing for teens. Biography Crutcher w ...

1998 : Primary: ''Dog Breath'', by

Dav Pilkey David "Dav" Murray Pilkey Jr. (; born March 4, 1966) is an American cartoonist, author, and illustrator of children's literature. He is best known as the author and illustrator of the children's book series, ''Captain Underpants'', and the chil ...

: Intermediate: ''The Junkyard Dog'', by Erika Tamar : Middle School/Junior High: ''

The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963 ''The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963'' is a historical-fiction novel by Christopher Paul Curtis. First published in 1995 by Delacorte Press, it was reprinted in 1997. It tells the story of the Watsons, a lower middle class African-American fa ...

'', by

Christopher Paul Curtis Christopher Paul Curtis (born May 10, 1953)Judy Levin, Allison Stark Draper, ''Christopher Paul Curtis'' (The Rosen Publishing Group, 2005), , p. 84. Excerptsat Google Books. Retrieved 2015-07-25. is an American children's book author. His f ...

: Young Adult: ''

Ironman Iron Man, Ironman or Ironmen may refer to: *Nathaniel "Iron Man" Avery (1939–1985), American caddie for Arnold Palmer *Travis Fulton (1977–2021), American mixed martial arts fighter *Gunnar Graps (1951–2004), Estonian musician * Mick Murphy ...

'', by

1999 : Primary: ''Livingstone Mouse'', written by Pamela Duncan Edwards, illustrated by

Henry Cole Sir Henry Cole FRSA (15 July 1808 – 18 April 1882) was a British civil servant and inventor who facilitated many innovations in commerce and education in the 19th century in the United Kingdom. Cole is credited with devising the concept of ...

: Intermediate: ''The 13th Floor'', written by

Sid Fleischman Albert Sidney Fleischman (born Avron Zalmon Fleischman; March 16, 1920 – March 17, 2010) was an American author of children's books, screenplays, novels for adults, and nonfiction books about stage magic. His works for children are known for ...

, illustrated by

Peter Sis Peter may refer to: People * List of people named Peter, a list of people and fictional characters with the given name * Peter (given name) ** Saint Peter (died 60s), apostle of Jesus, leader of the early Christian Church * Peter (surname), a su ...

: Middle School/Junior High: '' Under the Blood Red Sun'', by

Graham Salisbury Graham Salisbury (born April 11, 1944) is an American children's writer. His best known work is '' Under the Blood Red Sun'', a historical novel that features a Japanese-American boy and his family during World War II. Under the name Sandy Sali ...

: Young Adult: ''The Only Alien on the Planet'', by Kristen Randle

2000s

2000 : Primary: ''Lost'', written by Paul Brett Johnson and Celeste Lewis, illustrated by Johnson : Intermediate: ''Riding Freedom'', by Pam Muñoz Ryan : Middle School/Junior High: ''

Ella Enchanted ''Ella Enchanted'' is a Newbery HonorGail Carson Levine Gail Carson Levine (born September 17, 1947) is an American author of young adult books. Her second novel, ''Ella Enchanted'', received a Newbery Honor in 1998.

: Young Adult: ''Breaking Bones'', by A. M. Jenkins 2001 : Primary: ''Grandpa's Teeth'', by Rod Clement : Intermediate: '' Honus & Me'', by

Dan Gutman Dan Gutman (born October 19, 1955) is an American writer, primarily of children's fiction. His works include the '' Baseball Card Adventures'' children's book series that began with '' Honus & Me'', and the '' My Weird School'' series. Early li ...

: Middle School/Junior High: ''

Among the Hidden ''Among the Hidden'' by Margaret Peterson Haddix is a young adult novel published on September 1, 1998 and is the first book in the ''Shadow Children'' series. The book tells the story of a fictional future in which drastic measures have been ...

'', by

Margaret Peterson Haddix Margaret Peterson Haddix (born April 9, 1964) is an American writer known best for the two children's series, ''Shadow Children'' (1998–2006) and ''The Missing'' (2008–2015). She also wrote the tenth volume in the multiple-author series '' ...

