Announcing the Barnes & Noble Children’s & YA Book Awards Shortlist

All Because You Matter   
Tami Charles; illustrated by Bryan Collier  
Elegant, eloquent, heartfelt, powerful. Tami Charles’ timely words are perfectly complemented by Bryan Collier’s collage painting in this necessary, emotion-filled book. Feeling like an anthem, the reader is reminded that they are (literally) made of stardust like everyone but also reassured that they do, in fact, matter. A beautiful love letter to Black and brown children with a nurturing message to be appreciated by all. This is sure to start conversations and have a long-lasting impact.

Every Night is Pizza Night   
J. Kenji Lopez-Alt; illustrated by Gianna Ruggiero  
Like marinara sauce and mozzarella or red beans and rice, J. Kenji Lopez-Alt’s story and Gianna Ruggiero’s illustrations go perfectly together. Pipo’s hilarious and educational journey through her neighborhood’s many cuisines is a perfect storytime read-aloud. Whether you’re a finicky eater or cuisinally-curious, Every Night is Pizza Night is a treat for all ages.

Fern & Otto  
Stephanie Graegin  
The perfect read-aloud for the perfect storytime. Stephanie Graegin manages to weave her own wholesome, engaging adventure seamlessly into some of the most well-known and appreciated fairy tales we all love. Friendship, courage and humor are on display in every spread with delightful illustrations throughout. What a refreshing new favorite that’s perfect to cuddle up with and get lost in.

Mel Fell   
Corey R. Tabor 
Packed with heart, charm and adorable illustrations, Corey Tabor opens the door for readers of all ages to be inspired and captivated by Mel, a Kingfisher, who’s ready to learn to fly. Readers will be captivated by the fun, rotating design, hilarious animal friends Mel meets along the journey and encouraging life lessons. A special book (no matter which way you hold it) and one that’s sure to leave a lasting impression on all those who read it.

The Whatifs  
Emily Kilgore; illustrated by Zoe Persico 
A refreshing, script-flipping take on the anxieties that creep into all of our lives. Emily Kilgore’s debut is approachable for all ages and, beyond being useful for discussing anxiety, the story following Cora is entertaining and thoughtful. Zoe Persico’s lavish illustrations jump right off the page to round out a really great picture book.

What the Road Said 
Cleo Wade; illustrated by Lucie de Moyencourt 
Beaming with inspiration and gorgeous illustrations from Lucie de Moyencourt, Cleo Wade’s What the Road Said is the perfect vehicle to spotlight the virtues of taking chances, believing in yourself and, ultimately, creating your path for happiness in life. Each spread is worthy of being framed, and it’s impossible to not be filled with hope each time you read it. Appropriate for everyone, regardless of age, What the Road Said will leave a lasting impression.

Young Readers
With so much great publishing in the last year our Young Readers finalist selection was nearly impossible to narrow down. These six fantastic books feature diverse characters and engaging storylines with magic, myth, adventure and real-life choices that appeal to Young Readers.
The List of Things That Will Not Change 
Rebecca Stead
Authentic and sweet, The List of Things That Will Not Change should be essential reading for every young person. Bea’s story is one that many children will relate to, as she is a child of divorce who also experiences anxiety. However, the love Bea’s family has for her and each other shines and is a testament to the power of family in all forms.

Everything Sad Is Untrue 
Daniel Nayeri
Everything Sad Is Untrue is a story about stories, based on the author’s own life. Daniel (in the book) expertly weaves together tales of his family from ancient Persia, stories of his young life in Iran, and his current life as “the weird kid” in rural Oklahoma. It’s a mesmerizing and, at times, emotional read that will make readers of any age think in a new way, but with plenty of snarky writing and literary potty humor that middle schoolers will certainly appreciate.

Amari and the Night Brothers 
B.B. Alston 
It’s not often that a debut book comes around that enchants our hearts and minds as much as Amari and the Night Brothers did. Chock full of imagination, heart and spellbinding magical fun, this book is middle-grade fantasy at its finest. B.B. Alston’s fantastical world-building is the icing on the cake of this epic tale of courage, friendship and determination that is deserving of a place on the bookshelves of young readers for many years to come.

