California Young

Reader Medal

The California Young Reader Medal committee encourages California students to read, read, read! Each year, students, teachers, and librarians send recommendations of their favorite books to the CYRM committee. The committee members read the nominated books and then meet to discuss the merits of each book and their appeal to children. Finally, the committee decides upon a well-balanced list of nominees. Students from all over the state have the opportunity to read all the nominated books in a category and vote for their favorite to become the next winner of the California Young Reader Medal.

2025-26 CA YOUNG READER NOMINEES

2025 CA YOUNG READER MEDAL WINNER...

Are You a Cheeseburger?

SYNOPSIS

Grub is a hungry raccoon, digging through the trash and hoping to find something tasty. Seed is just a little seed, waiting patiently in the garbage, dreaming that someone will plant it.

When Grub and Seed meet, they both see a chance to help each other. But Grub has one very important question: Can Seed grow into a cheeseburger—his favorite food?

Seed isn’t quite sure what a cheeseburger is, but maybe it’s possible!

Their silly and sweet adventure begins as they become friends, learn about each other, and discover that being yourself is the best way to grow something truly special.

Written & Illustrated by

Monica Arnaldo

2024 CA YOUNG READER MEDAL WINNER...

Chez Bob

SYNOPSIS

Welcome to Chez Bob, which seems like a real restaurant…until you realize…it’s on an alligator’s NOSE! Bob’s got a hidden plan for his customers: “Birds will come to eat, but I will eat the birds!”

As they fly in from all over the world to dine on Bob’s face, something starts to happen that takes the lazy, hungry reptile by surprise — the birds stay. “More yummy birds!” he rejoices — he’ll want for nothing! But when the time is right, will Bob make the right choice?

Comic genius Bob Shea cooks up a tasty tale that proves anyone, even hungry alligators, can have a change of heart and learn to be a good friend.

Written & Illustrated by

Bob Shea

2023 CA YOUNG READER MEDAL WINNER...

We Don't Eat Our Classmates

SYNOPSIS

It's the first day of school for Penelope Rex, and she can't wait to meet her classmates. But it's hard to make human friends when they're so darn delicious! That is, until Penelope gets a taste of her own medicine and finds she may not be at the top of the food chain after all.

Written & Illustrated by

Ryan T. Higgins

2022 CA YOUNG READER MEDAL WINNER...

Drawn Together

SYNOPSIS

When a young boy visits his grandfather, their lack of a common language leads to confusion, frustration, and silence. But as they sit down to draw together, something magical happens-with a shared love of art and storytelling, the two form a bond that goes beyond words. With spare, direct text by Minh Lê and luminous illustrations by Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat, this stirring picture book about reaching across barriers will be cherished for years to come.

Author

Minh Lê

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