The annual Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards winners were announced today. First presented in 1967, the awards celebrate excellence in children’s and young adult literature, with three winners in the categories of picture book, fiction, and nonfiction. An additional six books were recognized as honorees.
“For nearly six decades, The Boston Globe and The Horn Book have celebrated books that inspire, challenge, and connect young readers,” Linda Henry, CEO of Boston Globe Media and Chair of The Boston Globe Foundation, said in a statement. “We are proud to recognize this year’s outstanding authors and illustrators, whose work reflects the power of storytelling to deepen understanding and spark imagination.”
“Stories that are as loud as a volcano erupting and as quiet as a tightly held secret make up this year’s list of Boston Globe–Horn Book Award winners,” Elissa Gershowitz, Editor in Chief of The Horn Book, Inc., said in a statement. “The effects can be cataclysmic and long-lasting, whether globally or individually, and are taken seriously by these informative, engaging, and poignant works. Finding beauty in darkness, overcoming adversity, protecting our environment, and connecting with others are all key themes.”
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In the picture book category, the winning book is “Navigating Night” by Julie Leung, illustrated by Angie Kang. Honored books are “The Great Frog,” written and illustrated by Katie Palazzola, and “While We’re Here” by Anne Wynter, illustrated by Micha Archer.
In the fiction category, the winning book is “A Scar Like a River” by Lisa Graff. Honored titles are “The Second Life of Snap,” by Erin Entrada Kelly, and “As I Dream of You” by Jennifer Lee, illustrated by LeUyen Pham.
“A World Without Summer: A Volcano Erupts, a Creature Awakens, and the Sun Goes Out” by Nicholas Day, illustrated by Yas Imamura, is the winning nonfiction book. The books honored in the category include “How to Say Goodbye in Cuban,” by Daniel Miyares, and “When Beavers Move In” by Alison Pearce Stevens, illustrated by Natasha Donovan.
All winning and honored titles must be first U.S. editions of books published between June 2025 and May 2026 but may be written or illustrated by citizens of any country. Three independent judges for the Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards are chosen each year by the Horn Book Editor in Chief. This year’s panel included Kari Emiko Brabander, PJ Our Way associate for PJ Library and incoming MLIS student at Simmons University; Kitty Flynn, reviews editor for the Horn Book, Inc., and a Calling Caldecott blog coauthor; and Adrienne L. Pettinelli, director of the Henrietta (NY) Public Library and a Calling Caldecott blog coauthor.
First published in 1924, The Horn Book Magazine publishes reviews, articles, interviews, and editorials about the world of children’s books. The Horn Book website, hbook.com, provides digital access to the Magazine and additional content including commentary, more reviews, and recommended reading lists.
The Horn Book Magazine is a publication of Media Source LLC, which is also the parent company of Library Journal, School Library Journal, Junior Library Guild, and AKJ Education.
Winners and honorees will be recognized at an awards ceremony this fall.
Kate Tuttle edits the Globe’s Books section. You can reach her at kate.tuttle@globe.com
