2024-2025 California Young Reader Medal Titles and Resources
Background Information for The California Young Reader Medal (CYRM)
The program encourages the recreational reading of popular literature among the young people of our state. Young people recommend the titles of their favorite books for nomination, or teachers and librarians repeatedly read or request titles, and these are submitted to the California Young Reader Medal Committee.
Directions for Teachers
Read all titles in the grade level category for the students to vote. Gather votes for books and submit
them to the CRA website.
Voting Requirements for Students
To become qualified voters, young readers must experience all of the nominated books in a category by
reading the books themselves, having the books read to them, or using a combination of the two
methods.
Some Ideas for Inspiring Young Readers and Celebrating the Titles
The program encourages the recreational reading of popular literature among the young people of our state. Young people recommend the titles of their favorite books for nomination, or teachers and librarians repeatedly read or request titles, and these are submitted to the California Young Reader Medal Committee.
Directions for Teachers
Read all titles in the grade level category for the students to vote. Gather votes for books and submit
them to the CRA website.
Voting Requirements for Students
To become qualified voters, young readers must experience all of the nominated books in a category by
reading the books themselves, having the books read to them, or using a combination of the two
methods.
- Young readers may read books in more than one category.
- Each reader is entitled to ONE vote in each category.
- An adult in a classroom or library setting must monitor the voting procedures.
Some Ideas for Inspiring Young Readers and Celebrating the Titles
- Small ELA groups discuss titles with literature circles or book club structures.
- Students might survey/interview each other about their favorite CYRM books.
- Students make posters to advertise the books and post them around the campus.
- Students or the class write letters to the author sharing feedback and appreciation.
- Students create a Story-in-Bag to retell the book.
- Students create book commercials for the books to share in class, at an assembly, or through a video taped infomercial.
- Staff, students, or guest readers listen to the read-aloud titles in the library.
- Invite guest readers to read aloud the titles in the classroom.
- Use the books for partner reading.
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The California Young Reader Medal Ballot 2025
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Suzanne Bethel coach at Meadow View school with check out system for CYRM books.
California Young Reader Medal (CYRM) Nominees
California Young Reader Medal (CYRM) Primary Nominees for 2023-2024
Primary is the only category that has 5 nominees.
Primary is the only category that has 5 nominees.
Chez Bob
by Bob Shea
Chez Bob seems like a real restaurant. But then you realize…it’s on an alligator’s NOSE! Bob has a devious 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?
The tasty tale proves anyone, even a hungry alligator, can have a change of heart and learn to be a good friend.
The Storytime Kit for Teachingbooks.net/California offers some fun activities to extend thinking about the book. See below for more resources.
by Bob Shea
Chez Bob seems like a real restaurant. But then you realize…it’s on an alligator’s NOSE! Bob has a devious 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?
The tasty tale proves anyone, even a hungry alligator, can have a change of heart and learn to be a good friend.
The Storytime Kit for Teachingbooks.net/California offers some fun activities to extend thinking about the book. See below for more resources.
Littlest Yak
by Lu Fraser and
Kate Hindley
Gertie lives on the top of a snowy mountain with the other yaks. She has many positive attributes, including the ability to “clip-clop up cliffs, no matter how slippery, on little yak hooves that were splendidly grippy.” But Gertie is the smallest of the yaks and she yearns for bigness. Although her Mummy says that bigness can be measured in ways having nothing to do with size, Gertie embarks on a self-improvement plan centering on diet, exercise, and education. Despite all her efforts, Gertie remains small and despairs ever growing larger. But her small size proves to be a large asset the day a yak even tinier than she gets stuck high on a narrow mountain ledge. Only Gertie, with her grippy hooves, is able to reach the teeny yak and bring him home. With a Seussian flare, the energetic rhyming text delivers its message that everyone has merit with plenty of humor, while the illustrations in shades of black, gray, white, teal, and red depict Gertie in all her googly-eyed, grippy-hooved, tiny yak glory.