: Young Adult: '' Armageddon Summer'', by

Jane Yolen Jane Hyatt Yolen (born February 11, 1939) is an American writer of fantasy, science fiction, and children's books. She is the author or editor of more than 350 books, of which the best known is '' The Devil's Arithmetic'', a Holocaust novella. H ...

and

2002 : Primary: ''Hooway for Wodney Wat'', written by Helen Lester, illustrated by Lynn M. Munsinger : Intermediate: '' The Million Dollar Shot'', by

: Middle School/Junior High: '' Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key'', by

Jack Gantos Jack Gantos (born July 2, 1951) is an American author of children's books. He is best known for the fictional characters Rotten Ralph and Joey Pigza. Rotten Ralph is a cat who stars in twenty picture books written by Gantos and illustrated by ...

: Young Adult: ''Bad'', by

Jean Ferris Jean Ferris (January 24, 1939 – October 30, 2015) was an American writer best known for young adult fiction. She lived in San Diego, California, with her husband, a retired lawyer. Biography Ferris was born in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. She st ...

: Picture Books for Older Readers: '' Weslandia'', by

Paul Fleischman Paul Fleischman (born 1952) is an American writer of children's books. He and his father Sid Fleischman have both won the Newbery Medal from the American Library Association recognizing the year's "most distinguished contribution to American lit ...

2003 : Primary: ''I Will Never, Not Ever, Eat a Tomato'', by

Lauren Child Lauren Margot Peachy Child (born Helen Child; 29 November 1965) is an English children's author and illustrator. She is best known for the Charlie and Lola picture book series and other book series. Her influences include E. H. Shepard, Quent ...

: Intermediate: ''

Because of Winn-Dixie ''Because of Winn-Dixie'' is a 2000 children's novel written by Kate DiCamillo. It was adapted as a 2005 family film directed by Wayne Wang, produced by Walden Media and Twentieth Century Fox, and starring AnnaSophia Robb as Opal Buloni.

'', by

Kate DiCamillo Katrina Elizabeth DiCamillo (born March 25, 1964) is an American children's fiction author. She has published over 25 novels, including '' Because of Winn-Dixie'', ''The Tiger Rising'', ''The Tale of Despereaux'', ''The Miraculous Journey ...

: Middle School/Junior High: '' Touching Spirit Bear'', by Ben Mikaelsen : Young Adult: ''Define "Normal"'', by

Julie Anne Peters Julie Anne Peters (born January 16, 1952) is an American author of young adult fiction. Peters has published 20 works, mostly novels, geared Children's literature, toward children and adolescents, many of which feature LGBT characters. In additio ...

: Picture Books for Older Readers: ''The Babe and I'', by David A. Adler 2004 : Primary: ''A Fine, Fine School'', written by

Sharon Creech Sharon Creech (born July 29, 1945) is an American writer of children's novels. She was the first American winner of the Carnegie Medal for British children's books and the first person to win both the American Newbery Medal and the British C ...

, illustrated by

Harry Bliss Harry Bliss (born March 9, 1964, in Rochester, New York) is an American cartoonist and illustrator. Bliss has illustrated many books, and produced hundreds of cartoons and 25 covers for ''The New Yorker''. Bliss has a syndicated single-panel comi ...

: Intermediate: ''

The School Story ''The School Story'' is a children's novel by Andrew Clements, published in 2001. It is about two twelve-year-old girls who try to get a school story The school story is a fiction genre centring on older pre-adolescent and adolescent school ...

'', by

Andrew Clements Andrew Elborn Clements (May 29, 1949 – November 28, 2019) was an American author of children's literature. His debut novel ''Frindle'' won an award determined by the vote of U.S. schoolchildren in about 20 different U.S. states. In June 2015, ...

: Middle School/Junior High: '' Flipped'', by Wendelin Van Draanen : Young Adult: ''

Ties that Bind, Ties that Break ''Ties That Bind, Ties That Break'' is a young adult novel by Lensey Namioka, published in 1999. The novel tells the story of a girl who defied tradition in China in the early 1900s and later moved to the United States. It received the Washington ...

'', by

Lensey Namioka Lensey Namioka () ( or ; born June 14, 1929) is a Chinese-born American writer of books for young adults and children. She writes about China and Chinese American families, as well as Japan, her husband's native country. Early life and education ...

: Picture Books for Older Readers: ''And the Dish Ran Away with the Spoon'', by Janet Stevens 2005 : Primary: ''Muncha! Muncha! Muncha!'', written by

Candace Fleming Candace Groth Fleming (born May 24, 1962) is an American writer of children's books, both fiction and non-fiction. She is the author of more than twenty books for children and young adults, including the ''Los Angeles Times'' Book Prize-honored ' ...

