The 2025 Ezra Jack Keats Award

Summary: A young boy eagerly joins his Papa at their farm stand, where every Saturday is a celebration of community and family. As they gather produce, the boy discovers the deep connections Papa has with each customer. When Papa is absent, the community rallies, sharing dishes made from his harvest. This touching tale of love and hope highlights the bonds that sustain us.

Summary: Bao yearns for the perfect doll, but her desire leads her to steal it, creating a rift with her immigrant mother. As tensions rise, Bao and her mother must navigate their differences and find common ground. Can they bridge the gap between their worlds and discover the ties that truly bind them? This heartfelt tale explores the journey from misunderstanding to empathy, revealing the power of connection and heritage.

Summary: Ernesto finally walks to school alone, clutching a quarter for emergencies. Each day, the city tempts him with baseball cards, arcade games, and hot tamales. Will he save his coin or indulge?

Summary: In Budapest, a curious boy named Ernő Rubik was captivated by puzzles and geometric shapes. His fascination led him to create a cube that twisted and turned, becoming the world's most iconic puzzle. This biography delves into Ernő's journey from a curious child to a professor of architecture and design, revealing the creative process behind the Rubik's Cube. As readers explore his story, they are invited to ponder the magic of inspiration and the joy of solving puzzles. What drives a mind to invent something that captivates millions?