The John Newbery Medal honors the author of the year's most outstanding contribution to children's literature. Presented every year since 1922, the Medal is named for 18th-century British bookseller John Newbery. Henrik Van Loon won the first Newbery Medal in 1922 for THE STORY OF MANKIND. Receiving the Newbery Medal virtually guarantees that the winning book will remain in print and on library and bookstore shelves for years to come.

- The winner of the John Newbery Medal is THE CROSSOVER by Kwame Alexander.

- Two Newbery Honor Books were also named: EL DEAFO by Cece Bell, illustrated by Cece Bell; and BROWN GIRL DREAMING by Jacqueline Woodson.