, illustrated by G. Brian Karas : Intermediate: '' Ruby Holler'', by

: Middle School/Junior High: '' Things Not Seen'', by

: Young Adult: ''

Stormbreaker ''Stormbreaker'' is a young adult action-adventure book written by British author Anthony Horowitz, and is the first novel in the ''Alex Rider'' series. The book was released in the United Kingdom on the 4th of September 2000, and in United S ...

'', by

Anthony Horowitz Anthony John Horowitz, (born 5 April 1955) is an English novelist and screenwriter specialising in mystery and suspense. His works for children and young adult readers include ''The Diamond Brothers'' series, the '' Alex Rider'' series, and '' ...

: Picture Books for Older Readers: '' Mr. Lincoln's Way'', by

Patricia Polacco Patricia Barber Polacco (born July 11, 1944) is an American author and illustrator. Throughout her school years, Polacco struggled with reading but found relief by expressing herself through art. Polacco endured teasing and hid her disability un ...

2006 : Primary: ''Miss Smith's Incredible Storybook'', by Michael Garland : Intermediate: '' The Good Dog'', by

: Middle School/Junior High: ''12 Again'', by Sue Corbett : Young Adult: ''After'', by

Francine Prose Francine Prose (born April 1, 1947) is an American novelist, short story writer, essayist, and critic. She is a visiting professor of literature at Bard College, and was formerly president of PEN American Center. Life and career Born in Brookl ...

: Picture Books for Older Readers: ''Boxes for Katje'', written by Candace Fleming, illustrated by Stacey Dressen-McQueen 2007 : Primary: ''My Lucky Day'', by Keiko Kasza : Intermediate: ''Christopher Mouse'', by William Wise : Middle School/Junior High: ''

Al Capone Does My Shirts ''Al Capone Does My Shirts'' is a historical fiction novel for young adults by the author Gennifer Choldenko. In the book, Moose Flanagan and his family move from Santa Monica to Alcatraz Island when his father takes a new job as an electrician ...

'', by

Gennifer Choldenko Gennifer Choldenko (born October 20, 1957) is an American writer of popular books for children and adolescents. Awards '' Al Capone Does My Shirts'' was a finalist for both the British Carnegie Medal and the American Newbery Medal The John ...

: Young Adult: ''Shattering Glass'', by Gail Giles : Picture Books for Older Readers: ''The Cats in Krasinski Square'', written by

Karen Hesse Karen S. Hesse (born August 29, 1952) is an American author of children's literature and literature for young adults, often with historical settings. She won the Newbery Medal for ''Out of the Dust'' (1997). Early years and education Karen Hesse ...

, illustrated by Wendy Watson 2008 : Primary: ''Superdog: The Heart of a Hero'', written by Caralyn Buehner, illustrated by

Mark Buehner Mark Buehner (born 1959 in Salt Lake City) is an illustrator of children's books. Buehner has illustrated award-winning children's books such as ''Snowmen at Night'', ''Fanny's Dream'', ''Superdog'', ''The Adventures of Taxi Dog'', ''The Escape of ...

: Intermediate: '' Each Little Bird That Sings'', by

Deborah Wiles Deborah Wiles (born May 5, 1953, Mobile, Alabama, United States) is a children's book author. Her second novel, '' Each Little Bird That Sings'', was a 2005 National Book Award finalist. Her documentary novel, ''Revolution'', was a 2014 Nationa ...

: Middle School/Junior High: '' The Schwa Was Here'', by

Neal Shusterman Neal Shusterman (born November 12, 1962) is an American writer of young-adult fiction. He won the 2015 National Book Award for Young People's Literature for his book ''Challenger Deep'' and his novel, ''Scythe'', was a 2017 '' Michael L. Prin ...

: Young Adult: ''

Private Peaceful ''Private Peaceful'' is a novel for older children by British author Michael Morpurgo first published in 2003. It is about a fictional young soldier called Thomas "Tommo" Peaceful, who is looking back on his life from the trenches of World Wa ...

'', by

Michael Morpurgo Sir Michael Andrew Bridge Morpurgo (''né'' Bridge; 5 October 1943) is an English book author, poet, playwright, and librettist who is known best for children's novels such as '' War Horse'' (1982). His work is noted for its "magical storytelli ...

