John Newbery Medal Winning and Honored Books

First awarded in 1922, The John Newbery Medal is awarded annually by the American Library Association for the most distinguished American children’s book published the previous year. Virginia Hamilton, in 1975, was the first African American writer to win the medal. Learn more about this award at the ALA Website.

Below are the Newbery Winning and Honored books which were written by, or about, people of African descent.

Select Year202320212020201820172016201520112010200920082006200520022000199619931989198319771976197519721970196919491948

One Book Honored with The Newbery Medal or Honor in 2009

2009 – Newbery Honor

Book Description: 
A Newbery Honor Book

Jacqueline Woodson is the 2018-2019 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature

The day D Foster enters Neeka and her best friend’s lives, the world opens up for them. Suddenly they’re keenly aware of things beyond their block in Queens, things that are happening in the world—like the shooting of Tupac Shakur—and in search of their Big Purpose in life. When—all too soon—D’s mom swoops in to reclaim her, and Tupac dies, they are left with a sense of how quickly things can change and how even all-too-brief connections can touch deeply.

Includes a Discussion Guide by Jacqueline Woodson


"A slender, note-perfect novel."—The Washington Post

"The subtlety and depth with which the author conveys the girls’ relationships lend this novel exceptional vividness and staying power."—Publishers Weekly

"Jacqueline Woodson has written another absorbing story that all readers—especially those who have felt the loss of a friendship—will identify with."—Children’s Literature "Woodson creates a thought-provoking story about the importance of acceptance and connections in life."—VOYA