CYRM 2024-2025

Primary (Grades K-2)

The first Primary Award was given in 1976. Primary books were not included in the voting in 1977, 1979 and 1981. Beginning in 1987, the illustrator of the winning book was given full recognition along with the author.

2024-2025 Winner: In Process

2024-2025 Nominees:

Are You a Cheeseburger? by Monica Arnaldo. 2021.

Luli and the Language of Tea. by Andrea Wang. Illustrated by Hyewon Yum. 2022.

Mel Fell. by Corey R. Tabor. 2021.

My First Day. by Phùng Nguyên Quang and Huynh Kim Liên. 2021.

Room for Everyone. By Naaz Khan. Illustrated by Merce Lopez. 2021.

Intermediate (Grades 3-5)

Intermediate books were not included in the 1976, 1978, or 1980 voting. After the 1977 voting, it was decided the intermediate category was too broad and a Middle School/Junior High School category was added.

2024 - 2025 Winner: In Process

2024 - 2025 Nominees:

New From Here. by Kelly Yang. 2022.

The Ogress and the Orphans. By Kelly Barnhill. 2022.

Three Strike Summer. By Skyler Schrempp. 2022.

Middle School/Junior High (Grades 6-8)  

The Middle School/Junior High award began in 1980; it was not included in the voting in 1981.

2024 - 2025 Winner: In Process

2024 - 2025 Nominees:

Blackbird Girls. by Anne Blankman. 2020.

My Nest of Silence. by Matt Faulkner. 2022.

Simon Sort of Says. by Erin Bow. 2023. 

Picture Books for Older Readers (Grades 4 and up)

The Picture Book for Older Readers award began in 2000; it was not included in the vote of 2001.

2024 - 2025 Winner: In Process

2024 - 2025 Nominees:

Cougar Crossing. by Meeg Pincus. Illustrated by Alexander Vidal. 2021

The Gardener of Alcatraz. by Emma Bland Smith. Illustrated by Jenn Ely. 2022.

Nour’s Secret Library. by Wafa Tarnowska. Illustrated by Vali Mintzi. 2022.