The California Young Reader Medal is a set of five annual literary awards conferred upon

picture books A picture book combines visual and verbal narratives in a book format, most often aimed at young children. With the narrative told primarily through text, they are distinct from comics, which do so primarily through sequential images. The images ...

and fiction books selected by vote of California schoolchildren from a ballot prepared by committee. The program was established in 1974 with Intermediate, Primary, and Young Adult Medals that were inaugurated in 1975, 1976, and 1977 and were conferred biennially, and annually beginning in 1983. The program is intended to encourage recreational reading and is sponsored by four organizations that promote reading and literacy: the California Association of Teachers of English, the California Library Association, the California Reading Association, and the California School Library Association. There are five medals, last modified for 2002: Primary (grades K-3), Intermediate (grades 3–6), Middle School/Junior High (grades 6–9), Young Adult (grades 9–12), and Picture Books for Older Readers (grades 4 and up)—that is, roughly age 10 and up. Both writer and illustrator receive the Primary and Picture Book Medals, where applicable. The ballot for each medal comprises 3–5 books published during the preceding four years—two to five years ago when the process concludes. For example, 17 books published from 2010 to 2013 were nominated for 2014–2015.

Rules and process

Young readers, their parents, educators, librarians, and "anyone who works with young people" may recommend books. Candidates must be original works of fiction by living authors, available in

English English usually refers to: * English language * English people English may also refer to: Peoples, culture, and language * ''English'', an adjective for something of, from, or related to England ** English national ide ...

, published during the four preceding years and still in print. Nominations are made by award category and the books should be "often read or requested" and have "strong appeal for the age group". A committee of the sponsoring organizations selects "a well-balanced list of nominees" (finalists), considering merit and appeal. Children may vote in all categories where they know all of the candidates by reading or hearing read aloud. They cast a combined paper ballot at once, in a classroom or library monitored by an adult.

Winners

The medals in four categories inaugurated in 1975, 1976, 1977, and 1980 were biennial until 1983, and thereafter annual. For each category (now five) CYRM maintains a "Booklist" of finalists (3–5 annually) that provides basic bibliographic data for all, and cover images beginning in 2005 or so.

1970s

1975 : Intermediate: ''

How to Eat Fried Worms ''How to Eat Fried Worms'' is a children's book written by Thomas Rockwell, first published in 1973. The novel's plot involves a boy eating worms as part of a bet. It has been the frequent target of censors and appears on the American Library ...

'', by

Thomas Rockwell Thomas Rhodes Rockwell (born March 13, 1933) is an American author of children's books. Rockwell is the son of the American artist Norman Rockwell and his then-wife Mary Rockwell, an unpublished author. He grew up in Arlington, Vermont, a very r ...

1976 : Primary: ''How Droofus the Dragon Lost His Head'', by Bill Peet 1977 : Intermediate: ''

Freaky Friday ''Freaky Friday'' is a comedic children's novel written by Mary Rodgers, first published by Harper & Row in 1972. It has been adapted for several films, including versions in 1976, 1995, 2003, and 2018, and was reinterpreted as a horror film f ...

'', by

Mary Rodgers Mary Rodgers (January 11, 1931 – June 26, 2014) was an American composer, screenwriter, and author who wrote the novel '' Freaky Friday'', which served as the basis of a 1976 film starring Jodie Foster, for which she wrote the screenplay, as ...

: Young Adult: ''

Watership Down ''Watership Down'' is an adventure novel by English author Richard Adams, published by Rex Collings Ltd of London in 1972. Set in Berkshire in southern England, the story features a small group of rabbits. Although they live in their natura ...

'', by Richard Adams 1978 : Primary: ''Little Rabbit's Loose Tooth'', written by Lucy Bate, illustrated by Diane de Groat 1979 : Intermediate: ''

Danny, the Champion of the World ''Danny, the Champion of the World'', or simply Danny, is a 1975 children's book by Roald Dahl. The plot centres on Danny, a young English boy, and his father, William. They live in a Gypsy caravan, fix cars for a living in their mechanic sho ...

'', by Roald Dahl : Young Adult: ''The Late Great Me'', by Sandra Scoppettone

1980s

1980 : Primary: ''Big Bad Bruce'', by Bill Peet : Middle School/Junior High: '' The Pinballs'', by

Betsy Byars Betsy Byars (née Cromer; August 7, 1928 – February 26, 2020) was an American author of children's books. Her novel '' Summer of the Swans'' won the 1971 Newbery Medal.Author's website She has also received a National Book Award for Young Pe ...

