2026 Schneider Family Book Awards recipients named

CHICAGO — The American Library Association (ALA) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2026 Schneider Family Book Awards, which honor an author or illustrator for the artistic expression of the disability experience for child and adolescent audiences. The award winners were announced today during the ALA’s Youth Media Awards Announcements in Chicago.

Recipients are selected in three categories: younger children through grade school (ages 4–8), middle grades (ages 9–13) and young adults (ages 14–18). Winners will receive $5,000 and a framed plaque.

Best Younger Children’s Book

“Wanda Hears the Stars: A Blind Astronomer Listens to the Universe” written by Amy S. Hansen with Wanda Díaz Merced, illustrated by Rocio Arreola Mendoza and published by Charlesbridge, won the award for best younger children’s title.

In this gripping biography of the life of astrophysicist Wanda Díaz Merced, a curious young girl with dreams of the stars grows to reach them through ingenuity and determination. While her vision loss from diabetes temporarily interrupts this dream, her persistence provides new opportunities to explore the universe.

“This engaging, vividly illustrated book about little-known scientist Wanda Díaz Merced captivated committee members,” said award co-chairs Susan Hess and Patricia Bandre'.

The committee selected two Younger Children’s honor books:

“Bat and the Business of Ferrets,” written by Elana K. Arnold, with pictures by Charles Santoso and published by Clarion Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

“I Hear the Snow, I Smell the Sea,” written by Janice Milusich, illustrated by Chris Raschka and published by Anne Schwartz Books, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, a division of Penguin Random House.

Best Middle Grade Book

“Where Only Storms Grow,” written by Alyssa Colman and published by Farrar Strauss Giroux Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Macmillan Publishing Group won the award for best middle grade book.

Twelve-year-old twins, Howe and Joanna, must work together to save their family’s Oklahoma farm. Considered fragile due to scoliosis, Joanna is determined to prove she is physically strong enough to overcome the misfortunes the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression have sent her family’s way.

“The committee selected this title for its strong depiction of a disability experience in a historical context. The simultaneous release of titles in audio book and other accessible formats would ensure books reach a broad audience,” said Hess and Bandre'.

The committee selected two Middle Grades honor books:

“Octopus Moon,” written by Bobbie Pyron and published by Nancy Paulsen Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

“The Strongest Heart,” written by Saadia Faruqi and published by Quill Tree Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

Best Young Adult Book

“Whale Eyes: A Memoir about Seeing and Being Seen,” written by James Robinson, illustrated by Brian Rea and published by Penguin Workshop, an imprint of Penguin Random House, won the award for best young adult title.

Filmmaker James Robinson’s illustrated memoir details his experiences with a form of strabismus, a disability that causes his eyes to focus differently. Brian Rea’s innovative illustrations and Robinson’s thorough descriptions allow readers to understand how this disability affects his vision, his ability to read and his social interactions with others.

“The committee was impressed by the interactive elements of this book, which allow the reader to understand the disability experience,” said Hess and Bandre'.

The committee selected two Young Adult honor titles:

“The Golden Boy’s Guide to Bipolar,” written by Sonora Reyes and published by Harper, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

“The Poetry of Car Mechanics,” written by Heidi E.Y. Stemple and published by Wordsong, an imprint of Astra Books for Young Readers, a division of Astra Publishing House.

Members of the 2026 committee include: Susan Hess, co-chair, New York City School librarian, retired, Osprey, Florida; Dr. Patricia Bandre', co-chair, USD 305 Salina Public Schools, Kansas; Dr. Megan R. Brown, Cedarville University, Ohio; Nikki Glassley, Nashville Public Library, Tennessee; Ragan O'Malley, Saint Ann's School, Brooklyn, New York; Margaret Tice, Brooklyn, New York; Evelyn Keolian, Chicago Public Library; Scot Smith, University of Tennessee, Oak Ridge; and Alyson Beecher (ex-officio), Glendale Unified School District, California.

About the American Library Association

The American Library Association is the largest non-partisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to America’s libraries. The ALA mission is to empower and advocate for all libraries and library workers to ensure equitable access to information for all. For 150 years, ALA has provided resources for information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more information, visit www.ala.org.

For more information on the Schneider Family Book Award and other ALA Youth Media Awards, please visit www.ala.org/yma.

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