Children's book award · 20042019

The E.B. White Read Aloud Award Books

By the Bookroo Editors

The E.B. White Read Aloud Award was named for the author of Charlotte's Web, Stuart Little, and The Trumpet of the Swan — three books that a parent can read aloud for weeks without resenting them. Booksellers created the award in 2004 for exactly that quality, and it has been given by the Association of Booksellers for Children and its successor, the ABC Children's Group of the American Booksellers Association. A picture book category ran from the start, and a category for older readers was added in 2006. Titles are nominated by independent bookstores and voted on by ABC member booksellers, which makes it a rare award decided by the people who watch families choose books at the counter.

Its criteria are about performance rather than literary merit in the abstract: a book should stand up to being read over and over, its artwork should carry to the back of a group, it should leave room for the reader to act it out, and it should be, in the ABA's phrase, "free of excessively squirmy moments." Young adult titles have been nominated and never won, on the committee's judgment that they do not work for a mixed-age group listening together. That makes this the most directly useful list here for bedtime rotation or a classroom read-aloud slot.

The ABA's winners list ends in 2019, the last year the award was presented. It is a closed shelf rather than a growing one — sixteen years of picture books and read-aloud novels selected on a single, unusually concrete question.

Information from the American Booksellers Association.

Bear Has a Story to Tell
The most recent cycle

The 2019 The E.B. White Read Aloud Award

2019 The E.B. White Read Aloud Award Winner · Middle Reader
Sale price
$1597
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2018

Ghost Boys

By Jewell Parker Rhodes

A boy's ghost seeks justice and understanding after a tragic police shooting.

The E.B. White Read Aloud Award (2019)Golden Kite Honor (2019)Jane Addams Children's Book Award (2019)
214 pages· 20,182 words· Est. 2.5 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 34,107 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Summary: Twelve-year-old Jerome is killed by a police officer who mistakes his toy gun for a threat. As a ghost, he witnesses his family's grief and meets Emmett Till, another victim of racial violence. Together, they explore the roots of historical racism. Jerome also encounters Sarah, the officer's daughter, who struggles with her father's actions. This poignant tale weaves history and modern-day challenges, as Jerome learns about American blackness and the power of the living to create change.
2019 The E.B. White Read Aloud Award Winner · Picture Book
Picture Book · Ages 3–5 · 2018

We Don't Eat Our Classmates

A young T. rex named Penelope starts school and learns that it's not acceptable to eat her classmates.

40 pages· 429 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
5.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.5/5 Goodreads · 12,194 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Summary: Penelope Rex is excited for her first day at school, but making friends is tricky when her classmates seem like tasty snacks. When the tables turn, Penelope learns a surprising lesson about friendship and food chains. Will she find her place among her peers, or will her appetite get the best of her?
2019 Honor Books
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2018

The Rabbit Listened

By Cori Doerrfeld (Author/Illustrator), Cori Doerffeld (Author/Illustrator)

A child tries to build something but it doesn't go as planned.

32 pages· 275 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
5.6/7 Bookroo experts·4.6/5 Goodreads · 9,621 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Summary: Taylor's world crumbles when their block castle is destroyed. Each animal offers advice, but nothing feels right. The chicken talks, the bear suggests anger, yet Taylor remains lost. Then, the rabbit arrives, offering no solutions, just a quiet presence. In a world full of noise, sometimes the greatest comfort is simply being heard. Discover how empathy and listening can heal even the deepest heartaches.
Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2018

How to Be a Lion

A lion and a duck defy bullies to prove friendship knows no bounds.

32 pages· 557 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
4.1/5 Goodreads · 1,383 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Summary: Leonard the lion and Marianne the duck share a joyful friendship, filled with poetry and dreams. But when bullies challenge their bond, Leonard must find the courage to stand up for their unique connection. Can he discover the right words to change hearts and minds? This enchanting tale explores the power of kindness and the strength found in being true to oneself, inviting readers to embrace diversity and empathy in the face of criticism.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

Sweep

An orphaned chimney sweep discovers a mysterious ally in a soot golem.

384 pages· 68,077 words· Est. 9.5 hour read
4.5/5 Goodreads · 13,448 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Summary: Orphaned Nan Sparrow, trapped in a dangerous chimney fire, awakens in an attic with a soot-made golem. Together, they navigate a harsh world, forging an unlikely bond. Can this duo of outcasts find hope and a new life amid the shadows of Victorian London? As Nan learns to trust and love, she discovers strength in vulnerability. Dive into a tale of friendship and resilience where a girl and her monster defy the odds to save each other.
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2018

The Day You Begin

A young immigrant shares their experiences and finds common ground with their classmates.

32 pages· 622 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
4.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.4/5 Goodreads · 12,515 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Summary: Step into a world where feeling different is the norm. This story follows a young soul navigating spaces where no one seems quite like them. With courage, they learn to share their unique story, finding unexpected connections. Will they find acceptance and friendship in the most unlikely places? Dive into a journey of bravery and self-discovery, where reaching out can lead to heartwarming surprises.
Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2018

Thank You, Omu!

A woman shares her stew with various people from her neighborhood, who later return the favor.

36 pages· 918 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud
4.4/5 Goodreads · 4,732 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Summary: In a vibrant neighborhood, Omu's irresistible stew draws everyone to her door. Generously sharing each portion, she soon finds her pot empty. Will her kindness leave her with nothing, or will the community return her generosity? Discover a heartwarming tale of sharing and community, where love and gratitude fill more than just bowls.
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2018

Front Desk

By Kelly Yang · Book #1 in the Front Desk series

A young girl juggles motel duties, hidden secrets, and dreams of writing.