1981 : Intermediate: '' Summer of the Monkeys'', by

Wilson Rawls Woodrow Wilson Rawls (September 24, 1913 – December 16, 1984) was an American writer best known for his books '' Where the Red Fern Grows'' and '' Summer of the Monkeys''. Early years Woodrow Wilson Rawls was born in Oklahoma in 1913. When ...

: Young Adult: ''

A Summer to Die ''A Summer to Die'' was Lois Lowry's first novel. Plot Meg, the younger of the two sisters, is the story's narrator and primary protagonist. Their father, an English professor at a university, has decided to take a year off from teaching to write ...

'', by

Lois Lowry Lois Ann Lowry (; née Hammersberg; March 20, 1937) is an American writer. She is the author of several books for children and young adults, including '' The Giver Quartet,'' ''Number the Stars'', and '' Rabble Starkey.'' She is known for writing ...

1982 : Primary: '' Miss Nelson is Missing'', written by Harry Allard, illustrated by James Marshall : Middle School/Junior High: ''Hail, Hail Camp Timberwood'', by

Ellen Conford Ellen Conford (March 20, 1942 – March 20, 2015) was an author for children and young adults. Among her writings are the ''Annabel the Actress'' and ''Jenny Archer'' series. Her books have won the Best Book of the Year Citation, Best Book of the ...

1983 : Primary: ''Liza Lou and the Yeller Belly Swamp'', by

Mercer Mayer Mercer Mayer (born December 30, 1943) is an American children's author and illustrator. He has published over 300 books, using a wide range of illustrative styles. Mayer is best known for his '' Little Critter'' and '' Little Monster'' series o ...

: Intermediate: '' Superfudge'', by

Judy Blume Judith Blume (née Sussman; born February 12, 1938) is an American writer of children's, young adult and adult fiction. Blume began writing in 1959 and has published more than 25 novels. Among her best-known works are ''Are You There God? It's Me ...

: Middle School/Junior High: ''

Tiger Eyes ''Tiger Eyes'' is a young adult novel written by Judy Blume in 1981 about a 15-year-old girl attempting to cope with the unexpected death of her father. In 2012, the novel was adapted into a film of the same name, directed by Judy's son, Lawren ...

'', by

: Young Adult: ''Summer of Fear'', by

Lois Duncan Lois Duncan Steinmetz (April 28, 1934 – June 15, 2016), known as Lois Duncan, was an American writer, novelist, poet, and journalist. She is best known for her young-adult novels, and has been credited by historians as a pioneering figure in t ...

1984 : Primary: ''Bagdad Ate It'', written by Phyllis Green, illustrated by Joel Schick : Intermediate: ''The Trouble with Tuck'', by Theodore Taylor : Middle School/Junior High: ''

There's a Bat in Bunk Five ''There’s a Bat in Bunk Five'' ( 1980) is a young adult novel written by Paula Danziger. Plot summary In this sequel to '' The Cat Ate My Gymsuit'', Marcy Lewis finds herself as a counselor in training at the summer camp near Woodstock, New Yor ...

'', by

Paula Danziger Paula Danziger (August 18, 1944 – July 8, 2004) was an American children's author. She wrote more than 30 books, including her 1974 debut '' The Cat Ate My Gymsuit'', for children's and young adult audiences. At the time of her death, all her ...

: Young Adult: ''

Stranger with My Face ''Stranger with My Face'' is a young adult horror novel by Lois Duncan, first published in 1981. The novel is about Laurie Stratton, who is seen by others in places she knows she could not be. She discovers that she has an identical sister named ...

'', by

1985 : Primary: ''Herbie's Troubles'', written by Carol Chapman, illustrated by Kelly Oechsli : Intermediate: ''

The Indian in the Cupboard ''The Indian in the Cupboard'' is a low fantasy children's novel by the British writer Lynne Reid Banks. It was published in 1980 with illustrations by Robin Jacques (UK) and Brock Cole (US). It was later adapted as a 1995 children's film ...

'', by

Lynne Reid Banks Lynne Reid Banks (born 31 July 1929) is a British author of books for children and adults. She has written forty-five books, including the best-selling children's novel ''The Indian in the Cupboard'', which has sold over 10 million copies and ...

: Middle School/Junior High: ''Taking Terri Mueller'', by

Norma Fox Mazer Norma Fox Mazer (May 15, 1931 – October 17, 2009) was an American author and teacher, best known for her books for children and young adults. Her novels featured credible young characters confronting difficult situations such as family separati ...

