The 2023 Newbery Medal

Summary: Iveliz is determined to make seventh grade her year, but balancing new friendships, family challenges, and her own mental health proves difficult. As her abuela questions her need for medication, Iveliz struggles to express her feelings. Can she find her voice and the support she needs, or will her emotions spiral out of control? This poignant novel in verse explores the journey of self-advocacy and the power of love and understanding.

Summary: Twelve-year-old Maizy visits Last Chance, Minnesota, where her family's Chinese restaurant, the Golden Palace, holds hidden secrets. As she uncovers mysteries, including a missing treasure and a racist note, Maizy must navigate family tensions and unravel the past. Why do her mom and grandmother clash? Who are the people in the old photos? Maizy's journey reveals surprising truths about family, identity, and resilience.

Summary: Twelve-year-old Sai, assistant to a renowned mapmaker, hides her conman father's past in a society where ancestry defines status. Joining a sea expedition, she discovers the ship's true destination: the legendary Sunderlands, a realm of dragons and untold riches. As secrets unravel, Sai must decide if her dreams are worth the risks. Will she navigate the treacherous waters of identity and ambition, or will her hidden past catch up with her? Embark on a thrilling journey where integrity and destiny collide in a world as intricate as the maps she helps create.