2025 Schneider Family Book Awards recipients named

PHOENIX — The American Library Association (ALA) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2025 Schneider Family Book Awards, which honor an author or illustrator for the artistic expression of the disability experience for child and adolescent audiences. The award winners were announced today during the ALA’s LibLearnX: The Library Learning Experience held January 24 – 27 in Phoenix.

Recipients are selected in three categories: young children birth through grade school (age 0–8), middle grades (age 9–13) and teens (age 14–18). Winners will receive $5,000 and a framed plaque.

Best Young Children’s Title

“A Little Like Magic,” writtenand illustrated by Sarah Kurpiel and published by Rocky Pond Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House, won the award for best young children’s title.

Ice festivals welcome guests to explore the beauty of sculptures, but the narrator is unsure. She nervously navigates this new setting in her wheelchair. After leaving, she discovers that she lost her horse figurine somewhere in the crowd. She returns to search and discovers magic emerging from the cold.

“A magical depiction of a child’s adventure on a frosty winter day,” said award co-chairs Susan Hess and Patricia Bandre'.

The committee selected two Young Children’s honor titles:

“Monster Hands,” written by Karen Kane and Jonaz McMillan, illustrated by Dion MBD, and published by Nancy Paulsen Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

“You’re So Amazing!”, written by James and Lucy Catchpole, illustrated by Karen George and published by Little, Brown & Company, a division of Hatchette Book Group Inc.

Best Middle Grades Title

“Popcorn,” written and illustrated by Rob Harrell and published by Dial Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Penguin Random House, won the award for best middle grade title.

It’s picture day. Through a humorously illustrated depiction of the day, Andrew journeys through the catastrophic ups and downs of middle school, while navigating his anxiety and OCD. His anxiety builds, erupts and eventually subsides with the help of his teachers and friends.

“The seamless interplay of words and illustrations perfectly capture the emotions of Andrew’s day,” said Hess and Bandre'.

The committee selected two Middle Grades honor titles:

“Louder Than Hunger,” written by John Schu and published by Candlewick Press.

“Shark Teeth,” written by Sherri Winston and published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books.

Best Teen Title

“Chronically Dolores,” written by Maya Van Wagenen and published by Dutton Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House, won the award for best teen title.

A diagnosis of interstitial cystitis and an embarrassing bathroom incident leaves Dolores with a cruel nickname and no friends. To regain her social status, she hatches a plan with the sheltered Terpsichore to fake a friendship. When it all goes awry, Dolores must confront what it really means to be a good friend.

“The humor shines in this unanimous favorite, providing a light touch on a heavy topic,” said Hess and Bandre'.

The committee selected two Teen honor titles:

“Light Enough to Float,” written by Lauren Seal and published by Rocky Pond Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

“On the Bright Side,” written by Anna Sortino and published by G.P. Putnam’s Sons, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

Members of the 2025 committee include: Susan Hess, co-chair, New York City School Librarian, retired, Osprey, Florida; Dr. Patricia Bandre', co-chair, USD 305 Salina Public Schools, Salina, Kansas; Dr. Megan R. Brown, Cedarville University, Cedarville, Ohio; Nikki Glassley, Nashville Public Library, Nashville, Tennessee; Susannah Goldstein, Horace Mann School, Bronx, New York; Nakenya Lewis-Yarbrough, Belleville Area District Library, Belleville, Michigan; Ragan O'Malley, Saint Ann's School, Brooklyn, New York; Margaret Tice, Brooklyn, New York; Sandy Wee, San Mateo County Libraries, San Mateo, California; Alyson Beecher (ex-officio), Glendale Unified School District, California.

For more information on the Schneider Family Book Award and other ALA Youth Media Awards, please visit www.ala.org/yma.

About the American Library Association

The American Library Association (ALA) is the only non-partisan, nonprofit organization dedicated entirely to America's libraries and library professionals. For almost 150 years, ALA has provided resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. The ALA serves academic, public, school, government, and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library's role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit www.ala.org