It’s Schneider Family Book Awards season again! Last week, the American Library Association announced the competition’s three awardees along with its six honorees.
Established in 2003, the Schneider Awards honor “an author or illustrator for a book that embodies an artistic expression of the disability experience for child and adolescent audiences.”
Awards are given annually in three categories: younger readers ages 4-8; middle grade ages 9-13; and young adults ages 14-18. Here’s a rundown of this year’s winners and honorees.
Younger Readers Winner
“A Little Like Magic”
Written and illustrated by Sarah Kurpiel
Rocky Pond Books
The young protagonist in Kurpiel’s new picture book is a wheelchair user who dislikes cold weather and winter clothing. But she must brave all of this to attend an ice sculpting festival with her mother. As she views the ice sculptures on display, she realizes how magical they are, and comes to treasure her memories of the experience. The book teaches children how going outside of one’s comfort zone can really pay off.
Younger Readers Honorees
“Monster Hands”
Written by Karen Kane and Jonaz McMillan
Nancy Paulsen Books
Best friends Milon and Mel, use rhyming ASL to cope with their fear that a monster is under Milo’s bed. This is a sweet story about the importance of friendship.
“You’re SO Amazing!”
By James Catchpole and Lucy Catchpole
Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Joe, a boy with limb differences is tired of everyone telling him he’s amazing just because he can do the same things that other kids can do.
Middle Grade Readers Winner
“Popcorn”
By Rob Harrel
Dial Books
It’s picture day at school, and Andrew if hoping to take a photo that his mother will love. At the same time, he’s plagued by all kinds of anxieties, chief among them, that he may have a panic attack in front of all his classmates. “Popcorn” is a poignant story about a boy who lives with obsessive compulsive disorder and anxiety.
Middle School Readers Honorees
“Louder Than Hunger”
By John Schu
Candlewick
Based on a fictionalized account of the author’s experience with an eating disorder, this book is written in verse. It’s a story of healing and triumphing over our critical inner voices.
“Shark Teeth”
By Sherri Winston
Bloomsbury Children’s Books)
Winston’s new book chronicles a young girl’s efforts to keep her family together despite its many difficulties.
Young Adult Readers Winner
“Chronically Delores”
By Maya Van Wagenen
Dutton Books for Young Readers
After being diagnosed with a chronic bladder condition, Dolores feels like her world is ending. A friendship with a beautiful and talented girl on the autism spectrum changes everything.
Young Adult Readers Honorees
“Light Enough to Float”
By Lauren Seal
Rocky Pond Books
Another selection that deals with the topic of eating disorders, “Light Enough to Float” chronicles Evie’s stay in a residential treatment program and her eventual hard-won recovery.
“On the Bright Side”
By Anna Sortino
G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers