
In 2022, we’re celebrating 100 years of Newbery! The John Newbery Medal is awarded annually to outstanding children’s literature by the Association for Library Services to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association.
About the Newbery Medal
The Newbery Medal was named for eighteenth-century British bookseller John Newbery.
In 1921 Frederic G.Melcher had the Newbery Medal designed by RenĂ© Paul Chambellan. The bronze medal has the winner’s name and the date engraved on the back. Additional information about the award.
Contest
We’re asking you to help us choose the ultimate Newbery winner! Our staff voted and came up with our Elite Eight and during January, we’re posting two books at a time and asking you to vote until one book reigns supreme.
Each time you vote, you’ll be entered into a random drawing to win a tote bag with an assortment of books.
Make sure to follow us on Facebook and remember to vote!
Staff picks
These are the eight finalists as chosen by Library staff members.




- Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White (1953 Honor Book)
- Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson (1978 Medal Winner)
- A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle (1963 Medal Winner)
- The Giver by Lois Lowry (1994 Medal Winner)
- Holes by Louis Sachar (1999 Medal Winner)
- Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo (2001 Honor Book)
- Hatchet by Gary Paulsen (1988 Honor Book)
- Ramona Quimby, Age 8 by Beverly Cleary (1982 Honor Book)




Booklovers Podcast episodes
Booklovers Podcast videos
Booklovers Podcast show notes
- Booklovers Podcast: The Newbery Award Explained Part 1
- Booklovers Podcast: Nontraditional winners Part 2
- Booklovers Podcast: Staff Favorites Part 3
- Booklovers Podcast: History and Trivia Part 4
Winners
You can watch a broadcast of the ALA Youth Media Awards on January 24, 2022, at 9 AM here.
List of all previous years’ winners.