The 2021 Newbery Medal

Summary: Twelve young soccer players and their coach are trapped in a flooded Thai cave. As the world watches, a daring seventeen-day rescue unfolds. Can these ordinary kids survive the darkness and hunger? Discover the extraordinary courage and global effort that turned a perilous situation into a miraculous rescue. Dive into the suspenseful blend of science, culture, and human spirit that saved the Wild Boars.

Summary: Henry Brown, born into slavery, loses his family to the cruel trade. With nothing left, he devises a daring escape plan: shipping himself in a box to freedom. As he navigates the perilous journey, aided by the Underground Railroad, will he find the liberty he seeks? This powerful narrative, told in poetic stanzas, captures the resilience and courage of a man determined to reclaim his life. Vivid illustrations and historical context enrich this tale of hope and defiance.

Summary: Ten-year-old Della relies on her sister Suki for protection. But when Suki attempts suicide, Della's world shatters. As secrets unravel, Della must decide if it's time to speak out. Can the sisters find their voices and heal from the past?

Summary: In Chattana, where light is controlled by the Governor, Pong escapes prison only to find freedom elusive. Marked as a fugitive, he navigates a world divided by privilege. Nok, the warden's daughter, is determined to capture him to restore her family's honor. As she chases him through the city's alleys and canals, she discovers unsettling truths that challenge her beliefs. In this Thai-inspired fantasy, the line between law and justice blurs, raising the question: can one child illuminate the darkness?

Summary: In 1986, siblings Cash, Fitch, and Bird Nelson Thomas navigate personal challenges in a tense household. Cash risks failing school, Fitch battles an explosive temper, and Bird dreams of commanding a NASA shuttle. As the Challenger launch approaches, their science teacher, Ms. Salonga, inspires them to dream beyond their struggles. When the fateful day arrives, it unites them in unexpected ways, forever changing their paths. Will they find their place in the universe, or remain lost in their own orbits?