Boston Globe–Horn Book Award · 2020

The 2020 Boston Globe–Horn Book Award

Saturday, King and the Dragonflies and Infinite Hope won the 2020 Boston Globe–Horn Book Award. Browse them alongside all 5 honor books, with ages and reading levels for each.

2020 Boston Globe–Horn Book Award Winner · Picture Book
Saturday
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2019

Saturday

A young girl spends a day with her mother, experiencing various disappointments but ultimately learning the value of time with loved ones.

Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (2020)
40 pages· 507 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
4.5/5 Goodreads · 2,902 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Summary: Every Saturday, a mother and daughter cherish their special routine. But this time, everything goes awry—storytime, salon, picnic, and puppet show plans fall apart. As frustration mounts, the daughter gently reminds her mom that their time together is what truly matters. This touching tale captures the essence of love and resilience, celebrating the beauty of shared moments even when plans go astray.
2020 Boston Globe–Horn Book Award Winner · Fiction and Poetry
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

King and the Dragonflies

By Kacen Callender

A boy's grief and a missing friend lead to secrets and self-discovery by the bayou.

272 pages· 49,487 words· Est. 7 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 10,242 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Summary: In a Louisiana town, twelve-year-old Kingston grapples with his brother's death, believing Khalid has become a dragonfly. When his friend Sandy vanishes, King finds him hiding from an abusive father. Together, they create a sanctuary by the bayou, reigniting their friendship and forcing King to confront his identity and the truth about Khalid. Can King find the courage to embrace who he truly is?
2020 Boston Globe–Horn Book Award Winner · Nonfiction
Picture Book · Ages 10–13 · 2019

Infinite Hope

A black soldier's art and hope defy the horrors of WWII's segregated army.

112 pages· 12,559 words· Est. 1.5 hour read-aloud
4.4/5 Goodreads · 481 ratings
$21.99Save 5%
Summary: Drafted at eighteen, Ashley Bryan faces the brutal reality of WWII as a black soldier in a segregated army. Amidst lies and isolation, he endures tasks more harrowing than those given to Nazi POWs. As he watches white soldiers return home, his art becomes his refuge. Decades later, he reveals his hidden story of resilience, kindness, and the power of creativity. This memoir, enriched with personal artwork and letters, offers a poignant glimpse into a past of struggle and hope.
2020 Honor Books
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2019

Pokko and the Drum

A little frog's drumming leads a forest parade. Can she hear her father's call home?

64 pages· 408 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.4/5 Goodreads · 2,367 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Summary: In a quiet forest, Pokko, a little frog, plays her magical drum, sparking an unexpected parade of animals. As raccoons, rabbits, and wolves join her rhythm, the forest comes alive. But amidst the music, will Pokko hear her father's call to return home? This enchanting tale explores art, persistence, and the unexpected power of a single beat.
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2019

It Began With a Page

By Kyo Maclear, Julie Morstad (Illustrator)

An artist fights for diversity in children's books, defying rejection to change the world.

48 pages· 1,089 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud
4.5/5 Goodreads · 1,263 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Summary: Gyo Fujikawa, a determined artist, faces the challenges of World War II internment and a publishing world resistant to change. In New York, she fights to depict diverse children in her books, despite initial rejection. Her persistence leads to groundbreaking success, selling millions and paving the way for inclusivity in literature. Discover how one woman's vision transformed the pages of children's books forever.
Picture Book · Ages 3–8 · 2019

Birdsong

A girl finds friendship and challenges in a new town as her elderly neighbor's health declines.

48 pages· 714 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud
4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,808 ratings
$17.95Save 5%
Summary: Katherena, feeling out of place in a new town, discovers a kindred spirit in Agnes, an elderly artist next door. Their shared love for art and nature blossoms into a deep friendship. As the seasons change, Katherena faces the heartache of Agnes's failing health. Can their bond withstand the test of time and loss? This poignant tale explores the beauty of intergenerational connections and the healing power of creativity.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

When You Trap a Tiger

A girl must decide: make a deal with a magical tiger or risk losing her grandmother.

297 pages· 53,745 words· Est. 7.5 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 20,930 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Summary: Lily's world changes when a magical tiger from her grandmother's Korean folktales appears, demanding the return of a stolen treasure. In exchange, her grandmother's health hangs in the balance. With her sister and friend Ricky, Lily must navigate this mystical challenge, uncover family secrets, and find her courage. Will she risk everything for a deal that might not be what it seems? Dive into a tale where folklore and reality intertwine, and the power of stories could be the key to saving her family.
Chapter Book · Ages 13–18 · 2020

Clap When You Land

Two teens discover each other after their father's tragic plane crash.

595 pages
4.2/5 Goodreads · 111,566 ratings
$30.00Save 5%
Summary: Camino Rios eagerly awaits her father's arrival in the Dominican Republic, only to find heartbreak at the airport. In New York, Yahaira Rios is shattered by the news of her father's death. As they grapple with grief, a shocking revelation emerges: they are sisters. Separated by distance and secrets, Camino and Yahaira must navigate a new reality, questioning everything they knew about their father and themselves. Can they find connection amidst the chaos, or will the truth drive them further apart? Dive into a poignant tale of loss, discovery, and the unbreakable bonds of family.
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