Google has several readings to choose from.
by Lu Fraser and
Kate Hindley
Gertie lives on the top of a snowy mountain with the other yaks. She has many positive attributes, including the ability to “clip-clop up cliffs, no matter how slippery, on little yak hooves that were splendidly grippy.” But Gertie is the smallest of the yaks and she yearns for bigness. Although her Mummy says that bigness can be measured in ways having nothing to do with size, Gertie embarks on a self-improvement plan centering on diet, exercise, and education. Despite all her efforts, Gertie remains small and despairs ever growing larger. But her small size proves to be a large asset the day a yak even tinier than she gets stuck high on a narrow mountain ledge. Only Gertie, with her grippy hooves, is able to reach the teeny yak and bring him home. With a Seussian flare, the energetic rhyming text delivers its message that everyone has merit with plenty of humor, while the illustrations in shades of black, gray, white, teal, and red depict Gertie in all her googly-eyed, grippy-hooved, tiny yak glory.
Google has several readings to choose from.
Negative Cat
by Sophie Blackall
When a boy is FINALLY allowed to get a cat, he instantly knows which one to bring home from the shelter. But Max the cat isn’t quite what the family expected. He shuns the toy mouse, couldn’t care less about the hand-knitted sweater, and spends most of his time facing the wall. The others in the family give up on Max, but the boy doesn’t. He loves the cat so much he’ll do anything to be able to keep him. It turns out that the things the boy dreads the most is what Max loves. ..reading. The boy reads to Max and that makes everything PURR-fect!
Teaches about the importance of not giving up and helping others.
You tube offers 3 read aloud choices of Negative Cat.
by Sophie Blackall
When a boy is FINALLY allowed to get a cat, he instantly knows which one to bring home from the shelter. But Max the cat isn’t quite what the family expected. He shuns the toy mouse, couldn’t care less about the hand-knitted sweater, and spends most of his time facing the wall. The others in the family give up on Max, but the boy doesn’t. He loves the cat so much he’ll do anything to be able to keep him. It turns out that the things the boy dreads the most is what Max loves. ..reading. The boy reads to Max and that makes everything PURR-fect!
Teaches about the importance of not giving up and helping others.
You tube offers 3 read aloud choices of Negative Cat.
The Scarecrow
by Beth Ferry, Terry Fan, and Eric Fan
All the animals know not to mess with old Scarecrow. But when a small, scared crow falls from midair, Scarecrow does the strangest thing. . . .. Scarecrow rescues him and the two become instant friends. When the crow is old enough to fly away, Scarecrow is again left to his loneliness. But when seasons change, Scarecrow learns that friendship endures. Told through lyrical, rhyming text, this story will have children cheering for this kind compassionate Scarecrow. Teaching Books offers a page for students to build the scarecrow from the story and a page with Scarecrow for students to create a Scarecrow setting.
You Tube and Google offer several read aloud choices.
Science may include the seasons and birds.
by Beth Ferry, Terry Fan, and Eric Fan
All the animals know not to mess with old Scarecrow. But when a small, scared crow falls from midair, Scarecrow does the strangest thing. . . .. Scarecrow rescues him and the two become instant friends. When the crow is old enough to fly away, Scarecrow is again left to his loneliness. But when seasons change, Scarecrow learns that friendship endures. Told through lyrical, rhyming text, this story will have children cheering for this kind compassionate Scarecrow. Teaching Books offers a page for students to build the scarecrow from the story and a page with Scarecrow for students to create a Scarecrow setting.
You Tube and Google offer several read aloud choices.
Science may include the seasons and birds.
Someone Builds A Dream
by Lisa Wheeler and Loren Long
Have you ever thought about the many people who actually “build the dream” each envisions? A rhyming text outlines the work of various dreamers whose plans for a house, a bridge, a fountain, a wind turbine, and an amusement park are made real by many other kinds of workers. “The repeated “build the dream” refrain adds to the appeal. A final example focuses on the work of an author and artist. “Someone worked to set the text, run the press, load the reams. Someone had to make THIS book. Someone had to build this dream.”
You tube has several readings--one author, Lisa Wheeler.
Teaching Books has writing prompts.
by Lisa Wheeler and Loren Long
Have you ever thought about the many people who actually “build the dream” each envisions? A rhyming text outlines the work of various dreamers whose plans for a house, a bridge, a fountain, a wind turbine, and an amusement park are made real by many other kinds of workers. “The repeated “build the dream” refrain adds to the appeal. A final example focuses on the work of an author and artist. “Someone worked to set the text, run the press, load the reams. Someone had to make THIS book. Someone had to build this dream.”
You tube has several readings--one author, Lisa Wheeler.
Teaching Books has writing prompts.
