Newbery Medal
2007
 The Higher Power of Lucky by Susan Patron
Synopsis
Lucky, age ten, doesn't expect running away to be so complicated. A large cast of magnanimous surprises awaits her when she plans to hide from her guardian in the Mojave Desert. (read more)
The Caldecott Award
2007
 Flotsam by David Wiesner
Powells.com Staff Pick
A day at the beach like no other! A boy finds an old camera that has washed ashore and thus begins an incredible story-in-pictures. As beautiful and intriguing as any of his previous books, Flotsam is a Wiesner classic — a treat for kids and adults alike. Recommended by Callie, Powells.com (read more)
The Coretta Scott King Award
2007 Author Award
 Copper Sun by Sharon Draper
Publisher Comments
Grand and sweeping in scope, detailed and penetrating in its look at the complicated interrelationships of those who live together on a plantation, Copper Sun is an unflinching and unforgettable look at the African slave trade and slavery in America. (read more)
2007 Illustrator Award
 Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom illustrated by Kadir Nelson
Review
"In elegant free verse, Weatherford imagines Tubman's remarkable escape from slavery and her role in guiding hundreds to freedom." Kirkus Reviews (read more)
Michael L. Printz Award
The Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature is named for a Topeka, Kansas school librarian who was an active member of the Young Adult Library Services Association. Approved by the YALSA board in 1999, the award is given annually. Books that have received the award are more controversial and generally more diverse than recipients of other, earlier awards.
2007
 American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang
Review
"[Three] stories converge into a satisfying coming-of-age novel that aptly blends traditional Chinese fables and legends with bathroom humor, action figures, and playground politics." School Library Journal (Starred Review) (read more)
Pura Belpré Award
The Pura Belpré Award is named for the first Latina librarian at the New York Public Library. As an author, storyteller, and promoter of Puerto Rican folklore, Belpre greatly enriched the lives of children all over the US. This biannual award is presented to Latino/Latina writers and illustrators who celebrate the Latino experience in outstanding literature for youth.
2006 Author Award
 The Tequila Worm by Viola Canales
Synopsis
Sofia comes from a family of storytellers. When she's singled out to receive a scholarship to boarding school, she longs to explore life beyond the barrio, even though it means leaving her family to navigate a strange world of rich, privileged kids.
(read more)
2006 Illustrator Award
 Doña Flor: A Tall Tale about a Giant Woman with a Great Big Heart by Pat Mora
Synopsis
Doña Flor is a giant who lets children use her flowers for trumpets, and their families use her leftover tortillas for rafts. When a huge puma terrifies the village, Flor is the one to investigate. This charming story features Spanish words and phrases as well as a glossary.
(read more)
The National Book Award for Young People's Literature
2006
 The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume One: The Pox Party by M. T. Anderson
Powells.com Staff Pick
I'll say right out that The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing is disturbing on a number of levels: it makes historical America seem shockingly contemporary (or, perhaps, futuristic); it explores theories of scientific experimentation and whether the end (a chance at a supposedly "better" world) always justifies the means; and it portrays the frightening isolation of individuals in a so-called free society. But it is also like no other young adult novel I've ever read, written with such wit and precision that I still think about some of the images and characters. Recommended by Alexis, Powells.com (read more)
Young Reader's Choice Award
2007 Junior Division: 4th-6th grades
 Dragon Rider by Cornelia Funke
Powells.com Staff Pick
Since I found Funke's work two years ago, she has become one of my favorite children's fantasy writers... [she] never talks down to her target audience, using agile language and a breadth of vocabulary. Dragon Rider is no exception to the rule — it's a fast and exceptionally fun read, and comes highly recommended by both my son and me. Carla, Powells.com (read more)
2007 Intermediate Division: 7th-9th grades
 The Supernaturalist by Eoin Colfer
Publisher Comments
In the not-too-distant future, in a place called Satellite City, thirteen-year-old Cosmo Hill is unfortunate enough to come into the world unwanted by his parents. And so, as are all orphaned boys his age, Cosmo is dipped in a vaccine vat and sent to the Clarissa Frayne Institute for Parentally Challenged Boys — freight class. (read more)
2007 Senior Division: 10th-12th grades
 A Hat Full of Sky by Terry Pratchett
Powells.com Staff Pick
This is a wonderful fantasy full of wit, witches, and suspense. Written by the well-known author of the Discworld series, A Hat Full of Sky follows the marvelous We Free Men but stands well on its own. So sit back and enjoy this great summer read. Richard, Powells.com (read more)
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