The 2026 Newbery Medal

Summary: In 1941 Iran, Babak and his sister, now orphans, fear separation. Babak takes up their father's role as a nomadic teacher, embarking on a perilous journey across the mountains. Along the way, they encounter a Jewish boy hiding from a Nazi spy. Together, they must navigate a world filled with soldiers and spies, racing against time and danger. As they traverse this war-torn landscape, can these young hearts from different backgrounds find a way to survive and communicate amidst chaos? An epic tale of courage and unity unfolds in the shadow of World War II.

Summary: In Deadwood Forest, Clare, an undead fox, guides souls to the afterlife. His routine is disrupted when Gingersnipes, a badger soul, cannot move on. Together, they embark on a perilous quest to consult Hesterfowl, a prophetic grouse. What they discover could alter the balance between life and death, forcing Clare to confront his own fate. Can Clare solve the mystery and restore order, or will the forest's secrets consume them both?

Summary: In 731 China, Han Yu's rumored tiger-summoning skills are put to the test when a plague threatens his world. Meanwhile, in 1931 Chinatown, Luli faces a financial crisis that could shatter her family's dreams. Both must embark on dangerous journeys, confronting magical lakes and cunning thieves, to protect what they hold dear. As their paths unfold, the power of art and courage binds their stories across time. Will they succeed in their quests, or will the unknown prove too daunting?

Summary: In the shadow of the Great Depression, twelve-year-old Roberto Alvarez faces a segregated school system in Lemon Grove. Chosen as the lead plaintiff, he stands against injustice, backed by his community and the Mexican Consulate. As threats loom, Roberto's courage and the community's determination ignite a historic legal battle, setting the stage for the first successful school desegregation case in the U.S. Will their fight for equality prevail against the odds?