CYRM Picture Books for the Older Reader Nominees 2023-2024
Bartali’s Bicycle by
Megan Hoyt & Iacopo Bruno
To the entire world, Gino Bartali was merely a champion cyclist. But Gino’s greatest achievement was something he never told a soul—that he secretly worked with the Italian resistance to save hundreds of Jewish men, women, and children, and others, from certain death, using the one thing no authority would question: his bicycle. This compelling nonfiction picture book for elementary-age readers offers a unique perspective on World War II history. It's a strong choice for units on the war and for biographies of lesser-known heroes in history and in sports.
You Tube offers “Bartali's Bicycle” read aloud by Jessica Oliver. One is a teaser and one talks about the book, mostly the illustrator. *
Megan Hoyt & Iacopo Bruno
To the entire world, Gino Bartali was merely a champion cyclist. But Gino’s greatest achievement was something he never told a soul—that he secretly worked with the Italian resistance to save hundreds of Jewish men, women, and children, and others, from certain death, using the one thing no authority would question: his bicycle. This compelling nonfiction picture book for elementary-age readers offers a unique perspective on World War II history. It's a strong choice for units on the war and for biographies of lesser-known heroes in history and in sports.
You Tube offers “Bartali's Bicycle” read aloud by Jessica Oliver. One is a teaser and one talks about the book, mostly the illustrator. *
The Elephants Come Home
Kim Tomsic & Hadley Hooper
There's no better way to get readers hooked on factual books than to offer them real-life stories with heart and meaning. This is the true story of Lawrence Anthony and Françoise Malby, who welcomed a herd of wild African elephants to their wildlife sanctuary in South Africa. The miracle of love that brought them home. This book is a great, upbeat jumping-off point for discussions of the importance of preserving endangered species and their environments.
The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) emphasize learning about animal habitats/biomes in K–2 curriculums, while later grades address topics like conservation and endangered species.
Kim Tomsic & Hadley Hooper
There's no better way to get readers hooked on factual books than to offer them real-life stories with heart and meaning. This is the true story of Lawrence Anthony and Françoise Malby, who welcomed a herd of wild African elephants to their wildlife sanctuary in South Africa. The miracle of love that brought them home. This book is a great, upbeat jumping-off point for discussions of the importance of preserving endangered species and their environments.
The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) emphasize learning about animal habitats/biomes in K–2 curriculums, while later grades address topics like conservation and endangered species.
Nicky & Vera
by Peter Sís
In December 1938, a young Englishman canceled a ski vacation and went instead to Prague to help the hundreds of thousands of refugees from the Nazis who were crowded into the city. Setting up a makeshift headquarters in his hotel room, Nicholas Winton took names and photographs from parents desperate to get their children out of danger. He raised money, found foster families in England, arranged travel and visas, and, when necessary, bribed officials and forged documents. In the frantic spring and summer of 1939, as the Nazi shadow fell over Europe, he organized the transportation of almost 700 children to safety.
You Tube offers a “Nicki and Vera” read aloud by Robarge Reads. *
by Peter Sís
In December 1938, a young Englishman canceled a ski vacation and went instead to Prague to help the hundreds of thousands of refugees from the Nazis who were crowded into the city. Setting up a makeshift headquarters in his hotel room, Nicholas Winton took names and photographs from parents desperate to get their children out of danger. He raised money, found foster families in England, arranged travel and visas, and, when necessary, bribed officials and forged documents. In the frantic spring and summer of 1939, as the Nazi shadow fell over Europe, he organized the transportation of almost 700 children to safety.
You Tube offers a “Nicki and Vera” read aloud by Robarge Reads. *
CYRM Intermediate Nominees 2023-2024
Across The Desert
by Dusti Bowling
When a young girl is the only one to witness her videoblogger friend’s ultralight accident over a hundred miles away, she sets off to find her before it’s too late. This is a great adventure story with a brave, resilient girl who must not only rescue her friend, but also try to find ways to help her mother beat her opioid addiction. The author’s dedication says, “For you, the child of an addict, I see you.”
The author’s many desert plant and animal descriptions may be linked to NGSS Standard 2-LS4-1: Make observations of plants and animals to compare the diversity of life in different habitats.
Teaching books offers a multi leveled Mystery lesson. See below for more from Teaching Books.
Older students may also enjoy The Canyon’s Edge, a desert survival adventure by Dusti Bowling.
by Dusti Bowling
When a young girl is the only one to witness her videoblogger friend’s ultralight accident over a hundred miles away, she sets off to find her before it’s too late. This is a great adventure story with a brave, resilient girl who must not only rescue her friend, but also try to find ways to help her mother beat her opioid addiction. The author’s dedication says, “For you, the child of an addict, I see you.”