: Young Adult: ''The Truth Trap'', by Frances Miller 1986 : Primary: ''Space Case'', written by Edward Marshall, illustrated by James Marshall : Intermediate: ''Nothing's Fair in Fifth Grade'', by Barthe DeClements : Middle School/Junior High: ''Girl with the Silver Eyes'', by

Willo Davis Roberts Willo Davis Roberts (May 29, 1928 – November 19, 2004) was an American writer, known primarily for children's mystery and suspense novels. Biography Willo Louise Davis was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In 1949, she married David W. Roberts. ...

: Young Adult: '' The Darkangel'', by Meredith Pierce Beginning in 1987, the illustrators of Primary Award-winning books have officially received full recognition alongside the writers. 1987 : Primary: ''The Napping House'', written by Audrey Wood, illustrated by Don Wood : Intermediate: ''The Dollhouse Murders'', by

Betty Ren Wright Betty Ren Wright (June 15, 1927 – December 31, 2013) was an American writer of children's fiction including '' Christina's Ghost'', ''The Dollhouse Murders'', ''The Ghosts Of Mercy Manor'' and ''A Ghost in The House''. Background Wright l ...

: Middle School/Junior High: ''You Shouldn't Have to Say Goodbye'', by Patricia Hermes : Young Adult: ''Pursuit'', by Michael French 1988 : Primary: ''

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie ''If You Give a Mouse a Cookie'' is a children's book written by Laura Numeroff and illustrated by Felicia Bond, first published in 1985 by Harper and Row. Described as a "circular tale", illustrating a slippery slope, it is Numeroff and Bond ...

'', written by Laura Joffe Numeroff, illustrated by Felicia Bond : Intermediate: ''Be a Perfect Person in Just Three Days'', by Stephen Manes : Middle School/Junior High: '' The Root Cellar'', by

Janet Lunn Janet Louise Lunn, ('' née'' Swoboda; December 28, 1928 – June 26, 2017) was a Canadian children's writer. Early life and education Lunn was born in Dallas, Texas; she moved with her family to Vermont when she was an infant. In 1938, she ...

: Young Adult, ''

Interstellar Pig ''Interstellar Pig'', published in 1984 by Bantam Books, is a science fiction novel for young adults written by William Sleator. It was listed as an ALA Notable Book, a SLJ Best Book of the Year, and a Junior Literary Guild Selection. Plot ...

'', by

William Sleator William Warner Sleator III (February 13, 1945 – August 3, 2011), known as William Sleator, was an American science fiction author who wrote primarily young adult novels but also wrote for younger readers. His books typically deal with adolescent ...

1989 : Primary: ''What Happened to Patrick's Dinosaurs?'', written by Carol Carrick, illustrated by Donald Carrick : Intermediate: ''

The Castle in the Attic ''The Castle in the Attic'' is a children's fantasy novel by Elizabeth Winthrop and illustrator Trina Schart Hyman, first published in 1985. The novel has won the Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award and the California Young Reader Meda ...

'', by

Elizabeth Winthrop Elizabeth Winthrop ( Alsop; born September 14, 1948) is an American writer, the author of more than sixty published books, primarily children's fiction. She is best known for the classic middle-grade novel, '' The Castle in the Attic'' and its s ...

: Middle School/Junior High: ''The Stalker'', by Joan Lowery Nixon : Young Adult: ''The Face at the Edge of the World'', by Eve Bunting

1990s

1990 : Primary: ''Eyes of the Dragon'', written by Margaret Leaf, illustrated by Ed Young : Intermediate: ''The War with Grandpa'', by

Robert Kimmel Smith Robert Kimmel Smith (July 31, 1930 – April 18, 2020) was a novelist and award-winning American children's author. Smith was born in Brooklyn, New York and first learned to read from his mother Sally. Smith was inspired to become a writer at age ...

: Middle School/Junior High: ''The Other Side of Dark'', by Joan Lowery Nixon : Young Adult: ''Izzy, Willy Nilly'', by

Cynthia Voigt Cynthia Voigt (born February 25, 1942) is an American writer of books for young adults dealing with various topics such as adventure, mystery, racism and child abuse. Her first book in the Tillerman family series, ''Homecoming'', was nominated ...

