Children's book award · 19842025

Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction Books

By the Bookroo Editors

Browse children's books recognized by the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction, including winners and honored titles from 1984 through 2025.

The Color of a Lie
Ophie's Ghosts
Finding Langston
The most recent cycle

The 2025 Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction

2025 Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction Winner
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 13–17 · 2024

The Color of a Lie

By Kim Johnson

A teen risks everything to expose dark secrets in a racially divided town.

Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction (2025)
336 pages
4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,121 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Summary: In 1955, Calvin's family flees Chicago, passing as white in a suburban town. As Calvin navigates this new life, he uncovers dangerous secrets that threaten his family's safety. Torn between maintaining their facade and revealing the truth, Calvin must decide if the risk is worth the cost. Will he protect his family or expose the town's hidden racism? This gripping tale explores identity, courage, and the perilous line between truth and survival.
Every year

Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction Winners by Year

The honorees

Books Recognized by the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction

The Color of a Lie

Chapter Book · Ages 13–17 · 2024

A teen risks everything to expose dark secrets in a racially divided town.

Ophie's Ghosts
Sale price
$1699

Ophie's Ghosts

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2021

A girl discovers she can see ghosts and uncovers secrets in a haunted manor.

All He Knew

Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2020

A deaf boy labeled 'unteachable' finds hope through an unexpected ally during WWII.

Finding Langston
Sale price
$899

Finding Langston

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

A boy finds solace in a library and a poet's legacy amidst the chaos of a new city.

Beyond the Bright Sea

Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 2017

A young girl named Crow searches for her origins and identity on a remote island off the coast of Massachusetts.

Full of Beans

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2016

In 1934 Key West, a savvy boy's big plans during the Great Depression lead to unexpected consequences.

Dash

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2014

A girl and her dog are separated by war. Can hope reunite them?

One Crazy Summer

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2010

Three sisters meet their estranged mother and uncover unexpected truths during a summer with the Black Panthers.

Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$2499

The Storm in the Barn

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2009

A boy confronts a sinister figure amid Dust Bowl chaos.

Chains

Chapter Book · Ages 12–16 · 2008

A young girl fights for freedom amidst the Revolutionary War's chaos.

Elijah of Buxton

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2007

A boy's quest to reclaim stolen freedom money leads him into a world of danger and discovery.

The Green Glass Sea
Sale price
$999

The Green Glass Sea

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2006

In 1943, a secret town hides a world-changing project and an unexpected friendship.

The Game of Silence

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2005

A young girl faces the threat of losing her home and way of life in 1850.

Worth
Sale price
$899

Worth

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 1998

Two boys, one farm, and a struggle for belonging and identity.

Trouble Don't Last
Sale price
$899

Trouble Don't Last

Chapter Book · 2001

A young slave's escape reveals secrets and a path to freedom.

The Land
Sale price
$1099

The Land

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2001

A boy of mixed heritage seeks his own land in a divided post-Civil War world.

Forty Acres and Maybe a Mule

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 1998

Two brothers fight to protect their newfound freedom from night riders threatening their farm.

Out of the Dust
Sale price
$899

Out of the Dust

Chapter Book · Ages 10–15 · 1997

A girl seeks solace amidst dust storms and personal tragedy.

Jip, His Story

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1996

A stranger's arrival unravels Jip's forgotten past, leading to unexpected truths.

Under the Blood-Red Sun

Chapter Book · Ages 12–17 · 1994

After Pearl Harbor, Tomi faces fear and loyalty as his family is torn apart.

Morning Girl

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 1990

Two siblings face change and discovery in 1492 Bahamas.

Stepping on the Cracks

Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 1991

A girl discovers a bully's secret: his brother is a deserter.

Shades of Gray

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1989

Orphaned by war, a boy confronts his beliefs and discovers true courage.

Streams to the River, River to the Sea

Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 1986

A young woman guides explorers to the Pacific, facing joy and heartbreak.

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