Twins
Varian Johnson; illustrated by Shannon Wright
Just as they are starting sixth grade, twins Maureen and Francine begin to drift apart. While their rift is fueled by newfound interests, friendships and a school election, the twins ultimately learn the power of both sisterhood and independence. This pitch-perfect coming-of-age graphic novel is a must-read for fans of Raina Telgemeier and Terri Libenson, with bright artwork that is sure to catch the eye of any young reader.

When Stars Are Scattered
Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed
Omar Mohamed was only four years old when he fled to a Kenyan refugee camp from war-torn Somalia with only his little brother in tow. Accompanied with Victoria Jamieson’s brilliant graphic artwork, When Stars Are Scattered is a remarkable true account of Omar’s childhood growing up in the camp, raising his little brother and dreaming of a better life for them both. A heartbreaking, hopeful, eye-opening must-read for all ages.

Wink
Rob Harrell
Wink is the heartfelt and hilarious story of Ross, a 12-year-old boy who was recently diagnosed with a rare eye cancer. When his friends don’t know how to treat him and start pulling away, Ross turns to music, starts a band, lets loose and embraces the weirdness that comes with his new normal — like wearing a giant cowboy hat to school to protect his eye. Wink is perfect for fans of Wonder.

Young Adult 
The Young Adult genre continues to grow, and our finalists reflect the increasingly mature and intelligent publishing in this space. From fantasy to thrillers to realistic fiction this list of titles boasts hard-hitting plotlines and complex characterization that Young Adult readers are drawn to.
Punching the Air
Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam
An unflinching look inside the American criminal justice system told from the perspective of a boy incarcerated for a crime he didn’t commit and working to communicate his truth through art. Honest, raw and profoundly eye-opening, this is a must-read for teens and adults alike.

Cemetery Boys
Aiden Thomas
When Yadriel’s traditional Latinx family is unwilling to accept his gender, he takes it upon himself to prove that he is a true brujo. What he doesn’t count on is summoning the ghost of his classmate who doesn’t even know he’s dead — or how he died. Part paranormal fantasy, part mystery, part slow-burn romance, Cemetery Boys is a must-read for lovers of all genres.

Felix Ever After
Kacen Callender
Felix Love wants nothing more than to experience his own love story but fears he may be undeserving. When an anonymous troll starts sending him hateful messages and exposes old photos and his deadname to his art school classmates, Felix sets out for revenge. On his quest to uncover the truth, Felix ultimately learns that love has been within his reach the whole time. Felix Ever After is a poignant, personal and deeply heartfelt story of self-discovery.

Firekeeper’s Daughter
Angeline Boulley
Debut author Angeline Boulley has crafted an immersive and heart-stopping thriller told through the eyes of 18-year-old Daunis, a biracial, unenrolled member of the Ojibwe tribe. With crystal meth abuse on the rise in her community, Daunis uses her knowledge of science and native medicine to go undercover as a confidential informant with the FBI. Boulley’s authentic depictions of the complexities of Native communities and the trauma and strength of Native women, specifically, make this book a complete standout for YA and adult readers alike.

The Black Kids
Christina Hammonds Reed
Whether you were an adult, a child or just a thought, the 1991 beating of Rodney King by the LAPD was undoubtedly one of the earliest displays of racial injustice to be televised since the civil rights movement. With honesty and heart, this indelible coming-of-age story explores issues of race, class and violence as seen through the eyes of a teenage girl within a city on fire. Christina Hammonds Reed’s debut novel The Black Kids is perfect for fans of The Hate U Give and Dear Martin.

These Violent Delights
Chloe Gong
Newcomer Chloe Gong’s fierce and imaginative retelling of Romeo and Juliet set in 1920s Shanghai breathes new life into a story we all know and love. With high-stakes action, a ruthless and brilliant cast of characters and, of course, a tense romance, These Violent Delights is an unforgettable ride from start to finish.