Children's book award · 19582026

Jane Addams Children's Book Award Books

By the Bookroo Editors

Browse children's books recognized by the Jane Addams Children's Book Award, including winners and honored titles from 1958 through 2026.

Martin's Big Words
The most recent cycle

The 2026 Jane Addams Children's Book Award

2026 Jane Addams Children's Book Award Winner · Younger
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2025

The History of We

By Nikkolas Smith

Explore humanity's origins and first achievements through a captivating journey back to Africa.

Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Honor (2026)Jane Addams Children's Book Award (2026)
40 pages
4.5/5 Goodreads · 450 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Summary: Journey back to humanity's roots in Africa, where every person traces their ancestry. Discover the courage and curiosity of our shared ancestors as they painted, danced, and explored unknown lands. Through vivid illustrations, this tale reimagines the firsts of human civilization, centering Black people in our origin story. What was it like to be the first to create music or medicine? Uncover the ingenuity that shaped our world.
2026 Honor Books
Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2025

A Place for Us

A boy and his mom navigate life without a home, finding love in unexpected places.

32 pages
4.4/5 Goodreads · 249 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Summary: A young boy's day mirrors that of his peers, yet holds a secret. As he and his mom move from fast food to the library, their reality unfolds—they're homeless. Sleeping on park benches and washing in fountains, they face each day with resilience. Despite their struggles, the bond between mother and son remains unbreakable. How do they maintain hope and dignity in a world that overlooks them? Discover the silent strength of love in this moving tale.
Every year

Jane Addams Children's Book Award Winners by Year

The honorees

Books Recognized by the Jane Addams Children's Book Award

Martin's Big Words

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2001

Discover the powerful journey of a leader who preached love over hate.

Amber Was Brave, Essie Was Smart

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2001

Two sisters face fears and challenges, proving their unbreakable bond.

Esperanza Rising

Chapter Book · Ages 12–15 · 2000

A privileged girl must adapt to harsh labor camp life during the Great Depression.

The Yellow Star

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2000

A king's bold plan challenges Nazi oppression in occupied Denmark.

The Color of My Words

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2000

A young girl in a land where words are feared seeks her voice and power through writing.

Through My Eyes

Picture Book · Ages 8–12 · 1999

A six-year-old girl becomes the first African American student to integrate a white school in New Orleans in 1960.

A Band of Angels

Chapter Book · Ages 4–8 · 1999

A singing group fights to save their college with the power of spirituals.

The Birchbark House

Chapter Book · Ages 7–12 · 1999

A young Ojibwa girl navigates life on Lake Superior in 1847.

When Sophie Gets Angry - Really, Really Angry...

Picture Book · Ages 4–8

A young girl's temper tantrum leads her on a journey of self-discovery.

Hey Little Ant

Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 1998

An ant begs a child to reconsider squishing it.

This Land Is Your Land

Picture Book · Ages 8–12 · 1998

Journey through America with a beloved folk song brought to life in vivid illustrations.

Habibi

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 1997

A move to Palestine challenges Liyana's identity and forbidden friendship.

The Circuit

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 1996

A family's journey through hardship and hope in search of a better life.

Seedfolks

Chapter Book · Ages 10–15 · 1997

A neglected lot becomes a garden, uniting a fractured community with hope and transformation.

Wilma Unlimited

Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 1996

A runner defies polio to win Olympic gold.

Behind the Bedroom Wall

Chapter Book · Ages 8–13 · 1996

A young girl discovers her parents' secret, challenging her beliefs in Nazi Germany.

The Well

Chapter Book · Ages 10–+ · 1995

Tensions rise as pride and prejudice clash during a drought.

From the Notebooks of Melanin Sun

Chapter Book · Ages 10–+ · 1995

A teen's world unravels when his mom reveals she's in love with a woman.

Kids at Work

Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 1994

A photographer's lens exposes child labor horrors, sparking change.

Eleanor Roosevelt

Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 1993

Explore Eleanor Roosevelt's journey from childhood to global influence.

Aunt Harriet's Underground Railroad in the Sky

Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 1992

A girl flies with Harriet Tubman to uncover the secrets of the Underground Railroad.

Mrs. Katz and Tush

Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 1992

A boy and an elderly woman bond over a kitten, discovering shared cultural stories.

The Wednesday Surprise

Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 1989

A surprise gift reveals the heartwarming bond between generations through shared stories.

Shades of Gray

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1989

Orphaned by war, a boy confronts his beliefs and discovers true courage.

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