1991 : Primary: ''Tacky the Penguin'', written by Helen Lester, illustrated by Lynn M. Munsinger : Intermediate: ''Harry's Mad'', by

Dick King-Smith Ronald Gordon King-Smith OBE (27 March 1922 – 4 January 2011), was an English writer of children's books, primarily using the pen name Dick King-Smith. He is best known for ''The Sheep-Pig'' (1983). It was adapted as the movie ''Babe'' (1995 ...

: Middle School/Junior High: ''December Stillness'', by

Mary Downing Hahn Mary Downing Hahn (born December 9, 1937) is an American writer of young adult novels and a former school librarian. She is known for books such as ''Stepping On The Cracks'' and ''Wait Till Helen Comes''. She published her first book in 1979 and ...

: Young Adult: ''Night Kites'', by

M.E. Kerr Marijane Agnes Meaker (May 27, 1927 – November 21, 2022) was an American writer who, along with Tereska Torrès, Tereska Torres, was credited with launching the lesbian pulp fiction genre, the only accessible novels on that theme in the 1950s. ...

1992 : Primary: ''Never Spit on Your Shoes'', by Denys Cazet : Intermediate: '' All About Sam'', by

: Middle School/Junior High: ''Sniper'', by Theodore Taylor : Young Adult: ''A Sudden Silence'', by Eve Bunting 1993 : Primary: ''Julius, the Baby of the World'', by

Kevin Henkes Kevin Henkes (born November 27, 1960) is an American writer and illustrator of children's books. As an illustrator he won the Caldecott Medal for ''Kitten's First Full Moon'' (2004). Two of his books were Newbery Medal Honor Books, ''Olive's Ocea ...

: Intermediate: '' Fudge-a-Mania'', by

: Middle School/Junior High: '' Something Upstairs'', by Avi : Young Adult: ''

The Silver Kiss ''The Silver Kiss'' is a young adult, romance and horror novel written by Annette Curtis Klause; it is printed in hardcover and paperback versions. The novel was Klause's first; it was published on September 1, 1990, and was re-issued in 2009 wi ...

'', by

Annette Curtis Klause Annette Curtis Klause (born June 20, 1953) is an English-American writer and librarian, specializing in young adult fiction. She is currently a children's materials selector for Montgomery County Public Libraries in Montgomery County, Maryland ...

1994 : Primary: ''High-Wire Henry'', written by Mary Calhoun, illustrated by Erick Ingraham : Intermediate: ''Scared Stiff'', by

: Middle School/Junior High: '' There's a Girl in My Hammerlock'', by

Jerry Spinelli Jerry Spinelli (born February 1, 1941) is an American writer of children's novels that feature adolescence and early adulthood. His novels include ''Maniac Magee'', '' Stargirl'', and ''Wringer''. Life Spinelli was born in Norristown, Penn ...

: Young Adult: '' We All Fall Down'', by

Robert Cormier Robert Edmund Cormier (January 17, 1925 – November 2, 2000) was an American author and journalist, known for his deeply pessimistic novels, many of which were written for young adults. Recurring themes include abuse, mental illness, violence, ...

1995 : Primary: '' Martha Speaks'', by Susan Meddaugh : Intermediate: ''Stonewords'', by Pam Conrad : Middle School/Junior High: ''Rescue Josh McGuire'', by

Ben Mikaelsen Ben Mikaelsen (born November 24, 1952) is a Bolivian American writer of children's literature. Early life and education Ben Mikaelsen was born on November 24, 1952, in La Paz, Bolivia, the son of missionary parents of Danish descent. He wasn' ...

: Young Adult: ''Downriver'', by

Will Hobbs Will Hobbs (born 1947) is the American author of twenty novels for upper elementary, middle school and young adult readers, as well as two picture book stories. Hobbs credits his sense of audience to his fourteen years of teaching reading and Eng ...

1996 : Primary: ''

Stellaluna ''Stellaluna'' is a 1993 Children's literature, children's book by Janell Cannon. It is about a young fruit bat, Stellaluna, who becomes separated from her mother and finds her way to a nest of birds. She is adopted by them and learns bird-like ...

'', by

Janell Cannon Janell Cannon is an American children's author and illustrator. Her first book, '' Stellaluna'' (1993), about a baby fruit bat, has been included in the National Education Association and School Library Journal's list of 100 best children's books ...

: Intermediate: ''Time for Andrew'', by

: Middle School/Junior High: '' Freak the Mighty'', by

Rodman Philbrick Rodman Philbrick (born January 22, 1951) is an American writer of novels for adults and children. He has written popular children's books such as ''Freak the Mighty'', Max the Mighty, The Last Book on Earth and has written other mysteries and thr ...

