Top New Releases for Classroom Libraries: Award-Winning Books of the 2020s
Keeping your classroom library up-to-date with the latest releases is key to providing students with fresh perspectives and contemporary narratives. This year’s selection of new releases not only showcases the best in children’s and young adult literature but also tackles important issues through compelling stories and breathtaking illustrations. From the emotional depth of Jason Reynolds’ “Ain’t Burned All the Bright” to the whimsical charm of Christopher Denise’s “Knight Owl,” these books are more than just stories—they are windows into new worlds and ideas that resonate with today’s students.
Our curated list features only award-winning books of the 2020s, ensuring that your classroom library includes the very best in recent literature. Whether you’re looking for a poignant narrative like “We Are Water Protectors” or a visually stunning tale like “Berry Song,” these titles are must-haves for fostering a love of reading in students of all ages.
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Best New Releases for Classroom Libraries of the 2020s
Ain’t Burned All the Bright by Jason Reynolds, Illustrated by Jason Griffin
Award Won: Coretta Scott King Author Award (2023)
Review: This remarkable picture book is a powerful reflection on the emotional turmoil experienced during the pandemic. Jason Reynolds’ poetic text, paired with Jason Griffin’s expressive mixed-media illustrations, captures the feelings of suffocation and the longing for breath, both literally and metaphorically. The book’s innovative format and poignant narrative make it a standout in children’s literature.
Buy it on Amazon or on Bookshop.org
Knight Owl by Christopher Denise
Award Won: Caldecott Honor (2023)
Review: “Knight Owl” tells the charming story of a little owl who dreams of becoming a knight. Christopher Denise’s detailed and enchanting illustrations bring this whimsical tale to life, making it a favorite among young readers and critics alike. The story’s themes of bravery, perseverance, and following one’s dreams are universally appealing, earning it a Caldecott Honor.
Buy it on Amazon or on Bookshop.org
Farmhouse by Sophie Blackall
Award Won: Caldecott Honor (2023)
Review: Sophie Blackall’s “Farmhouse” is a stunningly illustrated book that explores the history of an old farmhouse and the generations of families who lived there. The intricate details in Blackall’s artwork invite readers to linger on each page, discovering new elements with every read. This book is a beautiful tribute to family, history, and the passage of time, recognized with a Caldecott Honor.
Buy it on Amazon or on Bookshop.org
Hot Dog by Doug Salati
Award Won: Caldecott Medal (2023)
Review: “Hot Dog” is a delightful and humorous story about a dachshund navigating the sweltering heat of a summer day in the city. Doug Salati’s vibrant and dynamic illustrations perfectly capture the dog’s journey from the hot streets to a refreshing escape at the beach. The book’s playful narrative and stunning visuals earned it the prestigious Caldecott Medal, making it a must-have for any classroom.
Buy it on Amazon or on Bookshop.org
Blue: A History of the Color as Deep as the Sea and as Wide as the Sky by Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond, Illustrated by Daniel Minter
Award Won: Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor (2023)
Review: This beautifully illustrated picture book delves into the rich and complex history of the color blue. Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond’s lyrical text, combined with Daniel Minter’s evocative illustrations, explores the cultural, historical, and emotional significance of blue throughout history. The book’s unique perspective and artistic excellence were recognized with a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor.
Buy it on Bookshop.org
Berry Song by Michaela Goade
Award Won: Caldecott Honor (2023)
Review: “Berry Song” is a visually stunning picture book that celebrates the deep connection between the Tlingit people and the natural world. Michaela Goade’s illustrations, rich with color and cultural significance, beautifully complement the lyrical narrative that follows a young girl and her grandmother as they gather berries in the forest. The book’s themes of nature, tradition, and family earned it a Caldecott Honor.
Buy it on Amazon or on Bookshop.org
The Rock from the Sky by Jon Klassen
Award Won: Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for Picture Book (2023)
Review: Jon Klassen’s “The Rock from the Sky” is a quirky and humorous picture book that explores themes of friendship, fate, and the absurdity of life. Klassen’s signature minimalist illustrations and deadpan humor create a story that is both thought-provoking and entertaining, making it a hit with young readers and earning it the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for Picture Book.
Buy it on Amazon or on Bookshop.org
The Year We Learned to Fly by Jacqueline Woodson, Illustrated by Rafael López
Award Won: Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award (2023)
Review: In “The Year We Learned to Fly,” Jacqueline Woodson and Rafael López team up to create a poignant story about resilience, imagination, and the power of inner strength. The narrative follows two siblings who learn to “fly” above their troubles through the power of their imagination. López’s vibrant and imaginative illustrations perfectly complement Woodson’s lyrical text, earning the book a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award.
Buy it on Amazon or on Bookshop.org
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We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom, Illustrated by Michaela Goade
Award Won: Caldecott Medal (2024)
Review: This powerful and timely picture book, inspired by Indigenous-led movements to protect Earth’s water sources, tells the story of a young girl standing up to protect her community’s water. Carole Lindstrom’s poetic text and Michaela Goade’s stunning illustrations combine to create a book that is both a call to action and a celebration of Indigenous culture. The book’s impact and artistic achievement were recognized with a Caldecott Medal.
Buy it on Amazon or on Bookshop.org
In the Meadow of Fantasies by Hadi Mohammadi, Illustrated by Nooshin Safakhoo, Translated by Sara Khalili
Award Won: USBBY Outstanding International Book (2023)
Review: “In the Meadow of Fantasies” is a beautifully illustrated picture book that tells the enchanting story of a young girl who imagines a meadow filled with horses of different colors and personalities. Hadi Mohammadi’s poetic narrative, combined with Nooshin Safakhoo’s dreamy illustrations, transports readers into a world of imagination and wonder. The book was honored as an Outstanding International Book by USBBY, highlighting its artistic and literary excellence.
Buy it on Amazon or on Bookshop.org