: Picture Books for Older Readers: ''Mr. Maxwell's Mouse'', written by Frank Asch, illustrated by Devin Asch 2009 : Primary: ''Stanley's Wild Ride'', written by Linda Bailey, illustrated by Bill Slavin : Intermediate: ''Sheep'', by Valerie Hobbs : Middle School/Junior High: ''

Heat In thermodynamics, heat is defined as the form of energy crossing the boundary of a thermodynamic system by virtue of a temperature difference across the boundary. A thermodynamic system does not ''contain'' heat. Nevertheless, the term is ...

'', by

Mike Lupica Michael Lupica (; born May 11, 1952) is an author and former American newspaper columnist, best known for his provocative commentary on sports in the ''New York Daily News'' and his appearances on ESPN. Biography Lupica was born in Oneida, ...

: Young Adult: ''

Sold Sold may refer to: * ''Sold'' (Boy George album), 1987 * ''Sold'' (Died Pretty album), 1996 * ''Sold'' (TV series), a British comedy drama television series * ''Sold'' (McCormick novel), a 2006 novel by Patricia McCormick and Illustrated by Br ...

'', by Patricia McCormick : Picture Books for Older Readers: ''Mystery at the Club Sandwich'', written and illustrated by

Doug Cushman Doug Cushman (born May 4, 1953) is an artist who has worked as a cartoonist and a book illustrator. He is also the author of a series of children's books. Life and career Doug Cushman was born in Springfield, Ohio, and moved to Connecticut with h ...

2010s

2010 : Primary: ''Millie Waits for the Mail'', by Alexander Steffensmeier : Intermediate: ''

No Talking ''No Talking'' is a children's novel written by Andrew Clements and published in 2007. Plot The novel ''No Talking'' by Andrew Clements centers around a group of boisterous fifth-grade boys and girls at Laketon Elementary School who engage ...

'', by

: Middle School/Junior High: '' Alabama Moon'', by

Watt Key Albert Watkins Key, Jr., publishing under the name Watt Key and Albert Key, is an American fiction author who is known for writing young-adult survival fiction. A resident of Alabama, his debut novel '' Alabama Moon'' was published by Farrar, S ...

: Young Adult: ''

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian ''The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian'' is a first-person narrative novel by Sherman Alexie, from the perspective of a Native American teenager, Arnold Spirit Jr., also known as "Junior", a 14-year-old promising cartoonist. The book is ...

'', by

Sherman Alexie Sherman Joseph Alexie Jr. (born October 7, 1966) is a Spokane- Coeur d'Alene-Native American novelist, short story writer, poet, screenwriter, and filmmaker. His writings draw on his experiences as an Indigenous American with ancestry from se ...

: Picture Books for Older Readers: ''Owney: The Mail-Pouch Pooch'', written by Mona Kerby, illustrated by

Lynne Barasch Lynne Barasch is an American children's book illustrator and author. Work Lynne Barasch was born in New York City and grew up in Woodmere, New York. She studied at Rhode Island School of Design for one year. Barasch holds a BFA from Parsons S ...

2011 : Primary: ''Martina the Beautiful Cockroach'', written by Carmen Agra Deedy, illustrated by Michael Austin : Intermediate: '' Zorgamazoo'', by Robert Paul Weston : Middle School/Junior High: ''Cracker: The Best Dog in Vietnam'', by Cynthia Kadohata : Young Adult: ''

The Hunger Games ''The Hunger Games'' is a series of young adult dystopian novels written by American author Suzanne Collins. The first three novels are part of a trilogy following teenage protagonist Katniss Everdeen, and the fourth book is a prequel set 6 ...

'', by

Suzanne Collins Suzanne Collins (born August 10, 1962) is an American author and television writer. She is known as the author of the book series '' The Underland Chronicles'' and ''The Hunger Games''. Early life Suzanne Collins was born on August 10, 1962, i ...

: Picture Books for Older Readers: '' John, Paul, George & Ben'', written and illustrated by

Lane Smith Walter Lane Smith III (April 29, 1936 – June 13, 2005) was an American actor. His well-known roles included newspaper editor Perry White in the ABC series '' Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman'', Walter Warner in ''Son in Law'', coll ...