: Young Adult: ''

Shadow of the Dragon A shadow is a dark area where light from a light source is blocked by an opaque object. It occupies all of the three-dimensional volume behind an object with light in front of it. The cross section of a shadow is a two-dimensional silhouette, ...

'', by Sherry Garland 1997 : Primary: ''Don't Fidget a Feather!'', written by Erica Silverman, illustrated by S. D. Schindler : Intermediate: ''Jennifer Murdley's Toad'', by

Bruce Coville Bruce Farrington Coville (, born May 16, 1950) is an author of young adult fiction. Coville was first published in 1977 and has written over 100 books. Biography Coville was born on May 16, 1950, in Syracuse, New York, where he resided . Br ...

: Middle School/Junior High: ''Sparrow Hawk Red'', by

: Young Adult: '' Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes'', by

Chris Crutcher Chris Crutcher (born July 17, 1946) is an American novelist and a family therapist. He received the Margaret A. Edwards Award from the American Library Association in 2000 for his lifetime contribution in writing for teens. Biography Crutcher w ...

1998 : Primary: ''Dog Breath'', by

Dav Pilkey David "Dav" Murray Pilkey Jr. (; born March 4, 1966) is an American cartoonist, author, and illustrator of children's literature. He is best known as the author and illustrator of the children's book series, ''Captain Underpants'', and the chil ...

: Intermediate: ''The Junkyard Dog'', by Erika Tamar : Middle School/Junior High: ''

The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963 ''The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963'' is a historical-fiction novel by Christopher Paul Curtis. First published in 1995 by Delacorte Press, it was reprinted in 1997. It tells the story of the Watsons, a lower middle class African-American fa ...

'', by

Christopher Paul Curtis Christopher Paul Curtis (born May 10, 1953)Judy Levin, Allison Stark Draper, ''Christopher Paul Curtis'' (The Rosen Publishing Group, 2005), , p. 84. Excerptsat Google Books. Retrieved 2015-07-25. is an American children's book author. His f ...

: Young Adult: '' Ironman'', by

1999 : Primary: ''Livingstone Mouse'', written by Pamela Duncan Edwards, illustrated by

Henry Cole Sir Henry Cole FRSA (15 July 1808 – 18 April 1882) was a British civil servant and inventor who facilitated many innovations in commerce and education in the 19th century in the United Kingdom. Cole is credited with devising the concept of ...

: Intermediate: ''The 13th Floor'', written by

Sid Fleischman Albert Sidney Fleischman (born Avron Zalmon Fleischman; March 16, 1920 – March 17, 2010) was an American author of children's books, screenplays, novels for adults, and nonfiction books about stage magic. His works for children are known for ...

, illustrated by Peter Sis : Middle School/Junior High: ''

Under the Blood Red Sun ''Under the Blood Red Sun'' is a historical novel by Graham Salisbury, published in 1995. An award-winning feature film by Japanese-American director Tim Savage and produced by Dana Satler Hankins, from a screenplay by Salisbury, was released in ...

'', by Graham Salisbury : Young Adult: ''The Only Alien on the Planet'', by Kristen Randle

2000s

2000 : Primary: ''Lost'', written by Paul Brett Johnson and Celeste Lewis, illustrated by Johnson : Intermediate: ''Riding Freedom'', by

Pam Muñoz Ryan Pam Muñoz Ryan is an American writer for children and young adults, particularly in the Multicultural genre. Biography Muñoz Ryan was born in Bakersfield, California. She is half Mexican with Basque, Italian, and Oklahoman cultural influences ...

: Middle School/Junior High: ''

Ella Enchanted ''Ella Enchanted'' is a Newbery HonorGail Carson Levine Gail Carson Levine (born September 17, 1947) is an American author of young adult books. Her second novel, ''Ella Enchanted'', received a Newbery Honor in 1998.

: Young Adult: ''Breaking Bones'', by A. M. Jenkins 2001 : Primary: ''Grandpa's Teeth'', by Rod Clement : Intermediate: '' Honus & Me'', by

Dan Gutman Dan Gutman (born October 19, 1955) is an American writer, primarily of children's fiction. His works include the '' Baseball Card Adventures'' children's book series that began with '' Honus & Me'', and the '' My Weird School'' series. Early li ...

