Children's book award · 20042026

Schneider Family Book Award Books

By the Bookroo Editors

Browse children's books recognized by the Schneider Family Book Award, including winners and honored titles from 2004 through 2026.

When Stars Are Scattered
Graphic Nov.
The most recent cycle

The 2026 Schneider Family Book Award

2026 Honor Books
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2025

The Poetry of Car Mechanics

By Heidi E. Y. Stemple

A boy's quest to save an injured hawk leads to self-discovery.

Schneider Family Book Honor (2026)
256 pages
4.3/5 Goodreads · 347 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Summary: Fifteen-year-old Dylan finds solace in birdwatching and poetry, escaping his small-town life and complicated family past. When he discovers an injured hawk, his journey to save it forces him to confront his own brokenness. As Dylan steps beyond his comfort zone, he uncovers hidden strengths and begins to heal. Will rescuing the hawk also mend his fractured spirit? This poignant tale of self-discovery and resilience unfolds in a lyrical novel-in-verse, capturing the essence of finding oneself amid life's challenges.
Chapter Book · Ages 10–+ · 2025

Octopus Moon

A girl faces depression and change, seeking strength in small victories.

336 pages
4.4/5 Goodreads · 943 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Summary: Pearl, a fifth grader, feels overwhelmed by changes and depression. Struggling with school and friendships, she resists help until Dr. Jill suggests tackling 'Impossible Things.' With each small triumph, Pearl strings a bead, slowly rediscovering herself. Can she find her way back to feeling whole?
Every year

Schneider Family Book Award Winners by Year

The honorees

Books Recognized by the Schneider Family Book Award

When Stars Are Scattered

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

A refugee boy faces a choice: education or staying with his brother.

Itzhak

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2020

A boy's love for music overcomes life's challenges, leading to global acclaim.

Song for a Whale

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

A deaf girl seeks to connect with a whale whose song goes unheard.

Just Ask!

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2019

A group of children with different abilities and health conditions share their experiences and how they adapt to their challenges.

A Friend for Henry

Picture Book · Ages 3–5 · 2019

In a noisy world, can Henry find the friend he seeks?

Each Tiny Spark

Chapter Book · Ages 10–+ · 2019

A daughter seeks to reconnect with her distant father amidst community turmoil.

The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2018

Mason's friend vanished. Can he uncover the truth before it's too late?

Anger Is a Gift

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2018

A teen must decide if anger can be a force for change amidst chaos and tragedy.

Rescue & Jessica

Picture Book · Ages 5–9 · 2018

A girl and her service dog find a new path together.

The Collectors

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

A boy discovers a secret society collecting wishes, but not all wishes are harmless.

The Remember Balloons

Picture Book · Ages 5–9 · 2018

A boy struggles to preserve his grandpa's fading memories as they drift away.

Silent Days, Silent Dreams

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

A silent artist defies all odds to leave a lasting legacy.

Macy McMillan and the Rainbow Goddess

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

Macy's world shifts as she befriends Iris, an elderly neighbor, amidst family upheaval.

As Brave As You

Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2016

Two brothers' quest for bravery unravels secrets and challenges their beliefs.

Six Dots

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2016

A blind boy creates a revolutionary reading system.

When We Collided

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2016

A summer romance tests two teens as love battles old wounds and unexpected challenges.

Fish in a Tree
Sale price
$1899

Fish in a Tree

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2015

A girl hides her reading struggles until a teacher helps her embrace her unique mind.

Emmanuel's Dream

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2015

A boy with one leg cycles 400 miles to prove disability is not inability.

The War That Saved My Life

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2015

A girl escapes wartime London, seeking freedom from her mother's cruelty.

A Boy and a Jaguar

Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2014

A boy finds his voice with animals, overcoming a stutter to champion their cause.

Rain Reign

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2014

A storm separates a girl from her beloved dog, challenging her to step beyond her comfort zone.

Handbook for Dragon Slayers
Sale price
$1699

Handbook for Dragon Slayers

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2013

A princess flees her kingdom, facing dragons and discovering hidden strengths.

Back to Front and Upside Down

Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2012

A boy struggles with writing, fearing to ask for help. Can he overcome his frustration?

A Dog Called Homeless

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2012

A girl sees her late mother and a mysterious dog. Can she prove they're real?

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