2012 : Primary: '' I Need My Monster'', written by Amanda Noll, illustrated by Howard McWilliam : Intermediate: ''Violet Raines Almost Got Struck by Lightning'', by Danette Haworth : Middle School/Junior High: '' Every Soul a Star'', by Wendy Mass. : Young Adult: ''

Graceling ''Graceling'' is a young adult fantasy novel written by American author Kristin Cashore, her literary debut. The book earned a place on the Publishers Weekly Best Books of the Year for 2008 and received generally favorable reviews. It was follo ...

'', by

Kristin Cashore Kristin Cashore (born 1976) is an American young adult and fantasy writer, best known for the Graceling Realm series. Early life Cashore grew up in the Pennsylvania countryside, the second of four daughters. She has a bachelor's degree from Wil ...

: Picture Books for Older Readers: ''Henry's Freedom Box'', written by Ellen Levine, illustrated by

Kadir Nelson Kadir Nelson (May 15, 1974) is a Los Angeles–based painter, illustrator, and author who is best known for his paintings often featured on the covers of ''The New Yorker'' magazine, and album covers for Michael Jackson and Drake. His work is foc ...

2013 : Primary: ''We Are in a Book!'', written and illustrated by

Mo Willems Mo Willems (born February 11, 1968) is an American writer, animator, voice actor, and children's book author. His work includes creating the animated television series ''Sheep in the Big City'' for Cartoon Network, working on ''Sesame Street'' a ...

: Intermediate: ''The Giant Slayer'', by

Iain Lawrence Iain Lawrence (born 1955) is a bestselling Canadian author for children and young adults. In 2007 he won a 2007 Governor General's Awards, Governor General’s Literary Award in Children’s Literature for ''Gemini Summer''. Biography Lawrence was ...

: Middle School/Junior High: ''Out of My Mind'', by

Sharon Draper Sharon Mills Draper (born August 21, 1948) is an American children's writer, professional educator, and the 1997 National Teacher of the Year. She is a five-time winner of the Coretta Scott King Award for books about the young and adolescent Afric ...

: Young Adult: '' Matched'', by

Ally Condie Allyson Braithwaite Condie is an author of young adult and middle grade fiction."Ally Cond ...

: Picture Books for Older Readers: ''Nubs: The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine and a Miracle'', written by Major Brian Dennis,

Kirby Larson Kirby Lane Larson from Kenmore, Washington is an American writer of children's books including Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award-winner ''The Magic Kerchief'', illustrated by Rosanne Litzinger. Her book, '' Hattie Big Sky'', was a finalist fo ...

, and Mary Nethery, illustrated with photographs by members of the Marines team 2014 : Primary: ''Press Here'', written and illustrated by Herve Tullet : Intermediate: '' The Unwanteds'', by Lisa McMann : Middle School/Junior High: '' Wonderstruck'', by Brian Selznick : Young Adult: '' Divergent'', by

Veronica Roth Veronica Anne Roth (born August 19, 1988) is an American novelist and short story writer, known for her bestselling ''Divergent'' trilogy which has sold more than 35 million copies worldwide. Personal life Veronica Roth was born on August 19, ...

: Picture Books for Older Readers: '' Queen of the Falls'', written and illustrated by

Chris Van Allsburg Chris Van Allsburg (born June 18, 1949) is an American illustrator and writer of children's books. He has won two Caldecott Medals for U.S. picture book illustration, for ''Jumanji'' (1981) and ''The Polar Express'' (1985), both of which he al ...

2015 : Primary: ''Exclamation Mark'', written by

Amy Krouse Rosenthal Amy Krouse Rosenthal (April 29, 1965 – March 13, 2017) was an American author of both adult and children's books, a short film maker, and radio show host. She is best known for her memoir ''Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life'', her children's pic ...

, illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld : Intermediate: '' Wonder'', by R. J. Palacio : Middle School/Junior High: ''The False Prince'', by

Jennifer A. Nielsen Jennifer Anne Nielsen (born July 10, 1971) is an American author known primarily for young adult fiction. Her works include the ''Ascendance Series'', ''Behind Enemy Lines'' (one of the books in the Infinity Ring series), ''The Mark of the Thie ...

: Young Adult: '' The Fault in Our Stars'', by

John Green John Michael Green (born August 24, 1977) is an American author, YouTube content creator, podcaster, and philanthropist. His books have more than 50 million copies in print worldwide, including '' The Fault in Our Stars'' (2012), which is ...

