Newbery Medal · 1948

The 1948 Newbery Medal

The 21 Balloons won the 1948 Newbery Medal. Browse it alongside all 5 honor books, with ages and reading levels for each.

1948 Newbery Medal Winner
The 21 Balloons
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1947

The 21 Balloons

By William Pene du Bois

A professor's flight goes awry, leading to a mysterious island of wealth and inventions.

Newbery Medal (1948)
192 pages· 32,795 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 26,317 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Professor William Waterman Sherman's Pacific flight takes an unexpected turn, landing him on Krakatoa. There, he uncovers a hidden world brimming with unimaginable riches, quirky residents, and astonishing balloon inventions. As he navigates this peculiar island, questions arise: What secrets lie beneath its surface, and how will he ever return home? This adventure promises a blend of fantasy and discovery, challenging Sherman to rethink his journey and its true purpose. Will he embrace the wonders of Krakatoa or find a way back to the skies?
1948 Honor Books
Li Lun
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 1947

Li Lun

By Carolyn Treffinger, Kurt Wiese (Illustrator)

Banished to a mountaintop, a boy must grow rice to prove his courage and return home.

Newbery Honor (1948)
96 pages· 16,904 words· Est. 2 hour read
3.6/5 Goodreads · 1,841 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Li Lun, branded a coward, faces exile on a barren mountaintop. Tasked with growing rice where none has succeeded, he battles harsh elements and solitude. Can he defy the odds and reclaim his honor?
Misty of Chincoteague
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 7–12 · 1947

Misty of Chincoteague

By Marguerite Henry, Wesley Dennis (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Misty series

A wild mare eludes capture until two children change everything on Pony Penning Day.

Newbery Honor (1948)
176 pages· 23,429 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 48,234 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: On Chincoteague Island, a wild mare named Phantom captivates two children who are determined to capture her. As Pony Penning Day approaches, their lives intertwine with the elusive horse in unexpected ways. While Phantom remains untamed, her colt Misty offers a different story, one of loyalty and gentleness. Will the children find what they seek, or will the wild spirit of the island change them forever? Discover the mystery and magic of a bond between humans and horses in this timeless tale.
The Cow-Tail Switch
Sale price
$1049
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1947

The Cow-Tail Switch

By Harold Courlander, George Herzog, Madye Lee Chastain (Illustrator)

Explore West African folktales of clever animals, kings, and warriors. Laugh, ponder, and discover their world.

Newbery Honor (1948)
160 pages· 19,957 words· Est. 3 hour read
3.7/5 Goodreads · 327 ratings
$10.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Dive into a vibrant collection of 17 West African folktales, where animals like Frog and Rabbit outwit kings and warriors. These stories, rich with humor and wisdom, reveal how things came to be. Journey through forests, seacoasts, and plains, meeting clever and foolish characters alike. Each tale offers a glimpse into the culture and imagination of West Africa, inviting you to laugh, think, and wonder. What lessons will you uncover in these timeless tales?
Pancakes-Paris
Sale price
$470
Chapter Book · 1947

Pancakes-Paris

By Claire Huchet Bishop

A boy must decode English instructions to create a magical Mardi Gras surprise.

Newbery Honor (1948)
63 pages
4.0/5 Goodreads · 88 ratings
$4.95Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Ten-year-old Charles faces a culinary challenge: transforming American pancake flour into French crepes for Mardi Gras. Unable to read English, he must solve this puzzle to surprise his family. As he navigates this linguistic barrier, Charles also befriends two American soldiers, adding unexpected twists to his quest. Will he succeed in creating the perfect crepes and delight his mother and sister? Discover how a little ingenuity and friendship can turn an ordinary day into a magical celebration.
The Quaint And Curious Quest Of Johnny Longfoot, The Shoe King's Son
Sale price
$2465
Chapter Book · 1947

The Quaint And Curious Quest Of Johnny Longfoot, The Shoe King's Son

By Catherine Besterman, Warren Chappell (Illustrator)

Discover a timeless tale of adventure and growth.

Newbery Honor (1948)
148 pages
3.1/5 Goodreads · 59 ratings
$25.95Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Embark on a journey with a young protagonist facing unexpected challenges and life-changing adventures. As they navigate a world filled with mystery and wonder, will they find the courage to overcome their fears and embrace their destiny? This classic novel promises a captivating exploration of resilience and self-discovery.
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