The author’s many desert plant and animal descriptions may be linked to NGSS Standard 2-LS4-1: Make observations of plants and animals to compare the diversity of life in different habitats.
Teaching books offers a multi leveled Mystery lesson. See below for more from Teaching Books.
Older students may also enjoy The Canyon’s Edge, a desert survival adventure by Dusti Bowling.
A Game of Fox & Squirrels
by Jenn Reese
Samantha and her sister move in with their aunt after an “incident” in their home places them in the child protective care. When she arrives, her aunt gives her a mysterious game called “A Game of Fox & Squirrels,” which comes alive to help her understand and cope with her new circumstances.
Teaching Books offers a video Book Reading of Chapter 1 and shares the game with how to play and rules. The site has with discussion guide and an audio pronunciation help.
In an interview, the author explains that she grew up in a house where she did not feel safe, and wanted to write a book for kids that may be having a similar experience.
Other books with domestic violence themes include The Big Bad Wolf in My House by Valerie Fonatine for those counseling younger students,
by Jenn Reese
Samantha and her sister move in with their aunt after an “incident” in their home places them in the child protective care. When she arrives, her aunt gives her a mysterious game called “A Game of Fox & Squirrels,” which comes alive to help her understand and cope with her new circumstances.
Teaching Books offers a video Book Reading of Chapter 1 and shares the game with how to play and rules. The site has with discussion guide and an audio pronunciation help.
In an interview, the author explains that she grew up in a house where she did not feel safe, and wanted to write a book for kids that may be having a similar experience.
Other books with domestic violence themes include The Big Bad Wolf in My House by Valerie Fonatine for those counseling younger students,
We’re Not From Here
By Geoff Rodkey
It can be hard to find great sci-fi for grades 4-7, and almost impossible to find laugh-out-loud humor. This book has both! When Earth colonists arrive on the planet Choom, they discover they’re not as welcome as they thought they’d be. The Zhuri, inhabitants of Choom who resemble large mosquitoes, have decided they don’t want to offer refuge to Earthlings.
Teaching Books offers a Video Trailer. The on-line Book Club has many things for students pre-read/after reading format, quick write, design an alien challenge, discussion ideas and more.
This book relates to the PBIS goal of Respecting Others,
and also introduces the point of view of refugees who have nowhere safe to return to.
It would pair well with The Lion of Mars, by Jennifer L Holme, which also describes space travel, and Refugee, by Alan Gratz.
By Geoff Rodkey
It can be hard to find great sci-fi for grades 4-7, and almost impossible to find laugh-out-loud humor. This book has both! When Earth colonists arrive on the planet Choom, they discover they’re not as welcome as they thought they’d be. The Zhuri, inhabitants of Choom who resemble large mosquitoes, have decided they don’t want to offer refuge to Earthlings.
Teaching Books offers a Video Trailer. The on-line Book Club has many things for students pre-read/after reading format, quick write, design an alien challenge, discussion ideas and more.
This book relates to the PBIS goal of Respecting Others,
and also introduces the point of view of refugees who have nowhere safe to return to.
It would pair well with The Lion of Mars, by Jennifer L Holme, which also describes space travel, and Refugee, by Alan Gratz.
CYRM Middle School/Junior High Nominees 2023-202
Alone
by Megan E. Freeman
Madeline has two families so when she arranges a sleepover with two besties at her grandparents’ vacant summer house, complete with snacks, she is sure to get away with it. She tells Dad she’s staying with Mom’s family and tells Mom she’s doing homework with Dad’s help all weekend. No questions asked. When the friends are a no-show, she settles in alone. As Madeline awakens on Saturday, her texts are overrun by Urgent National Emergency Evacuation Warnings. All residents of the area have been forced onto transports. Worse, devices are not working. Unable to communicate, Maddie realizes she is abandoned in Millerville, Colorado. With a rescued dog, George, Maddie assesses her situation, likening herself to Karana in the Island of the Blue Dolphin. She must use her wit and skills to combat thirst, hunger, and nature, as well as winter without electricity. How long can she survive the loneliness?
by Megan E. Freeman
Madeline has two families so when she arranges a sleepover with two besties at her grandparents’ vacant summer house, complete with snacks, she is sure to get away with it. She tells Dad she’s staying with Mom’s family and tells Mom she’s doing homework with Dad’s help all weekend. No questions asked. When the friends are a no-show, she settles in alone. As Madeline awakens on Saturday, her texts are overrun by Urgent National Emergency Evacuation Warnings. All residents of the area have been forced onto transports. Worse, devices are not working. Unable to communicate, Maddie realizes she is abandoned in Millerville, Colorado. With a rescued dog, George, Maddie assesses her situation, likening herself to Karana in the Island of the Blue Dolphin. She must use her wit and skills to combat thirst, hunger, and nature, as well as winter without electricity. How long can she survive the loneliness?