: Picture Books for Older Readers: ''Brothers at Bat: The True Story of an Amazing All-Brother Team'', written by Audrey Vernick, illustrated by Steven Salerno 2016 : Primary: ''The Day the Crayons Quit'', written by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by

Oliver Jeffers Oliver Brendan Jeffers (born 1977) is a Northern Irish artist, illustrator and writer who now lives and works in Brooklyn. He went to the integrated secondary school Hazelwood College, then graduated from the University of Ulster in 2001. ...

: Intermediate: ''A Dog Called Homeless'', by Sarah Lean : Middle School/Junior High: ''Dogtag Summer'', by

Elizabeth Partridge Elizabeth Partridge (born September 1, 1951) is an American writer, the author of more than a dozen books from young-adult nonfiction to picture books to photography books. Her books include ''Marching for Freedom'' (2009, Viking), as well the b ...

: Young Adult: ''

Cinder Cinder is an alternate term for scoria. Cinder or Cinders may also refer to: In computing *Cinder (programming library), a C++ programming library for visualization *Cinder, OpenStack's block storage component * Cyber Insider Threat, CINDER, a ...

'', by

Marissa Meyer Marissa Meyer (born February 19, 1984) is an American novelist. Her debut novel, '' Cinder,'' was released on January 3, 2012. It is the first in her series ''The Lunar Chronicles''. Early life and education Meyer was born in Tacoma, Washingto ...

: Picture Books for Older Readers: ''Helen's Big World: The Life of Helen Keller'', written by Doreen Rappaport, illustrated by Matt Tavares 2017 : Primary: '' Sam & Dave Dig a Hole'', written by Mac Barnett, illustrated by

Jon Klassen Jon Klassen (born November 29, 1981) is a Canadian writer and illustrator of children's books and an animator. He won both the American Caldecott Medal and the British Kate Greenaway Medal for children's book illustration, recognizing the 2012 ...

: Intermediate: '' Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library'', by

Chris Grabenstein Christopher Grabenstein is an American author. He published his first novel in 2005. Since then he has written novels for both adults and children, the latter often with frequent collaborator James Patterson. He graduated from the University of Te ...

: Middle School/Junior High: ''Keeper of the Lost Cities'', by

Shannon Messenger Shannon Messenger is an American author. She writes the middle-grade series '' Keeper of the Lost Cities'', which was a ''New York Times'' bestseller; ''Unlocked'', book 8.5 in the series, reached number 8 on USA Today's list in 2020. She also ...

: Young Adult: '' Red Queen'', by Victoria Aveyard : Picture Books for Older Readers: ''Each Kindness'', written by

Jacqueline Woodson Jacqueline Woodson (born February 12, 1963) is an American writer of books for children and adolescents. She is best known for ''Miracle's Boys'', and her Newbery Honor-winning titles ''Brown Girl Dreaming'', ''After Tupac and D Foster'', ''Feat ...

, illustrated by E. B. Lewis 2018 : Primary: ''The Book with No Pictures'', by B. J. Novak : Intermediate: ''Pax'', written by

Sara Pennypacker Sara Pennypacker (born 1951) is a ''New York Times'' bestselling American author of children's literature. She has written more than twenty children's books, including ''Pax'', ''Pax Journey Home'', ''Here in the Real World'', ''Summer of the Gypsy ...

, illustrated by

: Middle School/Junior High: ''A Night Divided'', by

: Young Adult: ''

Salt to the Sea ''Salt to the Sea'' is a 2016 historical fiction young adult novel by Ruta Sepetys (book cover illustration and design by Matt Jones i UK). It tells the story of four individuals in World War II who make their way to the ill-fated MV ''Wilhelm ...

'', by

Ruta Sepetys Ruta Sepetys ( lt, Rūta Šepetys; born November 19, 1967) is a Lithuanian-American writer of historical fiction. As an author, she is a ''New York Times'' and international bestseller and winner of the Carnegie Medal. She is a Rockefeller Foun ...

: Picture Books for Older Readers: ''Barbed Wire Baseball'', written by Marissa Moss, illustrated by

Yuko Shimizu is the Japanese designer who created Hello Kitty. She was born in Japan. After graduating from Musashino Art University, she joined Sanrio. She designed the first original Sanrio character, Coro Chan This is a list of characters from Sanrio, ...

