The Black Caucus of the American Library Association, Inc. (BCALA) and School Library Journal (SLJ) proudly announce the winners of the 2026 Children & Young Adult Literary Awards, honoring outstanding books that celebrate the richness, complexity, and global dimensions of the Black experience.

These awards recognize exceptional works of fiction and nonfiction for children and young adults, created by African American authors and illustrators. The selected titles affirm cultural knowledge, creativity, historical awareness, and the lived realities of Black communities across the diaspora.

Each honored book reflects enduring values found within the seven principles of Kwanzaa, alongside themes grounded in Black Historical Consciousness such as agency, joy, resistance, identity, and connection to Africa and the Diaspora. Together, these works provide young readers with meaningful windows, mirrors, and sliding glass doors through which they may see themselves, understand others, and imagine new possibilities.

The 2026 recipients will be recognized at the American Library Association Annual Conference.
 

Fiction

🏆 Winner: A Place for Us – James Ransome.
In this moving wordless picture book, James Ransome uses evocative illustrations to tell the story of a mother and son navigating hardship with tenderness and care. The narrative reflects Umoja (unity), centering the sustaining power of family bonds, and Nia (purpose), as acts of love and protection become purposeful responses to adversity. Through its quiet storytelling, the book affirms Black Agency & Perseverance, showing resilience not through grand gestures but through everyday acts of devotion and survival.
 

🎖 Honor: Under the Neon Lights – Arriel Vinson.
Set in a beloved neighborhood roller rink, this coming-of-age story captures friendship, first love, and the fight to preserve community spaces in the face of change. The novel embodies Umoja (unity), as the rink serves as a gathering place of belonging, and Kujichagulia (self-determination), as young people claim their right to exist, celebrate, and be heard. It highlights Black Agency & Perseverance while radiating Black Joy, reminding readers that resistance can also be rooted in celebration, connection, and cultural memory.
 

Nonfiction

🏆 Winner: Go Tell It: How James Baldwin Became a Writer – Quartez Harris.
In this lyrical picture book biography, Quartez Harris traces James Baldwin’s journey from a child captivated by stories to a young man who wielded language as both art and activism. The narrative reflects Kujichagulia (self-determination) as Baldwin insists on defining himself through writing despite societal barriers. It also embodies Kuumba (creativity), portraying artistic expression as a tool for truth-telling and cultural affirmation. Through Baldwin’s life, the book highlights Black Agency & Perseverance alongside the realities of Power & Oppression, showing how storytelling can challenge injustice while celebrating the fullness of Black life.
 

🎖 Honor: Bold Words From Black Men – Dr. Tamara Pizzoli.
This inspiring collection amplifies the voices of notable Black men who share reflections on resilience, purpose, and hope. The text is grounded in Ujima (collective work and responsibility), emphasizing the importance of lifting one another through shared wisdom, and Nia (purpose), encouraging readers to live intentionally and contribute meaningfully to their communities. The stories affirm Black Agency & Perseverance while also celebrating Black Joy, offering young readers examples of strength, compassion, and possibility across generations.
 

Debut

🏆 Winner: Needy Little Things – Channelle Desamours.
In this suspenseful debut, seventeen-year-old Sariyah discovers her ability to sense others’ needs and must use that gift to uncover the truth behind a friend’s disappearance. Her journey reflects Kujichagulia (self-determination) as she learns to trust her instincts and claim ownership of her power, and Nia (purpose), as her gift becomes a responsibility to protect others. The story underscores Black Agency & Perseverance, portraying courage, intuition, and care as forms of strength in the face of uncertainty.
 

🎖 Honor: City Summer, Country Summer – Kiese Laymon and Alexis Franklin.
This heartfelt picture book follows three boys whose summer reunions with family in the South deepen their friendships and sense of belonging. The narrative centers Umoja (unity), highlighting kinship, tradition, and intergenerational care, while celebrating Africa & the Diaspora through its portrayal of cultural continuity across place and family. Filled with warmth and playfulness, the book also radiates Black Joy, affirming the beauty of shared memory, laughter, and love.
 

Graphic

🏆 Winner: All-Negro Comics: America’s First Black Comic Book – Chris Robinson and Orrin C. Evans.
This historic reissue revives the groundbreaking 1947 publication created entirely by Black writers and artists for Black audiences. The work exemplifies Kujichagulia (self-determination), asserting creative independence in an era of exclusion, and Kuumba (creativity), celebrating artistic production as cultural resistance. Situated within Black Agency & Perseverance and shaped by the realities of Power & Oppression, the collection stands as both a literary milestone and a testament to the enduring legacy of Black creators who forged pathways where none existed.
 

Appreciation & Looking Ahead

On behalf of the entire committee, we extend our deepest gratitude to the Black Caucus of the American Library Association and School Library Journal for their continued commitment to uplifting Black voices in literature for young people. These stories remind us that history, creativity, and cultural memory are not static. They are lived, shared, and carried forward by each new generation of readers.

A companion discussion guide will be released to support educators, librarians, families, and communities in engaging more deeply with these titles. We encourage readers to explore these works throughout the year, recognizing that Black history, Black creativity, and Black futures are celebrated every day.

Physical and digital seals are available for purchase through BCALA. Please contact webmaster@bcala.org for more information.
 

Committee Members

Tamela Chambers, Chicago Public Library

Donna Gray, New York City School Library System

Karen Lemmons, Detroit Public Schools

Cherese McKnight, District of Columbia Public Schools

Stacey Nunn, Baltimore County Public Schools