298 pages· 64,171 words· Est. 7 hour read
4.4/5 Goodreads · 47,320 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Summary: Ten-year-old Mia Tang juggles managing a motel, hiding immigrants, and dreaming of becoming a writer. With her parents' secret at risk of exposure by the harsh owner, Mr. Yao, Mia must summon all her courage and kindness. Can she protect her family, help those in need, and pursue her passion despite her mother's doubts? Discover Mia's journey of resilience and hope in a world where every choice counts.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

The Serpent's Secret

A young girl must navigate a magical world to rescue her parents from an evil demoness and a serpent king.

368 pages· 63,082 words· Est. 9 hour read
3.9/5 Goodreads · 6,054 ratings
Summary: On her 12th birthday, Kiranmala's life flips when her parents vanish and a demon crashes into her kitchen. Discovering she's an Indian princess from another dimension, Kiranmala must navigate a magical realm filled with winged horses and talking birds. With two princes by her side, she faces the Serpent King and Rakkhoshi Queen to rescue her parents and save New Jersey. Can she embrace her destiny as an interdimensional demon slayer?
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2018

Harriet Gets Carried Away

A girl in a penguin costume must find her way back home from the arctic.

40 pages· 552 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
4.3/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,497 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Summary: Harriet loves costumes, especially her penguin one. While on a mission to find party hats for her birthday, she gets swept away by real penguins to the arctic. Now, she must navigate her way back to her dads and the party before it's too late. Can Harriet find her way home, or will she be stuck waddling with the penguins forever? Join Harriet on a whimsical journey of belonging and adventure.
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2018

A Dash of Trouble

Young Leo discovers her family's magical baking secret and tries her first spell. What could go wrong?

313 pages
4.1/5 Goodreads · 3,245 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Summary: In Rose Hill, Texas, young Leonora Logroño uncovers her family's secret: they're magical bakers. Eager to join their craft, Leo secretly attempts her first spell to help her friend Caroline. But with magic, even a small spell can lead to big surprises. Can Leo handle the sweet chaos she unleashes?
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

The Creature of the Pines

Join a secret society to save mythical creatures from greedy billionaires.

176 pages· 15,981 words· Est. 2 hour read
3.9/5 Goodreads · 2,221 ratings
$14.99Save 7%
Summary: Elliot Eisner's first day at a new school takes a wild turn with a field trip to the eerie Pine Barrens. Led by the eccentric Professor Fauna, Elliot and fearless Uchenna Devereaux stumble into the Unicorn Rescue Society. Their mission? Save a Jersey Devil from the clutches of the greedy Schmoke Brothers. As they embark on this thrilling adventure, Elliot and Uchenna must navigate danger and mystery, testing their courage and friendship. Will they succeed in protecting the mythical world? Dive into this enchanting tale of adventure and discovery.
Every year

The E.B. White Read Aloud Award Winners by Year

The honorees

Books Recognized by the The E.B. White Read Aloud Award

Bear Has a Story to Tell

Picture Book · Ages 2–6 · 2012

Bear wants to share a story, but his friends are too busy preparing for winter.

I Want My Hat Back

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2011

A rabbit's hat goes missing and they search for it, asking various animals for help.

Wildwood

Chapter Book · Ages 7–12 · 2011

Two friends uncover a hidden world in turmoil, sparking a battle for its freedom.

The Apothecary

Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2011

A kidnapped apothecary, a secret book, and a race against spies to prevent disaster in 1952 London.

King Hugo's Huge Ego

Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2011

A tiny king's ego grows until a spell makes his head swell. Can he be brought down to earth?

Stars

Board Book · Ages 0–5

The Cheshire Cheese Cat

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2011

An alley cat and a mouse form an unlikely alliance to avert a crisis threatening the British Monarchy.

Over and Under the Snow

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2011

A child explores the forest with their dad, learning about the secret kingdom of animals that live under the snow.

Press Here

Picture Book · Ages 2–5 · 2010

Press the dot, follow the magic, and see what happens next!

Liesl & Po

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2011

A ghostly encounter and a mistake spark an extraordinary journey.

Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site

Board Book · Ages 4–8 · 2011

A group of construction trucks work together to build a building and then go to bed.

Children Make Terrible Pets

Chapter Book · Ages 3–7 · 2010

A bear finds a boy in the woods and wants to keep him as a pet.

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2010

A sixth-grader's origami Yoda puppet offers eerily accurate advice, sparking curiosity and mystery.

The Sixty-Eight Rooms

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2010

Discover a key to shrink and explore magical miniature rooms hiding secrets and mysteries.

Chicken Big

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2010

A giant creature hatches, causing chaos among clueless chickens.

The Familiars

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2010

A street cat must save young wizards from an evil queen using wit and newfound magic.

Because of Mr. Terupt

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2010

A teacher's accident tests if his students can uphold the lessons he taught them.

Bedtime for Bear

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2010

Bear's bedtime clashes with friends' snowy fun. Will he join them?

The Quiet Book

Board Book · Ages 0–3 · 2010

Discover the magic in life's quiet moments.

The Curious Garden

Picture Book · Ages 3–5 · 2009

A boy's care transforms a gray city into a lush garden.

The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z.

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2009

A missing grandmother upends Gianna's race against time for a crucial science project.

Princess Hyacinth

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2009

A princess floats away, defying gravity and royal constraints. Can she find freedom or will she drift too far?

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2009

A girl seeks the Old Man on the Moon to change her family's fortune.

14 Cows for America

Picture Book · Ages 6–10 · 2007

A distant village offers an unexpected gift of hope to a grieving nation post-9/11.

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