The American Library Association (ALA) recently announced their 2025 Youth Media Awards which honors books, videos, and other outstanding materials for children and teens. Here are this year's winners and honorees we have in our catalog!
Looking for past award winners? Check out our posts for the 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 award winners.
Jump to: Children's | Junior | Teen / YA
Children's Books
Randolph Caldecott Medal
For the most distinguished American picture book for children
illus. by Rebecca Lee Kunz, written by Andrea L. Rogers
Sissy’s younger brother, Chooch, isn’t a baby anymore. They just celebrated his second birthday, after all. But no matter what Chooch does—even if he’s messing something up! Which is basically all the time!—their parents say he’s just “helping.” Sissy feels that Chooch can get away with anything!
Easy Fiction // Ages 4 - 8
CALDECOTT HONOR BOOKS: 
More 2025 Children's Honor Books: 
Junior Books
Stonewall Book Award
To recognize exceptional merit relating to the gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender experience
2025 Award Winner: Lunar Boy
by Jes and Cin Wibowo
Indu, a boy from the moon, feels like he doesn't belong. He hasn't since he and his adoptive mom disembarked from their spaceship--their home--to live on Earth with their new blended family. In a moment of loneliness, Indu calls out to the moon, begging them to take him back. And against all odds, the moon hears him and agrees to bring him home of the first day of the New Year. But as the promised day draws nearer, Indu must decide: is he willing to give up what he's just found?
Junior Graphic Novel // Ages 8 - 12
STONEWALL HONOR BOOK: 
- The Flicker by H E Edgmon
Junior Fiction // Ages 9 - 12
Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal
For most distinguished informational book for youth
written by Lynn Brunelle, illus. by Jason Chin
Follow a blue whale’s enormous body to the bottom of the ocean, where it sets the stage for a bustling new ecosystem to flourish.
Junior Nonfiction // Ages 4-8+
More 2025 Junior Honor Books:
- Just Shy of Ordinary by A. J. Sass
* Sydney Taylor Book Award Silver Medalist, Middle grade
Junior Fiction // Ages 8-12 - The Wrong Way Home by Kate O'Shaughnessy
* Newbery Honor
Junior Fiction // Ages 10-12 
Shark Teeth by Sherri Winston
* Schneider Middle Grade Honor
Junior Fiction // Ages 9-11
Teen / YA Books
William C. Morris Debut Award
Honors a debut book published by a first-time author writing for teens and celebrating impressive new voices in young adult literature
by Meredith Adamo
When Jo-Lynn Kirby 's former best friend--pretty, nice Maddie Price--comes to her claiming to be in trouble, Jo assumes it's some kind of joke. There's no way Maddie would actually come to her for help. But then Maddie is gone. Everyone is quick to write off Maddie as a runaway, but Jo can't shake the feeling there's more to the story. To find out the truth, Jo needs to get back in with the people who left her behind...
Young Adult Fiction // Ages 14+
SYDNEY TAYLOR HONOR BOOK: 
Coretta Scott King Book Award
Recognizes outstanding books for young adults and children by African Americans that reflect the African American experience
by Jason Reynolds
In a series of moments spanning two years, seventeen-year-old Neon navigates the progression of his relationship with Aria, culminating in a case of the jitters as the two intend to take the next big step in their relationship.
Young Adult Fiction // Ages 14+
YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction
Honors the best nonfiction book published for young adults (ages 12-18)
Edward Jae Song Lee, Latasha Harlins, Rodney King, and a City on Fire
by Paula Yoo
A nuanced account of Los Angeles's 1992 uprising and its impact on its Korean and Black American communities--from the racism that created economically disadvantaged neighborhoods torn by drugs and gang-related violence to the tensions between the city’s minority communities. Woven throughout, and set against a minute-by-minute account of the uprising, are the voices of dozens others: police officers, firefighters, journalists, business owners, and activists whose recollections give texture and perspective to the events of those five days in 1992 and their impact over the years that followed.
Nonfiction // Ages 12+
More 2025 Teen Honor Books:
- Louder Than Hunger by John Schu
* Schneider Middle Grade Honor
Young Adult Fiction // Ages 10+ - On the Bright Side by Anna Sortino
* Schneider Middle Grade Honor
Young Adult Fiction // Ages 12+ - Time and Time Again by Chatham Greenfield
* Stonewall Honor Books for Young Adult Literature
Young Adult Fiction // Ages 13-17 - Dragonfruit by Makiia Lucier
* Asian/Pacific American Awards for Literature, Young Adult Honor
Young Adult Fiction // Ages 14+ - Lunar New Year Love Story written by Gene Luen Yang, illus. by LeUyen Pham\
*Asian/Pacific American Awards for Literature, Young Adult Honor
Young Adult Graphic Novel // Ages 14+ - Dead Cat Tail Assassins by P. Djèlí Clark
* Alex Award Winner
Fiction / Fantasy