: Middle School/Junior High: ''

Among the Hidden ''Among the Hidden'' by Margaret Peterson Haddix is a young adult novel published on September 1, 1998 and is the first book in the ''Shadow Children'' series. The book tells the story of a fictional future in which drastic measures have been ...

'', by

Margaret Peterson Haddix Margaret Peterson Haddix (born April 9, 1964) is an American writer known best for the two children's series, ''Shadow Children'' (1998–2006) and ''The Missing'' (2008–2015). She also wrote the tenth volume in the multiple-author series '' ...

: Young Adult: '' Armageddon Summer'', by

Jane Yolen Jane Hyatt Yolen (born February 11, 1939) is an American writer of fantasy, science fiction, and children's books. She is the author or editor of more than 350 books, of which the best known is ''The Devil's Arithmetic'', a Holocaust novella. He ...

and

2002 : Primary: ''Hooway for Wodney Wat'', written by Helen Lester, illustrated by Lynn M. Munsinger : Intermediate: '' The Million Dollar Shot'', by

: Middle School/Junior High: '' Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key'', by

Jack Gantos Jack Gantos (born July 2, 1951) is an American author of children's books. He is best known for the fictional characters Rotten Ralph and Joey Pigza. Rotten Ralph is a cat who stars in twenty picture books written by Gantos and illustrated by ...

: Young Adult: ''Bad'', by Jean Ferris : Picture Books for Older Readers: '' Weslandia'', by

Paul Fleischman Paul Fleischman (born 1952) is an American writer of children's books. He and his father Sid Fleischman have both won the Newbery Medal from the American Library Association recognizing the year's "most distinguished contribution to American lite ...

2003 : Primary: ''I Will Never, Not Ever, Eat a Tomato'', by

Lauren Child Lauren Margot Peachy Child (born Helen Child; 29 November 1965) is an English children's author and illustrator. She is best known for the Charlie and Lola picture book series and other book series. Her influences include E. H. Shepard, Quent ...

: Intermediate: ''

Because of Winn-Dixie ''Because of Winn-Dixie'' is a 2000 children's novel written by Kate DiCamillo. It was adapted as a 2005 family film directed by Wayne Wang, produced by Walden Media and Twentieth Century Fox, and starring AnnaSophia Robb as Opal Buloni.

'', by

Kate DiCamillo Katrina Elizabeth DiCamillo (born March 25, 1964) is an American children's fiction author. She has published over 25 novels, including '' Because of Winn-Dixie'', ''The Tiger Rising'', ''The Tale of Despereaux'', ''The Miraculous Journey ...

: Middle School/Junior High: '' Touching Spirit Bear'', by

: Young Adult: ''Define "Normal"'', by

Julie Anne Peters Julie Anne Peters (born January 16, 1952) is an American author of young adult fiction. Peters has published 20 works, mostly novels, geared Children's literature, toward children and adolescents, many of which feature LGBT characters. In additio ...

: Picture Books for Older Readers: ''The Babe and I'', by David A. Adler 2004 : Primary: ''A Fine, Fine School'', written by

Sharon Creech Sharon Creech (born July 29, 1945) is an American writer of children's novels. She was the first American winner of the Carnegie Medal for British children's books and the first person to win both the American Newbery Medal and the British C ...

, illustrated by

Harry Bliss Harry Bliss (born March 9, 1964, in Rochester, New York) is an American cartoonist and illustrator. Bliss has illustrated many books, and produced hundreds of cartoons and 25 covers for ''The New Yorker''. Bliss has a syndicated single-panel comi ...

: Intermediate: ''

The School Story ''The School Story'' is a children's novel by Andrew Clements, published in 2001. It is about two twelve-year-old girls who try to get a school story published. Plot summary As the novel begins, twelve-year-old Natalie is almost done writing ...

'', by

Andrew Clements Andrew Elborn Clements (May 29, 1949 – November 28, 2019) was an American author of children's literature. His debut novel '' Frindle'' won an award determined by the vote of U.S. schoolchildren in about 20 different U.S. states. In June 2015 ...

: Middle School/Junior High: '' Flipped'', by

Wendelin Van Draanen Wendelin Van Draanen Dutch name, see (born January 6, 1965) is an American writer of children's and young-adult fiction. Biography Van Draanen was born in Chicago, Illinois. One of her very early influences was ''Dandelion Wine'' by Ray Bradbu ...

