Children's book award · 1986–2026

Ezra Jack Keats Award Books

Known collectively as the Ezra Jack Keats Award, the New Writer Award was established in 1985 and the New Illustrator Award in 2001 to recognize and encourage emerging talent in the field of children’s books. Many past winners have gone on to distinguished careers, creating books beloved by parents, children, librarians and teachers around the world.

The EJK Award is given annually to an outstanding new writer and new illustrator by the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation. An Honor Books category was added in 2012. A distinguished selection committee of early childhood education specialists, librarians, illustrators and experts in children’s literature reviews the entries, seeking books that portray the universal qualities of childhood, a strong and supportive family, and the multicultural nature of our world. The EJK Award was co-presented by the New York Public Library from 1986 to 2011. Since 2012, the de Grummond Children’s Literature Collection has co-presented the award at the Children’s Book Festival, held in April at the University of Southern Mississippi, in Hattiesburg.

To be eligible, writers and illustrators must have had no more than three books previously published. The award includes a prize of $3,000 for each winner.

Information from: https://www.ezra-jack-keats.org/h/about-the-ezra-jack-keats-book-award/

The most recent cycle

The 2026 Ezra Jack Keats Award

2026 Ezra Jack Keats Award Winner · Writer

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2025

Paka Paka con la Papa

By Sara Andrea Fajardo, Juana Martinez-Neal (Illustrator)

A scientist races against time to save wild potatoes from extinction.

Ezra Jack Keats Award (2026)Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award (2026)

40 pages

4.3/5 Goodreads · 387 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In the Andes mountains, scientist Alberto Salas embarks on a thrilling quest to find wild potatoes before they vanish forever. These unique potatoes hold the potential to feed the world, but climate change threatens their existence. As Alberto plays a high-stakes game of hide and seek, the clock ticks down. Will he succeed in his mission to preserve these vital crops? Dive into this vibrant tale of adventure and discovery, where the fate of the world's food supply hangs in the balance.

2026 Ezra Jack Keats Award Winner · Illustrator

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2025

Faith Takes the Train

By Kesi Augustine, Mokshini (Illustrator)

A train ride turns into a test of courage and kindness. Will Faith respond?

Ezra Jack Keats Award (2026)

40 pages

4.0/5 Goodreads · 166 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: On a routine train ride in New York City, young Faith faces an unexpected challenge. As she enjoys her grandma's sandwich, a familiar voice, Isaiah, breaks the usual melody with a plea for help. The train falls silent, and Faith's heart races. Can she muster the courage to respond to Isaiah's call? This heartwarming tale explores the power of small acts of kindness and the bravery it takes to make a difference. Join Faith on her journey of compassion and discover how one moment can spark meaningful conversations.

2026 Honor Books

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2025

My Heart Speaks Kriolu

By Stefanie Foster Brown, Keisha Morris (Illustrator)

A girl struggles with language and identity, seeking her true home.

Ezra Jack Keats Honor (2026)

40 pages

4.1/5 Goodreads · 64 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: A young girl walks with her grandfather every Saturday, learning about her Cabo Verdean roots. Though she stumbles over Kriolu, the language of her heritage, she senses its presence in her Massachusetts community. As she guides her sight-impaired grandfather, she questions if she can ever truly belong to a place she's never seen. Can she find her true home between two worlds?

Sale price

$2089

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2025

Call Me Gray

By Andrew Larsen, Bells Larsen, Tallulah Fontaine (Illustrator)

A child reveals their true identity to their dad, seeking acceptance and understanding.

Ezra Jack Keats Honor (2026)Stonewall Book Award – Children's & Young Adult Literature Honor (2026)

32 pages· 610 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

4.2/5 Goodreads · 164 ratings

$21.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In a wintery setting, a child bravely shares their true identity with their dad, asking, "Do you ever feel different than the way you look?" As they navigate this heartfelt conversation, the child, who feels like Gray, seeks acceptance and understanding. Will their dad embrace this change, affirming their identity and ensuring home remains a safe haven? This touching story explores the complexities of identity and the warmth of unconditional love, inviting families to engage in meaningful dialogue.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2025

Paloma Flies Away

By María J. Guarda (Author/Illustrator), Melanie Cordova (Translator)

A family flees a dictatorship, seeking a new home and identity amidst constant change.

Ezra Jack Keats Honor (2026)

32 pages

3.8/5 Goodreads · 66 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Paloma's world is upended when a dictator seizes control, forcing her family to flee their homeland. In a new country, they find adventure and friendship, but the longing for home lingers. As Paloma grows, more upheavals lead them to yet another land, one she barely remembers. Will they ever find a place to truly call home? This poignant tale explores the resilience of family and the quest for identity in a world of change.

Every year

Ezra Jack Keats Award Winners by Year

The honorees

Books Recognized by the Ezra Jack Keats Award

Sale price

$1999