Every year, the International Literacy Association (ILA) recognizes emerging voices in children’s and young adult literature through the
Book Awards program. Winners are selected by a committee of ILA member volunteers from around the world for their exceptional talent, powerful voice, and authentic stories that resonate with readers.
“Choosing from such an exceptional field of books was no easy task,” said Margaret Opatz, chair of the ILA Children’s and Young Adult Book Awards Committee. “The selected titles stood out for their originality, artistry, and the meaningful ways they reflect the diverse lives of young people today.”
Join us in celebrating the 2025 award winners:
Primary Fiction
- Winner: Xin Li, I Lived Inside a Whale (Little, Brown Ink)
A stirring and visually captivating story of transformation and discovery that invites young readers to explore feelings of belonging and change.
- Honor: Alex Killian, This Table (Greystone Kids)
A lyrical tribute to intergenerational connection, memory, and the everyday magic of shared spaces.
Primary Nonfiction
- Winner: Leslie Barnard Booth, One Day This Tree Will Fall (Simon & Schuster)
A meditative, richly illustrated ode to the natural cycle of life, grounded in science and wonder.
Honor: Minda Dentler, The Girl Who Figured It Out: The Inspiring True Story of Wheelchair Athlete Minda Dentler Becoming an Ironman World Champion (Sourcebooks)
An empowering account of perseverance, athleticism, and disability representation from an acclaimed athlete and advocate.
Intermediate Fiction
- Winner: Craig Kofi Farmer, Kwame Crashes the Underworld (Square Fish)
A bold and inventive adventure inspired by myth and cultural legacy, brimming with humor and heart.
Honor: Anna Lapera, Mani Semilla Finds Her Quetzal Voice (Levine Querido)
A poignant coming-of-age story steeped in cultural tradition and personal awakening.
Intermediate Nonfiction
- Winner: Hugo D. Cook, Tales of Ancient Egypt: Myths & Adventures from the Land of the Pyramids (Neon Squid)
A beautifully packaged introduction to Egyptian mythology, weaving scholarship and storytelling.
Honor: Iron Tazz, Hike It: An Introduction to Camping, Hiking, and Backpacking through the U.S.A. (Magic Cat Publishing)
An engaging guide to the great outdoors that encourages curiosity, confidence, and respect for nature.
Young Adult Fiction
- Winner: Bessie Flores Zaldívar, Libertad (Penguin Young Readers)
A searing, lyrical novel that navigates political unrest, personal identity, and the meaning of freedom.
Honor: Juan Vidal, A Second Chance on Earth (Peachtree Publishers)
A redemptive tale of growth, grief, and self-discovery that challenges the boundaries of forgiveness.
Young Adult Nonfiction
- Winner: Walela Nehanda, Bless the Blood: A Cancer Memoir (Penguin Young Readers)
An unflinching and poetic account of illness, activism, and survival from one of today’s most resonant voices.
Free Virtual Event
A live webinar with some of the winners will be held on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. ET. The webcast may be accessed on ILA’s website and will be available on-demand. For more information and a full list of past winners, visit literacyworldwide.org/awards.