: Young Adult: ''Ties that Bind, Ties that Break'', by Lensey Namioka : Picture Books for Older Readers: ''And the Dish Ran Away with the Spoon'', by Janet Stevens 2005 : Primary: ''Muncha! Muncha! Muncha!'', written by Candace Fleming, illustrated by G. Brian Karas : Intermediate: ''Ruby Holler'', by

: Middle School/Junior High: ''Things Not Seen'', by

: Young Adult: ''Stormbreaker (novel), Stormbreaker'', by Anthony Horowitz : Picture Books for Older Readers: ''Mr. Lincoln's Way'', by Patricia Polacco 2006 : Primary: ''Miss Smith's Incredible Storybook'', by Michael Garland : Intermediate: ''The Good Dog'', by Avi : Middle School/Junior High: ''12 Again'', by Sue Corbett : Young Adult: ''After'', by Francine Prose : Picture Books for Older Readers: ''Boxes for Katje'', written by Candace Fleming, illustrated by Stacey Dressen-McQueen 2007 : Primary: ''My Lucky Day'', by Keiko Kasza : Intermediate: ''Christopher Mouse'', by William Wise : Middle School/Junior High: ''Al Capone Does My Shirts'', by Gennifer Choldenko : Young Adult: ''Shattering Glass'', by Gail Giles : Picture Books for Older Readers: ''The Cats in Krasinski Square'', written by Karen Hesse, illustrated by Wendy Watson 2008 : Primary: ''Superdog: The Heart of a Hero'', written by Caralyn Buehner, illustrated by Mark Buehner : Intermediate: ''Each Little Bird That Sings'', by Deborah Wiles : Middle School/Junior High: ''The Schwa Was Here'', by Neal Shusterman : Young Adult: ''Private Peaceful'', by Michael Morpurgo : Picture Books for Older Readers: ''Mr. Maxwell's Mouse'', written by Frank Asch, illustrated by Devin Asch 2009 : Primary: ''Stanley's Wild Ride'', written by Linda Bailey, illustrated by Bill Slavin : Intermediate: ''Sheep'', by Valerie Hobbs : Middle School/Junior High: ''Heat (Lupica novel), Heat'', by Mike Lupica : Young Adult: ''Sold (McCormick novel), Sold'', by Patricia McCormick (author), Patricia McCormick : Picture Books for Older Readers: ''Mystery at the Club Sandwich'', written and illustrated by Doug Cushman

2010s

2010 : Primary: ''Millie Waits for the Mail'', by Alexander Steffensmeier : Intermediate: ''No Talking'', by