Amari and the Night Brothers
by B. B. Alston
Amari opens a nomination from her brother, who’s presumed dead, after she is expelled from school for defending him. She fills out the form and gets into the summer program at the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs, the last place her brother worked. She gets in but must pass competitive trials against magical students, with other-worldly powers, to stay in. Complicating her training is her self-doubt and comparison to her brother’s legacy. She has also tested as an illegal, having an enhanced supernatural ability which makes all but a few of her friends fearful and jealous. Learning the traditions and history of the Bureau, Amari must help the academy battle villains, the Night Brothers, renegade traitors in the supernatural world and find out how this school plays into her brother’s disappearance.
by B. B. Alston
Amari opens a nomination from her brother, who’s presumed dead, after she is expelled from school for defending him. She fills out the form and gets into the summer program at the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs, the last place her brother worked. She gets in but must pass competitive trials against magical students, with other-worldly powers, to stay in. Complicating her training is her self-doubt and comparison to her brother’s legacy. She has also tested as an illegal, having an enhanced supernatural ability which makes all but a few of her friends fearful and jealous. Learning the traditions and history of the Bureau, Amari must help the academy battle villains, the Night Brothers, renegade traitors in the supernatural world and find out how this school plays into her brother’s disappearance.
The Elephant In The Room
by Holly Goldberg Sloan
Sila and her dad are missing her mom. It’s been almost a year since her mother went to Turkey to get the required papers to return to Oregon. The time waiting for her homecoming is excruciatingly empty until Sila’s dad is asked to fix a truck in the village near theirs. Behind an enormous stone wall, Sila meets an elderly man, Gio, who has won the lottery. Gio’s big walled property proves the perfect place to house a rescued elephant. Together, Gio, Sila and an unlikely friend from school, Mateo, conspire to have the kids take on the summer job of the feeding and cleaning of this huge animal enclosure. In the process, will their connections fill the void each has in their life? Does any of it matter if Mama doesn’t come home?
by Holly Goldberg Sloan
Sila and her dad are missing her mom. It’s been almost a year since her mother went to Turkey to get the required papers to return to Oregon. The time waiting for her homecoming is excruciatingly empty until Sila’s dad is asked to fix a truck in the village near theirs. Behind an enormous stone wall, Sila meets an elderly man, Gio, who has won the lottery. Gio’s big walled property proves the perfect place to house a rescued elephant. Together, Gio, Sila and an unlikely friend from school, Mateo, conspire to have the kids take on the summer job of the feeding and cleaning of this huge animal enclosure. In the process, will their connections fill the void each has in their life? Does any of it matter if Mama doesn’t come home?
CYRM Young Adult Nominees 2023-202
Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger and Rovina Cai
Following news that her older cousin Trevor has died, Ellie, a contemporary Lipan Apache teen in Texas, is visited by Trevor in a dream in which he tells her he was murdered. Ellie, whose beloved dog Kirbie remains her devoted companion five years after his death, doesn't find communicating with the spirit world unusual. She was named Elatsoe for her Six Great grandmother, a woman whose legendary skill fighting real-world and supernatural threats helped protect the Lipan Apache people. But Trevor's message is deeply upsetting, adding anger to Ellie's heartbreak. Determined to find the killer, Ellie investigates with the help of her best friend Jay, who is white (a descendant of Oberon, although Jay's magic is faint). Evidence soon points to a doctor from nearby Willowbee, a small, mysterious, whitewashed Texas town where he has a secretive clinic and lives in a house guarded by vampires. Not all vampires are evil-Jay's sister is dating one who joins the effort to catch Trevor's killer-but these most certainly are. The more Ellie learns, the greater the danger, including, her mother cautions, risks that go hand-in-hand with her gift. Ellie's search for justice, and rest for her cousin's spirit, is also a story of family ties and family history, friendship, loss, and self-discovery in a novel with an engaging, original plot; unique, creative world-building; and terrific characterizations, including the depiction of Ellie as asexual. Black-and-white illustrations at the start of each chapter depict Six Great's story.