2019 : Primary: ''The Bear and the Piano'', written and illustrated by David Litchfield : Intermediate: ''

The War That Saved My Life ''The War That Saved My Life'', by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, is a 2015 children’s historical novel published by Dial Books for Young Readers. In 2016, it was a Newbery Honor Book and was named to the Bank Street Children's Book Committee's ...

'', by

Kimberly Brubaker Bradley Kimberly Brubaker Bradley (born June 24, 1967) is an American children's and young adult book author. In 2016, her children's book ''The War That Saved My Life'' received the Newbery Honor Award and was named to the Bank Street Children's Book ...

: Middle School/Junior High: ''

Echo In audio signal processing and acoustics, an echo is a reflection of sound that arrives at the listener with a delay after the direct sound. The delay is directly proportional to the distance of the reflecting surface from the source and the lis ...

'', by Pam Muñoz Ryan : Young Adult: ''Written in the Stars'', by Aisha Saeed : Picture Books for Older Readers: ''Emmanuel's Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah'', written by Laurie Ann Thompson, illustrated by Sean Qualls

2020s

2020 : Primary: ''The Legend of Rock, Paper, Scissors'', written by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by

Adam Rex Adam Michael Rex (born May 16, 1973) is an American illustrator and author of children's books from Tucson, Arizona. Career Adam Rex received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Arizona. He has contributed illustrations to '' Magic: ...

: Intermediate: ''The War I Finally Won'', by

: Middle School/Junior High: ''

Refugee A refugee, conventionally speaking, is a displaced person who has crossed national borders and who cannot or is unwilling to return home due to well-founded fear of persecution.

'', by

Alan Gratz Alan Michael Gratz (born January 27, 1972) is the author of 17 novels for young adults including ''Prisoner B-3087'', ''Code of Honor'', ''Grenade'', ''Something Rotten'', and ''Refugee''. Alan Gratz was born in Knoxville, Tennessee. He holds a ...

: Young Adult: ''

Scythe A scythe ( ) is an agriculture, agricultural hand tool for mowing grass or Harvest, harvesting Crop, crops. It is historically used to cut down or reaping, reap edible grain, grains, before the process of threshing. The scythe has been largely ...

'', by

: Picture Books for Older Readers: ''Her Right Foot'', written by

Dave Eggers Dave Eggers (born March 12, 1970) is an American writer, editor, and publisher. He wrote the 2000 best-selling memoir ''A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius''. Eggers is also the founder of ''Timothy McSweeney's Quarterly Concern'', a lite ...

, illustrated by Shawn Harris 2021 : Primary: ''Poor Louie'', written and illustrated by Tony Fucile : Intermediate: ''Restart'', by

Gordon Korman Gordon Korman (born October 23, 1963) is a Canadian American author. Korman has written 100 children's and young adult fiction books. Korman's books have sold more than 30 million copies worldwide over a career spanning four decades and have appe ...

: Middle School/Junior High: ''Lily and Dunkin'', by Donna Gephart : Young Adult: ''All We Have Left'', by Wendy Mills : Picture Books for Older Readers: ''Sergeant Reckless'', written by Patricia McCormick, illustrated by Iacopo Bruno

Notes

References

{{reflist , 25em , refs= {{cite web , url=http://www.californiayoungreadermedal.org , title=(Home page) , website=California Young Reader Medal , date=May 1, 2015 , accessdate= 2015-05-01
The home page covers the current cycle below a short introduction. As of May 18, 2015, for example, it presents the five 2015 medal winners and the 17 books that are on the 2016 ballots. "Nominees"
CYRM. Retrieved 2015-05-18. Linked front cover images 2010–2011 to present. "Vote"
CYRM. Retrieved 2015-05-18. {{cite web , url=http://www.californiayoungreadermedal.org/winners/ , title=Winners , publisher=CYRM , accessdate=2021-08-12 Linked front cover images 2011 to present. {{cite web , url=https://docs.google.com/document/d/1V-a7zTELCP3xeV2EdwqwyY_2jNNcBoQX1Wo2BjmnUBs/edit?pli=1#heading=h.ht90hppph9f9 , title=California Young Reader Medal Nominees and Winners List , publisher=CYRM (at google.docs) , accessdate=2015-05-18