: Middle School/Junior High: ''Alabama Moon (novel), Alabama Moon'', by Watt Key : Young Adult: ''The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian'', by Sherman Alexie : Picture Books for Older Readers: ''Owney: The Mail-Pouch Pooch'', written by Mona Kerby, illustrated by Lynne Barasch 2011 : Primary: ''Martina the Beautiful Cockroach'', written by Carmen Agra Deedy, illustrated by Michael Allen Austin, Michael Austin : Intermediate: ''Zorgamazoo'', by Robert Paul Weston : Middle School/Junior High: ''Cracker: The Best Dog in Vietnam'', by Cynthia Kadohata : Young Adult: ''The Hunger Games'', by Suzanne Collins : Picture Books for Older Readers: ''John, Paul, George & Ben'', written and illustrated by Lane Smith (illustrator), Lane Smith 2012 : Primary: ''I Need My Monster'', written by Amanda Noll, illustrated by Howard McWilliam : Intermediate: ''Violet Raines Almost Got Struck by Lightning'', by Danette Haworth : Middle School/Junior High: ''Every Soul a Star'', by Wendy Mass. : Young Adult: ''Graceling'', by Kristin Cashore : Picture Books for Older Readers: ''Henry's Freedom Box'', written by Ellen Levine, illustrated by Kadir Nelson 2013 : Primary: ''We Are in a Book!'', written and illustrated by Mo Willems : Intermediate: ''The Giant Slayer'', by Iain Lawrence : Middle School/Junior High: ''Out of My Mind'', by Sharon Draper : Young Adult: ''Matched (book), Matched'', by Ally Condie : Picture Books for Older Readers: ''Nubs: The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine and a Miracle'', written by Major Brian Dennis, Kirby Larson, and Mary Nethery, illustrated with photographs by members of the Marines team 2014 : Primary: ''Press Here'', written and illustrated by Herve Tullet : Intermediate: ''The Unwanteds'', by Lisa McMann : Middle School/Junior High: ''Wonderstruck (book), Wonderstruck'', by Brian Selznick : Young Adult: ''Divergent (novel), Divergent'', by Veronica Roth : Picture Books for Older Readers: ''Queen of the Falls'', written and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg 2015 : Primary: ''Exclamation Mark'', written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld : Intermediate: ''Wonder (Palacio novel), Wonder'', by R. J. Palacio : Middle School/Junior High: ''The False Prince'', by Jennifer A. Nielsen : Young Adult: ''The Fault in Our Stars'', by John Green (author), John Green : Picture Books for Older Readers: ''Brothers at Bat: The True Story of an Amazing All-Brother Team'', written by Audrey Vernick, illustrated by Steven Salerno 2016 : Primary: ''The Day the Crayons Quit'', written by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers : Intermediate: ''A Dog Called Homeless'', by Sarah Lean : Middle School/Junior High: ''Dogtag Summer'', by Elizabeth Partridge : Young Adult: ''Cinder (novel), Cinder'', by Marissa Meyer : Picture Books for Older Readers: ''Helen's Big World: The Life of Helen Keller'', written by Doreen Rappaport, illustrated by Matt Tavares 2017 : Primary: ''Sam and Dave Dig a Hole, Sam & Dave Dig a Hole'', written by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen : Intermediate: ''Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library'', by Chris Grabenstein : Middle School/Junior High: ''Keeper of the Lost Cities'', by Shannon Messenger : Young Adult: ''Red Queen (novel), Red Queen'', by Victoria Aveyard : Picture Books for Older Readers: ''Each Kindness'', written by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by E. B. Lewis (illustrator), E. B. Lewis 2018 : Primary: ''The Book with No Pictures'', by B. J. Novak : Intermediate: ''Pax'', written by Sara Pennypacker, illustrated by Jon Klassen : Middle School/Junior High: ''A Night Divided'', by Jennifer A. Nielsen : Young Adult: ''Salt to the Sea'', by Ruta Sepetys : Picture Books for Older Readers: ''Barbed Wire Baseball'', written by Marissa Moss, illustrated by Yuko Shimizu 2019 : Primary: ''The Bear and the Piano'', written and illustrated by David Litchfield : Intermediate: ''The War That Saved My Life'', by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley : Middle School/Junior High: ''Echo (Muñoz Ryan novel), Echo'', by

: Young Adult: ''Written in the Stars'', by Aisha Saeed : Picture Books for Older Readers: ''Emmanuel's Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah'', written by Laurie Ann Thompson, illustrated by Sean Qualls

2020s

2020 : Primary: ''The Legend of Rock, Paper, Scissors'', written by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Adam Rex : Intermediate: ''The War I Finally Won'', by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley : Middle School/Junior High: ''Refugee (Gratz novel), Refugee'', by Alan Gratz : Young Adult: ''Scythe (novel), Scythe'', by Neal Shusterman : Picture Books for Older Readers: ''Her Right Foot'', written by Dave Eggers, illustrated by Shawn Harris 2021 : Primary: ''Poor Louie'', written and illustrated by Tony Fucile : Intermediate: ''Restart'', by Gordon Korman : Middle School/Junior High: ''Lily and Dunkin'', by Donna Gephart : Young Adult: ''All We Have Left'', by Wendy Mills : Picture Books for Older Readers: ''Sergeant Reckless'', written by Patricia McCormick (author), Patricia McCormick, illustrated by Iacopo Bruno

Notes

References

{{reflist , 25em , refs= {{cite web , url=http://www.californiayoungreadermedal.org , title=(Home page) , website=California Young Reader Medal , date=May 1, 2015 , accessdate= 2015-05-01
The home page covers the current cycle below a short introduction. As of May 18, 2015, for example, it presents the five 2015 medal winners and the 17 books that are on the 2016 ballots. "Nominees"
CYRM. Retrieved 2015-05-18. Linked front cover images 2010–2011 to present. "Vote"
CYRM. Retrieved 2015-05-18. {{cite web , url=http://www.californiayoungreadermedal.org/winners/ , title=Winners , publisher=CYRM , accessdate=2021-08-12 Linked front cover images 2011 to present. {{cite web , url=https://docs.google.com/document/d/1V-a7zTELCP3xeV2EdwqwyY_2jNNcBoQX1Wo2BjmnUBs/edit?pli=1#heading=h.ht90hppph9f9 , title=California Young Reader Medal Nominees and Winners List , publisher=CYRM (at google.docs) , accessdate=2015-05-18