Barnes & Noble Announces Annual Children’s & Young Adult Book Awards Winners

Barnes & Noble announced the winners of their annual Children’s & YA Book Awards at a live event tonight hosted in New York City. The Misfits, written by Lisa Yee and illustrated by Dan Santat, is the Overall Winner as well as the winner of the Young Reader category. I Lived Inside a Whale by Xin Li took the lead in the Picture Books category and Powerless by Lauren Roberts triumphed in Young Adult.

“This year has brought us a wealth of superlative children’s publishing, with record breaking sales pointing to a growing love for books even among our youngest readers,” said James Daunt, CEO, Barnes & Noble. “Our booksellers have chosen a delightful selection of books for the Book Awards and the winners of each category are truly extraordinary. We look forward to expanding nationwide the young audiences enchanted and encouraged by these books. In The Misfits, Newbery Honoree Lisa Yee’s peerless storytelling, complemented by Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat’s immersive illustrations, charmed our booksellers, as surely it will readers for generations to come.”

The bookseller is proud to present these annual awards elevating new voices and outstanding talent in children’s publishing. The winners in each category, including the Overall Winner, were selected from a shortlist of 24 new titles proposed by Barnes & Noble booksellers who specialize in children’s literature. Titles are eligible if they are one of the author’s early works. The company prides itself on seeking out emerging talent, introducing outstanding new authors to the widest audience. The voices of these authors are sure to have an enduring influence on the reading enjoyment of children of all ages and backgrounds for years to come.

Here is what Barnes & Noble booksellers are saying about the Overall Winner, The Misfits #1: A Royal Conundrum:

“If you’ve ever felt like an outsider (and who amongst us hasn’t?) this is a book you need to read.” — Bookseller Carly R., Green Bay, WI

“The best books for young readers hide important life lessons inside of a rip-roaring plot that keeps kids turning the pages and leaves them ravenous for more. The Misfits does just that.” — Bookseller Amanda Y., Los Angeles, CA

“Every kid feels like a misfit sometimes, and every kid deserves to read a book like The Misfits.” — Bookseller Jess L., Nashua, NH

“I wish I could go back in time and give this book to 10 year old me.” — Bookseller Alex S., Charlotte, NC

“The fun writing, meaningful story, and brilliant illustrations make The Misfits a must-read.” — Bookseller Michele L., Bloomfield, NJ

The Children’s & YA Book Awards sit alongside the Barnes & Noble Book of the Year and Discover Prize programs, connecting avid readers with the best books. It also kicks off the bookseller’s perennial Summer Reading event where children in 1^st through 6^th grade who read any eight books can receive one free book at the end of the summer.

Picture Book Winner: I Lived Inside a Whale written by Xin Li

I Lived Inside a Whale is the heartwarming story of a little girl in search of silence and the lessons she learns when she finds it. Gorgeously illustrated and full of characters you’ll want to spend more time with, this is a story for all ages.

“We always say ’you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover’,” said Scott Berkowitz, Manager of Children’s Books, Barnes & Noble. “However, Xin Li’s I Lived Inside a Whale has such elegance that you know before even turning a page that you’re holding something special. Li’s emotive art is expertly paired with her tale that celebrates the joy of getting lost in a book but also the jubilation of sharing stories with others. I Lived Inside a Whale is a gift and I can’t wait to see Xin Li celebrated for it.”

Young Reader Winner: The Misfits written by Lisa Yee and illustrated by Dan Santat

The Misfits is a fun and funny caper for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider. This ragtag ensemble cast of oddballs turned superheroes is impossible not to fall in love with. And as the first in a new series, we eagerly await more.

“Chock full of quirkiness, humor, mystery and intrigue, The Misfits: A Royal Conundrum is a celebration of letting one’s true self shine,” said Stephanie Pinheiro, Manager of Young Reader & YA Books, Barnes & Noble. “Lisa Yee’s snappy dialogue paired with Dan Santat’s brilliant illustrations make The Misfits a total gem of a book, perfect for readers of City Spies, The Swifts and, dare I say, James Bond.”

Young Adult Winner: Powerless written by Lauren Roberts

What does it really mean to be exceptional? Lauren Roberts teases out the answer in this epic tale of forbidden romance and revolution, the first in her already beloved new series that’s perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas.

“Romantasy has never been hotter and leading the charge is Powerless,” said Stephanie Pinheiro, Manager of Young Reader & YA Books, Barnes & Noble. “In a world where being ordinary is the difference between life and death, Lauren Roberts paints a world that is anything but. Full of gorgeously lush prose, deeply realized characters and an angsty slow burn romance, booksellers and readers alike are clamoring to read more of Paedyn and Kai’s story.”

Customers can find the Barnes & Noble Children’s & YA Book Awards Winners and Finalists on display at their local Barnes & Noble and on bn.com. They can also join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter, using the hashtag #BNBookAwards.

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About Barnes & Noble

Barnes & Noble, Inc. is the largest retail bookseller in the United States. The Company has over 600 bookstores across the United States, as well as its online bookstore at bn.com, the Nook Digital business which offers both e-books and an audio book subscriptions service, the SparkNotes educational service, and the publisher Union Square & Co. General information on Barnes & Noble, Inc. can be found on the Company’s website at www.bn.com.