This year marks the inaugural Dallin Book Awards. The program is inspired by Ms. Karin Kugel, the beloved school librarian who was Ms. M's practicum supervisor and her sons' school library teacher.
The original reading program, the Baldwin Book Award, was a school-based program created at the Maria L. Baldwin School in Cambridge, MA, to encourage reading among K-3rd grade students.At the Dallin School, Ms. M is using this model to inspire our K–3 students to dive into everything from nonfiction to favorite series. It also gives families a hand-picked reading list, making it easy to connect over a great book, practice reading together, and enjoy "book talk" at the dinner table.
Annually, a 15-25 books are nominated, and the winner is chosen by the Dallin School's K-3rd grade students.
The Dallin School Library encourages all K-3rd grade students to participate in the Dallin Book Award Reading Challenge.
Students must read 5 book to participate in the June 2026 voting day.
Students who read 5, 15, or 20+ books will receive a special commendations.
All reading formats are welcome, including print and audiobooks. Students may read on their own or enjoy the books as a shared read-aloud.
Books are available at the Dallin Library, SORA, or any public library or at your preferred book stores.
Celebrate reading and books school-wide.
Stretch and grow as readers exploring different genres and book formats.
Continue to build students’ interest and stamina as readers.
Inspire a love of reading and shared literary conversation at school, with friends, and at home.
Nonfiction Nominees
Pedro's yo-yos : how a Filipino immigrant came to America and changed the world of toys
Penas, Rob; illustrated by Angel, Carl (Biography Picture Book)
Discover the backstory of one of America's favorite toys, the yo-yo, in this colorful biography of businessman Pedro Flores.
Booklist, 02/01/24
Horn Book Magazine, 05/01/24
Kirkus Reviews starred, 02/01/24
School Library Journal Xpress, 09/20/24
Volcanoes
Nell Cross Beckerman, illustrated by Kalen Chock (Picture Book)
The team behind the acclaimed book Caves returns with an enticing exploration of one of the most explosive wonders on the planet -- Volcanoes!
A rumble. A tremble. A grumble. Growing, growling, getting hot. When will it... POP?!
Booklist (June 1, 2024 (Vol. 120, No. 19))
Kirkus Reviews (June 1, 2024)
The escape artist : a true story of octopus adventure
Thor Hanson, illustrated by Bernstein Galia (Picture Book)
When Inky the octopus slipped out of his tank at the National Aquarium in New Zealand, his audacious escape made headlines around the world. For readers who love true stories about animals. Features fun facts about octopuses and additional information about Inky's escape.
Kirkus Reviews starred, 07/01/25
Publishers Weekly starred, 05/05/25
School Library Journal, 05/01/25
The Music Inside Us : Yo-Yo Ma & His Gifts to the World
James Howe, illustrated by Jack Wong (Biography Picture Book)
From a bestselling and award-winning team comes a moving, gorgeously illustrated picture-book biography of one of the greatest cellists of all time, Yo-Yo Ma, and his lifelong passion for using music to unite people in harmony and joy.
Booklist starred, 05/01/25
Horn Book Magazine, 07/01/25
Kirkus Reviews starred, 05/01/25
Publishers Weekly starred, 04/21/25
School Library Journal, 06/01/25
School Library Journal starred, 06/01/25
This is orange : a field trip through color
Rachel Poliquin, illustrated by Julie Morstad (Picture Book)
Prepare your senses for a delicious shock of orange in all its glory and variety--in a playful color tribute destined to wow art and design enthusiasts of all ages.
"A tour de force through world history, the natural world, and cultural studies." --School Library Journal (starred review)
Booklist, 10/01/25
Horn Book Magazine starred, 11/01/25
Kirkus Reviews starred, 08/15/25
Publishers Weekly starred, 06/30/25
School Library Journal, 06/01/25
School Library Journal starred, 06/01/25
Fiction Nominees
Detective Stanley and the Mystery at the Museum
Hannah Tunnicliffe and Erica Harrison (Graphic Novel)
Detective Stanley has barely sat down for his breakfast pancakes when he receives an invitation he cannot refuse. The Art Museum has been raided on the opening day of the Bleat Mondrian show and Stan has been called to investigate. The most perplexing thing about the case: Nothing has been stolen! But now Stan finds himself in a tight spot even his powers of deduction could not detect. Can he get himself out of trouble and can he solve the mystery of the Art Museum?
Kirkus Reviews, 01/15/25
Publishers Weekly, 10/28/24
School Library Journal, 05/01/25
Bad Badger: A Love Story
Mary Rose Wood (Chapter Book -Great for family read aloud)
An eccentric badger ventures out to find his missing seagull friend, exploring new territories and encountering a cast of surprising characters
Booklist starred, 01/01/25
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, 01/01/25
Horn Book Magazine, 05/01/25
Kirkus Reviews starred, 12/01/24
School Library Journal Xpress starred, 02/28/25
Gabby Torres Gets A Billion Followers
Angela Dominguez (Graphic Chapter book hybrid)
Gabby Torres is nine years old and ready to conquer the world. She's already joined the Sea Musketeers, the environmental protection club founded by her idol, Stella Diaz, and plans to be their best (and youngest) member ever. Gabby's latest and greatest idea: start a social media page for her club. But her parents think she's too young! Nothing stops Gabby though . . . until some online meanies get her in some serious trouble! But she's totally got everything under control all on her own. Right?
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, 12/01/24
Horn Book Magazine, 03/01/25
Kirkus Reviews, 12/15/24
Publishers Weekly, 10/14/24
School Library Journal, 11/01/24
Lost Evangeline
Kate Dicamillo, illustrated by Sophie Blackall (Chapter Book)
When a shoemaker discovers a tiny girl--as small as a mouse--in his shop, he takes her in, names her Evangeline, and raises her as his own. The shoemaker's wife, however, fears that Evangeline has bewitched her husband, so when an opportunity arises to rid herself of the girl, she takes it. Evangeline finds herself far from her adopted father and her home, a tiny girl lost in the wide world. But she is brave, and she is resourceful, and with the help of those she meets on her journey--including a disdainful and self-satisfied cat--she may just find her way again
Booklist, 08/01/25
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, 06/01/25
Horn Book Magazine, 11/01/25
Kirkus Reviews, 07/15/25
School Library Journal starred, 10/01/25
The Smell of Wet Dog: And Other Dog Poems and Drawings
Barney Saltzberg (Poetry)
Beloved author and illustrator Barney Saltzberg offers up twenty-seven poems on the evergreen topic of human's best friend. Many have all the humor of a Shel Silverstein classic. Others are unexpectedly poignant, about separation anxiety or older dogs growing less spry. All are accompanied by Saltzberg's lively and loveable artwork. Whether you are a dog lover, love a dog lover, or are simply dog-curious, The Smell of Wet Dog is for someone in your life. One thing's for sure: You'll leave this book inspired to write an ode to a furry friend of your own!
Booklist, 09/01/24
Kirkus Reviews starred, 07/15/24
School Library Journal, 10/01/24
Series Nominees
Picture Book Nominees
Optional Chapter Books Nominees