Boston Globe–Horn Book Award · 2026

The 2026 Boston Globe–Horn Book Award

Navigating Night, A World Without Summer and A Scar like a River won the 2026 Boston Globe–Horn Book Award. Browse them alongside all 6 honor books, with ages and reading levels for each.

2026 Boston Globe–Horn Book Award Winner · Picture Book
Navigating Night
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2026

Navigating Night

By Julie Leung, Angie Kang (Illustrator)

A girl navigates her father's delivery route, uncovering family history and understanding.

Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (2026)
48 pages
4.5/5 Goodreads · 325 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Every night, a girl helps her father deliver Chinese take-out, resenting the task and feeling different from other kids. As she guides him with Cantonese directions, she learns of his solitary immigration journey. This revelation transforms her perspective, deepening her appreciation for their shared sacrifices and the life he has built for her. Will she embrace her unique family story?
2026 Boston Globe–Horn Book Award Winner · Nonfiction
Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2025

A World Without Summer

A volcanic eruption plunges the world into chaos, inspiring a legendary tale of creation and destruction.

304 pages· 34,098 words· Est. 4 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,106 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: On a quiet Indonesian island, the Tambora volcano erupts, casting the world into darkness and chaos. As the climate shifts unpredictably, a young Mary Shelley finds inspiration in the turmoil, crafting the iconic tale of Frankenstein. This gripping narrative explores the catastrophic impact of nature's fury and the unforeseen consequences of human actions. Can humanity learn from the past, or are we doomed to repeat it? Dive into a world where the sky rains ash and the sun refuses to shine, and discover the story of a disaster that reshaped history and literature.
2026 Boston Globe–Horn Book Award Winner · Fiction
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2026

A Scar like a River

A scarred teen's secret unravels, threatening friendships and family bonds.

400 pages· 87,891 words· Est. 12 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 741 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Thirteen-year-old Fallon hides a dark secret behind her facial scar. As her uncle's death triggers chaos, her friendships falter, and family tensions rise. With secrets threatening to surface, can Fallon confront her past and find healing? Discover a tale of resilience and the power of truth.
2026 Honor Books
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$2089
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2025

How to Say Goodbye in Cuban

A boy's life is upended by revolution and a quest for freedom.

240 pages· 9,804 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 678 ratings
$21.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In the midst of the Cuban Revolution, 12-year-old Carlos faces upheaval as his father vanishes, leaving him and his family to navigate a dangerous escape to America. Torn between the only home he's known and the promise of freedom, Carlos must confront the harsh realities of a world in turmoil. Will he reunite with his father, or will the revolution's grip tighten around his dreams? This gripping memoir captures a family's courageous journey toward a new beginning.
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2026

The Great Frog

A tale of sibling bonds and mythical protectors unfolds as truth and imagination blur.

40 pages
3.8/5 Goodreads · 45 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Kit spins a tale of the Great Frog to comfort her brother Peedie about frog eggs' safety. As Peedie's belief grows, so does the legend, with castles on the moon and starry steeds. When Kit reveals the truth, Peedie isn't disheartened. He believes stories hold truth and protectors exist. This enchanting story explores sibling bonds, imagination, and the magic of belief.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2026

The Second Life of Snap

A girl and her robot face survival challenges in a dystopian world.

176 pages· 26,431 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 644 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In a harsh, sun-scorched camp, twelve-year-old Zuzu Santos receives an outdated robot, Snap, as severance when her father loses his job. With Snap's battery dwindling, Zuzu is determined to keep him alive, but Snap is equally committed to protecting Zuzu and her friends. As resources dwindle and tensions rise, their bond is tested. Will Zuzu find a way to save Snap, or will Snap's sacrifice be inevitable? This heartwarming tale of friendship and survival explores the lengths one will go to protect those they love in a world where hope is scarce.
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2026

While We're Here

By Anne Wynter, Micha Archer (Illustrator)

A busy day transforms into a celebration of small joys.

40 pages
4.5/5 Goodreads · 203 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In a bustling city, a girl and her mother navigate a hectic day. When unexpected changes slow their pace, they discover the beauty in life's small pleasures. As they savor these moments, vibrant artwork captures their journey, turning an ordinary day into an extraordinary celebration. What hidden joys will they uncover together?
Picture Book · Ages 4–8

When Beavers Move In

Beavers build dams, causing chaos. Can they find a new home?

40 pages
4.5/5 Goodreads · 101 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: When beavers invade Puget Sound, they topple trees and flood neighborhoods. The Tulalip Tribes step in, relocating these industrious creatures to safer habitats. Discover the delicate balance between nature and community.
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2026

As I Dream of You

By Jennifer Lee, LeUyen Pham (Illustrator)

Can love defy death, or will dreams become nightmares?

352 pages
4.3/5 Goodreads · 782 ratings
$27.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Franny and Sam, two teens shaped by heartbreak, discover love's true power when they fall for each other. Their bond seems unbreakable, even capable of defying death itself. But as they fight to stay together, reality and fantasy blur, threatening to turn their dream into a nightmare. Can their love survive the ultimate test, or will it unravel in the face of impossible odds? Dive into a world where love challenges fate and the line between life and dreams is dangerously thin.
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