The 2020 Odyssey Award

Summary: Journey through a Cherokee year, starting in fall and ending in summer, where each season brings unique celebrations and challenges. Discover the essence of gratitude, or 'otsaliheliga,' as the community embraces its traditions and modern life. This vibrant exploration offers a glimpse into the heart of Cherokee culture, complete with a glossary and the Cherokee syllabary. What lessons will each season reveal?

Summary: After Earth's destruction, a family relocates to Planet Choom, where the intelligent Zhuri resemble giant mosquitos. But the real challenge? The Zhuri dislike humans. Can this family change their minds and secure humanity's future? With humor banned and emotions unwelcome, the stakes are high. Will friendship and laughter bridge the intergalactic divide?

Summary: Twelve-year-old Iris, a tech genius and the only deaf student at her school, discovers Blue 55, a whale whose song is silent to his kind. Determined to bridge their shared isolation, Iris devises a plan to communicate with him across three thousand miles. Can her invention reach the lonely whale and make a difference? This poignant tale explores the power of connection and the courage to be heard.

Summary: Kate, the cheerleader, and Tam, the volleyball player, seem worlds apart. Yet, as they discover each other's true selves, their connection deepens into something more. But not everyone approves. In this heartfelt novel in verse, explore the journey of self-discovery and first love, where knowing who you're meant to be with might come before knowing who you are. Will Kate and Tam find the courage to embrace their feelings despite the challenges they face?