Boston Globe–Horn Book Award · 2021

The 2021 Boston Globe–Horn Book Award

I Talk Like a River won the 2021 Boston Globe–Horn Book Award. Browse it alongside all 5 honor books, with ages and reading levels for each.

2021 Boston Globe–Horn Book Award Winner · Picture Book
I Talk Like a River
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2020

I Talk Like a River

By Jordan Scott, Sydney Smith (Illustrator)

A boy finds his voice with his father's help by the river.

Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (2021)Charlotte Zolotow Honor (2022)Odyssey Honor (2022)Schneider Family Book Award (2021)
40 pages· 545 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
4.5/5 Goodreads · 4,263 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Summary: A young boy struggles with stuttering, feeling isolated and unable to express himself. His father takes him on a transformative walk by the river, helping him discover his voice. Will this change in perspective allow him to connect with the world around him? This heartfelt journey explores the power of compassion and understanding, offering hope to any child who feels lost or out of place.
2021 Honor Books
Chapter Book · Ages 10–+ · 2020

Fighting Words

Two sisters face trauma and silence. Can they find their voices and heal?

272 pages· 49,943 words· Est. 7 hour read
4.6/5 Goodreads · 14,309 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Summary: Ten-year-old Della relies on her sister Suki for protection. But when Suki attempts suicide, Della's world shatters. As secrets unravel, Della must decide if it's time to speak out. Can the sisters find their voices and heal from the past?
Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2020

All Thirteen

Trapped in a cave, a soccer team faces rising floodwaters and a global rescue mission.

280 pages· 42,024 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
4.5/5 Goodreads · 6,984 ratings
$25.99Save 5%
Summary: Twelve young soccer players and their coach are trapped in a flooded Thai cave. As the world watches, a daring seventeen-day rescue unfolds. Can these ordinary kids survive the darkness and hunger? Discover the extraordinary courage and global effort that turned a perilous situation into a miraculous rescue. Dive into the suspenseful blend of science, culture, and human spirit that saved the Wild Boars.
Picture Book · Ages 8–12 · 2021

Unspeakable

A thriving community faces devastation in a forgotten tragedy of racial violence.

32 pages· 859 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud
4.5/5 Goodreads · 4,325 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Summary: In 1921, Tulsa's Greenwood District, a prosperous African American community, is shattered when a white mob attacks, leaving death and destruction in its wake. As the truth is buried for decades, this powerful narrative invites young readers to confront the past and envision a future of hope and justice. What will it take to heal and remember?
Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2020

I Am Every Good Thing

A young boy celebrates his identity and self-worth through a series of affirmations.

32 pages· 508 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
4.6/5 Goodreads · 3,626 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Summary: Meet a young, confident narrator bursting with energy and dreams. He's creative, adventurous, and determined to make a difference. Yet, he's often misunderstood and labeled unfairly. Can he overcome these challenges and show the world his true self? Discover the superhero within as he navigates a world that doesn't always see him for who he is. This empowering tale invites you to slow down, listen, and truly see the extraordinary in those around us.
Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2021

Watercress

By Andrea Wang, Jason Chin (Illustrator)

A roadside discovery reveals a family's hidden heritage and unites past and present.

32 pages· 497 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.5/5 Goodreads · 5,994 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Summary: In Ohio, a young girl feels embarrassed when her immigrant parents stop to gather wild watercress. As her mother shares a poignant story from their past in China, the girl begins to understand the significance of their foraging. This journey into family history transforms her embarrassment into appreciation, creating a new, cherished memory. Discover how a simple act of gathering connects generations and uncovers the power of heritage.
Every year

Boston Globe–Horn Book Award Winners by Year

Bookroo

  • About Us
  • Blog
  • FAQs
  • Help Center
  • Contact Us
  • Affiliates

Book Clubs

Follow Bookroo