It is my honor to be able to serve on the Young Hoosier Book Award Committee again this year for the intermediate level books. Every year a group of teachers and librarians read through about 80 newly published books and then get together in September to select the 20 titles they believe children in grades 4-6 will enjoy reading. Unlike the Newbery Award which tends to look at different criteria, these books are selected with an eye towards recreational reading. Students in grades 4-6 across the state read at least five of the twenty books on the list and then vote for the one they enjoyed the most by May 1st.
The last two years both winners have been graphic novels: Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson and Smile by Raina Telgemeier. Grades K-2nd grade read 12 of the 20 picture books and then cast their votes. Winners for the past two years have been: Tuesday Tucks Me In by Luis Montalvan and Dog Vs. Cat by Chris Gall.
Look at the past winners of YHBA to find some excellent “KID CHOICE” books: https://tinyurl.com/y3pfw64
Next year’s books are found at: https://tinyurl.com/y3jr4fkp