Following news that her older cousin Trevor has died, Ellie, a contemporary Lipan Apache teen in Texas, is visited by Trevor in a dream in which he tells her he was murdered. Ellie, whose beloved dog Kirbie remains her devoted companion five years after his death, doesn't find communicating with the spirit world unusual. She was named Elatsoe for her Six Great grandmother, a woman whose legendary skill fighting real-world and supernatural threats helped protect the Lipan Apache people. But Trevor's message is deeply upsetting, adding anger to Ellie's heartbreak. Determined to find the killer, Ellie investigates with the help of her best friend Jay, who is white (a descendant of Oberon, although Jay's magic is faint). Evidence soon points to a doctor from nearby Willowbee, a small, mysterious, whitewashed Texas town where he has a secretive clinic and lives in a house guarded by vampires. Not all vampires are evil-Jay's sister is dating one who joins the effort to catch Trevor's killer-but these most certainly are. The more Ellie learns, the greater the danger, including, her mother cautions, risks that go hand-in-hand with her gift. Ellie's search for justice, and rest for her cousin's spirit, is also a story of family ties and family history, friendship, loss, and self-discovery in a novel with an engaging, original plot; unique, creative world-building; and terrific characterizations, including the depiction of Ellie as asexual. Black-and-white illustrations at the start of each chapter depict Six Great's story.
I'm Not Dying with You Tonight by Gilly Segal and Kimberly L. Jones
I’M Not Dying with You Tonight follows two teen girls, Lena and Campbell—one black, one white—who have to confront their own assumptions about racial inequality as they rely on each other to get through the violent race riot that has set their city on fire with civil unrest. Lena has her killer style, her awesome boyfriend, and a plan. She knows she's going to make it big. Campbell, on the other hand, is just trying to keep her head down and get through the year at her new school. When both girls attend the Friday-night football game, what neither expects is for everything to descend into sudden mass chaos. Chaos born from violence and hate. Chaos that unexpectedly throws them together. They aren't friends. They hardly understand the other's point of view. But none of that matters when the city is up in flames, and they have to rely on each other to survive the night.
This book is perfect for:
- Sparking conversations about prejudice and the racial tension that exists in America
-Parents and educators looking for multicultural and African American books for teens
I’M Not Dying with You Tonight follows two teen girls, Lena and Campbell—one black, one white—who have to confront their own assumptions about racial inequality as they rely on each other to get through the violent race riot that has set their city on fire with civil unrest. Lena has her killer style, her awesome boyfriend, and a plan. She knows she's going to make it big. Campbell, on the other hand, is just trying to keep her head down and get through the year at her new school. When both girls attend the Friday-night football game, what neither expects is for everything to descend into sudden mass chaos. Chaos born from violence and hate. Chaos that unexpectedly throws them together. They aren't friends. They hardly understand the other's point of view. But none of that matters when the city is up in flames, and they have to rely on each other to survive the night.
This book is perfect for:
- Sparking conversations about prejudice and the racial tension that exists in America
-Parents and educators looking for multicultural and African American books for teens
Where I Belong by Marcia Argueta Mickelson
A Latino immigrant teen fights for her family, her future, and the place she calls home. In the spring of 2018, Guatemalan American high school senior Milagros "Millie" Vargas knows her life is about to change. She has lived in Corpus Christi, Texas, ever since her parents sought asylum there when she was a baby. Now a citizen, Millie devotes herself to school and caring for her younger siblings while her mom works as a housekeeper for the wealthy Wheeler family. She is disturbed by what's happening to asylum-seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border, but she doesn't see herself as an activist or a change-maker. She's just trying to take care of her own family.
Then Mr. Wheeler, a U.S. Senate candidate, mentions Millie's achievements in a campaign speech about "deserving" immigrants. It doesn't take long for people to identify Millie's family and place them at the center of a statewide immigration debate. Faced with journalists, trolls, anonymous threats, and the Wheelers' good intentions--especially those of Mr. Wheeler's son, Charlie--Millie must confront the complexity of her past, the uncertainty of her future, and her place in the country that she believed was home.
Audio books are available for all three books.
