A new year means a brand-new library reading challenge—and this winter, we're going for the gold. Inspired by the Winter Olympics in Italy, we've gathered a list of award-winning books that are sure to keep young readers hooked all season long. Grab a cozy spot, turn the page, and get ready to read your way through winter with the library.
Join our Winter Reading Challenge today. Learn More
Indiana Library Federation Read Aloud Book Award
The Read Aloud Award fosters a love of reading and the sound of language, through the oral sharing of literature in an educational setting. Titles are nominated by the public and selected by Indiana teachers and librarians.
Papilio by Ben Clanton, Corey R. Tabor, & Andy Chou Musser (2026 Selection – Primary List)
Almost Underwear: How a Piece of Cloth Traveled from Kitty Hawk to the Moon and Mars by Jonathan Roth (2026 Selection –Upper Elementary)
Westfallen by Ann Brashares & Ben Brashares (2026 Selection – Middle Grade)
Indiana Early Literacy Firefly Award
Awarded annually by the Indiana Center for the Book, the Firefly Book Award encourages caregivers and very young children to read together. Titles are selected by teachers, librarians, and other early childhood development professionals from Indiana. The winner is voted on by children ages 0-5.
Ploof by Ben Clanton (2025 Winner)
I Was Born a Baby by Meg Fleming (2024 Winner)
A Good Place by Lucy Cousins (2023 Winner)
Indiana Library Federation Young Hoosier Book Award
The Young Hoosier Book Award encourages self-selected reading for students in kindergarten through 8th grade. Titles are nominated by the public and selected by Indiana teachers and librarians, with winners chosen by students across the state.
Itty Bitty Betty Blob by Constance Lombardo (Grades K-3)
Mystery at the Biltmore by Colleen Nelson (Grades 3-5)
The Last Dragon on Mars by Scott Reintgen (Middle School)
John Newbery Medal
This award honors a title for the most outstanding contribution to children's literature, awarded by the American Library Association.
All the Blues in the Sky by Renée Watson (2025 Winner)
The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli by Karina Yan Glaser (Newbery Honor Book 2025)
The Teacher of Nomad Land: A World War II Story by Daniel Nayeri (Newbery Honor Book 2025)
Randolph Caldecott Medal
This award honors the most distinguished American picture book for children, awarded by the American Library Association.
Big by Vashti Harrison (2024 Winner)
Every Monday Mabel by Jashar Awan (Caldecott Honor Book, 2025)
Stalactite & Stalagmite: A Big Tale from a Little Cave by Drew Beckmeyer (Caldecott Honor Book, 2025)
Coretta Scott King Book Award
This award recognizes African American authors and illustrators of outstanding books for children and young adults, awarded by the American Library Association.
Will’s Race for Home by Jewell Parker Rhodes (Winner, 2025)
The Incredibly Human Henson Blayze by Derrick Barnes (King Honor Book, 2025)
The Library in the Woods by Calvin Alexander Ramsey (King Honor Book, 2025)
Mildred L. Batchelder Award
Award for outstanding children’s book originally published in a language other than English, and outside of the United States. Awarded by the American Library Association.
Croco by Azul López (Winner, 2025)
The Adventures of Cipollino by Gianni Rodari (Batchelder Honor Book, 2025)
From Memen to Mori by Shinsuke Yoshitake (Batchelder Honor Book, 2025)