The American Library Association announced the 2026 Youth Media Awards live from Chicago on Monday, January 26, as the ALA celebrates its 150th anniversary.
The winner of the Newbery Medal was All the Blues in the Sky by Renée Watson. This was the first time that Renée had won the Newbery Medal. Previously she had won the Newbery Honor for her work Piecing Me Together.
All the Blues in the Sky has received many other accolades, such as the Chicago Public Library Best Kids’ Book of the Year and it was an NCTE Charlotte Huck Award Honour.
It’s the story of A 13-year-old girl who loses her best friend on what was supposed to be her birthday sleepover. A grief counselling group helps her face the messy mix of guilt, anxiety, loneliness, and love as she slowly learns it’s possible to hurt and heal at the same time.
The following authors also received the Newbery Honor for these books:
Congratulations to all winners from the entire Book Notification staff.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Graeme is the founder of Book Notification. Born in Scotland and now living in Canada, his lifelong love of reading began with Enid Blyton. He enjoys spy thrillers, psychological thrillers, light sci-fi, and anything to do with time travel. His favorite book is Replay by Ken Grimwood.