A Latino immigrant teen fights for her family, her future, and the place she calls home. In the spring of 2018, Guatemalan American high school senior Milagros "Millie" Vargas knows her life is about to change. She has lived in Corpus Christi, Texas, ever since her parents sought asylum there when she was a baby. Now a citizen, Millie devotes herself to school and caring for her younger siblings while her mom works as a housekeeper for the wealthy Wheeler family. She is disturbed by what's happening to asylum-seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border, but she doesn't see herself as an activist or a change-maker. She's just trying to take care of her own family.
Then Mr. Wheeler, a U.S. Senate candidate, mentions Millie's achievements in a campaign speech about "deserving" immigrants. It doesn't take long for people to identify Millie's family and place them at the center of a statewide immigration debate. Faced with journalists, trolls, anonymous threats, and the Wheelers' good intentions--especially those of Mr. Wheeler's son, Charlie--Millie must confront the complexity of her past, the uncertainty of her future, and her place in the country that she believed was home.
Audio books are available for all three books.
2021 Winners!
Sergeant Reckless
Written by Patricia McCormick Illustrated by Iacopo Bruno Published by Balzer and Bray, 2017 |
All We Have Left
Written by Wendy Mills Published by Bloomsbury, 2017 |
Lily and Dunkin
Written by Donna Gephart Published by Delacorte Press, 2016 |
Restart
Written by Gordon Korman Published by Scholastic |
Poor Louie
Written by Tony Fucile Published by Candlewock Press, 2017 |
2020 Winners!
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2019 Winners!
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Emmanuel's Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah
Written by Laura Ann Thompson Illustrated by Sean Qualls Published by Schwartz & Wade |
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2018 Winners!
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Barbed Wire Baseball
Written by Marissa Moss Illustrated by Yuko Shimizu Published by Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2016 |
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2017 Winners!
SAM & DAVE DIG A HOLE
Written by Mac Barnett Illustrated by Jon Klassen Published by Candlewick Press, 2014 |
ESCAPE FROM MR. LEMONCELLO'S LIBRARY
Written by Chris Grabenstein Published by Random House Books for Young Readers, 2013 |
KEEPER OF THE LOST CITIES
Written by Shannon Messenger Published by Aladdin Books, 2012 |
RED QUEEN
Written by Victoria Aveyard Published by HarperCollins, 2015 |
EACH KINDNESS
Written by Jacqueline Woodson Illustrated by E. B. Lewis Published by Nancy Paulsen Books, 2012 |
California Young Reader Medal
The California Young Reader Medal program was founded by CRA in 1974. A committee of members from CRA, CSLA, CATE and CLA select the books for each year based on nominations from the field. The CYRM committee is proud to announce the NOMINEES for the 2016-2017 California Young Reader Medals. View the full list at on the California Young Reader Medal website.
Each year, current books are recognized for their meritorious contribution to literature for young people.
The California Young Reader Medal is proud to announce the NOMINEES for the 2016-2017 California Young Reader Medals:
Children, young adults, educators, librarians, parents, or anyone who works with young people and books may recommend titles. This recommendation process may take place in the classroom or may reflect work with children and young adults in a library. California Young Reader Medal recommended titles must reflect what young people like to read.
Each book must be nominated for a particular age category.
Criteria for Nomination:
After the nominees are selected, teachers and students can read all the books in each category and vote on their favorite title. The ballots are sent to the committee and then counted by the committee. The winners are announced in May. Check out the CYRM website for ballot and voting information. The CYRM website also has many resources such as reader’s theater scripts and lesson ideas for each CYRM winner.
Each year, current books are recognized for their meritorious contribution to literature for young people.
The California Young Reader Medal is proud to announce the NOMINEES for the 2016-2017 California Young Reader Medals:
Children, young adults, educators, librarians, parents, or anyone who works with young people and books may recommend titles. This recommendation process may take place in the classroom or may reflect work with children and young adults in a library. California Young Reader Medal recommended titles must reflect what young people like to read.
Each book must be nominated for a particular age category.
Criteria for Nomination:
- Must have strong appeal for the age group for which the recommendation is made.
- Often read or requested by children and young adults.
- Published within the previous four years and still in print.
- Written by an author who is still living.
After the nominees are selected, teachers and students can read all the books in each category and vote on their favorite title. The ballots are sent to the committee and then counted by the committee. The winners are announced in May. Check out the CYRM website for ballot and voting information. The CYRM website also has many resources such as reader’s theater scripts and lesson ideas for each CYRM winner.