2020 Medal Winner
The Undefeated, illustrated by Kadir Nelson, written by Kwame Alexander and published by Versify, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Kadir Nelson’s rich illustrations amplify Kwame Alexander’s poetic tribute to the resiliency, strength, and perseverance of the historical and present-day Black experience. Gripping, realistic oil portraits use light and forward movement to portray the deep humanity and contributions of Black brilliance in America.
“Through color and composition, Kadir Nelson’s daring visuals erupt off the page. They challenge our emotional capacity in this layered journey of heroes,” said Caldecott Medal Committee Chair Julie Roach.
2020 Honor Books
Bear Came Along, illustrated by LeUyen Pham, written by Richard T. Morris, and published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
“Oh, what a ride!” After tumbling into a river, Bear is swept into an epic journey, collecting woodland companions along the way. The river comes to life with Pham’s energetic lines, gradual increase of vivid color, and surprising page turns to form a rollicking adventure and bonding connections.
Double Bass Blues, illustrated by Rudy Gutierrez, written by Andrea J. Loney, and published by Alfred A. Knopf, a division of Random House Children’s Books, an imprint of Random House Children's Books.
Ignited by an electrifying snap of the string bass, Nic navigates between the symphony of two worlds: music and community. Syncopated rhythms, musical harmony and familial love are vibrantly expressed through riotous color, dynamic lines, and kinetic movement. This inventive composition visually illuminates the auditory experience that is the blues.
Going Down Home With Daddy, illustrated by Daniel Minter, written by Kelly Starling Lyons, and published by Peachtree Publishing Company Inc.
An African American family reunion gives a boy a chance to connect to his vibrant roots. Featuring a warm, rich color palette, every spread has multiple, complex layers. Earthy imagery and Adinkra symbols help tell a story of intergenerational love and ancestral memory.
Newbery Medal
The Newbery Medal is awarded annually by the American Library Association to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. One or more Honor books are recognized each year as well.
Merci Suárez Changes Gears
by Meg Medina
2019 Caldecott Medal
The Caldecott Medal is awarded annually by the American Library Association to the author of the most distinguished American picture book for children. One or more Honor books are recognized each year as well.
Hello Lighthouse
Illustrated by Sophie Blackall
2019 Coretta Scott King Awards
The Coretta Scott King Book Awards are awarded annually to outstanding African American authors and illustrators of books for children and young adults that demonstrate an appreciation of African American culture and universal human values. One or more Honor books are recognized each year as well.
2019 Coretta Scott King Author Award
A Few Red Drops: The Chicago Race Riot of 1919
By Claire Hartfield
2019 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award
The Stuff of Stars
Illustrated by Ekua Holmes
2019 Pura Belpré Awards
The Pura Belpré is awarded annually by the American Library Association honoring a Latino writer illustrator whose children’s books best portray, affirm and celebrate the Latino cultural experience. One or more Honor books are recognized each year as well.
2019 Pura Belpré Author Award
The Poet X
By Elizabeth Acevedo
2019 Pura Belpré Illustrator Award
Dreamers
Illustrated by Yuji Morales
