Winners of the annual Sydney Taylor Book Award <https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.sydneytaylorbookawards.org/__;!!KGKeukY!w9vMcBfCl0CQlLLF17clCJU_HwsfhDr83h-nNEpYW-44iUqf6R-zm1hNjqN4gVQF84STG9C6siqnfpA0H7RLkJ2ndft0Z6gD$ > were announced by the Association of Jewish Libraries today in a virtual livecast at the American Library Association’s Youth Media Awards. Named in memory of Sydney Taylor, author of the classic All-of-a-Kind Family series, the award recognizes books for children and teens that exemplify high literary standards while authentically portraying the Jewish experience. “This year’s winners and honorees exemplify excellence in Jewish children’s literature through vibrant storytelling and rich perspectives that foster empathy, understanding, and a deep appreciation for culture and community,” said Melanie Koss, chair of the Sydney Taylor Book Award committee. GOLD MEDALISTS
Shabbat Shalom: Let’s Rest and Reset written and illustrated by Suzy Ultman, published by Rise x Penguin Workshop, an imprint of Penguin Random House, is the winner in the Picture Book category. A gentle reflection on the meaning of the Jewish Sabbath (Shabbat) as a weekly day of rest, paired with whimsical, imaginative illustrations. This sophisticated board book combines succinct text with playful art to create a postdenominational depiction of Jewish ritual that engages even the youngest readers, captivates Pre-K audiences, and delights older children. Neshama by Marcella Pixley, published by Candlewick Press, is the winner in the Middle Grade category. This haunting novel in verse follows Anna, a sixth grader who sees ghosts and feels like an outsider except with her Bubbe, whose Jewish traditions steady her. When Aunt Ruthie’s ghost appears as an ibur needing help, Anna uncovers family secrets and discovers her own strength in a lyrical, deeply Jewish story about identity, grief, and resilience. D.J. Rosenblum Becomes the G.O.A.T. by Abby White, published by Arthur A. Levine, an imprint of Levine Querido, is the winner in the Young Adult category. D.J. Rosenblum idolized her cousin Rachel (the G.O.A.T.—Greatest Cousin of All Time). After Rachel’s sudden passing, D.J. moves to her cousin’s town, determined to uncover the truth while navigating grief and family fractures. Preparing for her postponed bat mitzvah, she wrestles with her Torah portion and faith, finding strength to face loss and begin moving forward. SILVER MEDALISTS Five Sydney Taylor Honor Books were recognized. For Picture Books, the Honor Books are The Book of Candles: Eight Poems for Hanukkah, by Laurel Snyder, illustrated by Leanne Hatch, published by Clarion Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers; The Keeper of Storiesby Caroline Kusin Pritchard, illustrated by Selina Alko, published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing; and My Body Can by Laura Gehl, illustrated by Alexandra Colombo, published by Apples & Honey Press, an imprint of Behrman House. For Middle Grade, the Honor Book is Beinoni by Mari Lowe, published by Arthur A. Levine, an imprint of Levine Querido. For Young Adult, the Honor Book is The Rebel Girls of Rome by Jordyn Taylor, published by HarperCollins Children’s Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. In addition to the medal winners, the Award Committee designated nine Notable Books of Jewish Content for 2026. The Notable Picture Books are Fanny’s Big Idea: How Jewish Book Week was Born by Richard Michelson, illustrated by Alyssa Russell, published by Rocky Pond Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House; Finding Forgiveness by Rebecca Gardyn Levington, illustrated by Diana Mayo, published by Farrar Straus Giroux Books for Younger Readers, an imprint of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group; and The Remembering Candle by Alison Goldberg, illustrated by Selina Alko, published by Barefoot Books. The Notable Middle Grade Books are The Daughter of Auschwitz: The Girl Who Lived to Tell Her Story by Tova Friedman, published by Quill Tree Books, an imprint of Harper Collins Publishers; Right Back at You by Carolyn Mackler, published by Scholastic Press, an imprint of Scholastic; Same Page by Elly Swartz, published by Delacorte Press, an imprint of Penguin Random House; The Trouble with Secrets by Naomi Milliner, published by Quill Tree Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers; and A World Worth Saving by Kyle Lukoff, published by Dial Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Penguin Random House. The Notable Young Adult Book is Leaving the Station by Jake Maia Arlow, published by Storytide, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. SYDNEY TAYLOR BODY-OF-WORK AWARD The winner of the Sydney Taylor Body-of-Work Award, which recognizes an author or entity who has made a substantial contribution over time to the genre of Jewish children’s literature, is Uri Shulevitz (z”l). Recognized as a foundational voice in Jewish children’s literature, Uri Shulevitz created picture books that illuminate Jewish culture and reflect universal experience. His masterful storytelling and evocative illustrations have inspired generations and continue to influence the way young readers encounter Jewish stories. More information about the Sydney Taylor Book Award, a complete listing of the award winners and notables, and seals for purchase can be found at https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.sydneytaylorbookawards.org__;!!KGKeukY!w9vMcBfCl0CQlLLF17clCJU_HwsfhDr83h-nNEpYW-44iUqf6R-zm1hNjqN4gVQF84STG9C6siqnfpA0H7RLkJ2ndWkqYutv$ <https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.sydneytaylorbookawards.org/__;!!KGKeukY!w9vMcBfCl0CQlLLF17clCJU_HwsfhDr83h-nNEpYW-44iUqf6R-zm1hNjqN4gVQF84STG9C6siqnfpA0H7RLkJ2ndft0Z6gD$ >. SYDNEY TAYLOR MANUSCRIPT AWARD The 2026 winner for the Sydney Taylor Manuscript Award <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://jewishlibraries.org/sydney-taylor-manuscript-award/__;!!KGKeukY!w9vMcBfCl0CQlLLF17clCJU_HwsfhDr83h-nNEpYW-44iUqf6R-zm1hNjqN4gVQF84STG9C6siqnfpA0H7RLkJ2ndWUxb9-F$ > is Jessica Russak-Hoffman for How to Catch a Mermaid (When You're Scared of the Sea). The novel’s protagonist, Yaffa Mandelov, is not what you’d call an ocean person. A future international investigative journalist? No doubt. A clever wordsmith? Absolutely. But a swimmer? Not a chance. Unfortunately, to write the story for the school paper that will set her down the path to journalistic credibility and fame, she’s going to have to get in the water. When her sleepy Israeli beach town of Kiryat Yam goes viral for mermaid sightings, the mayor offers a million-shekel reward for proof. Yaffa, armed with her notebook and sheer chutzpah, launches a full-blown investigation. Joined by her bold best friend Penina, Yaffa faces shofar-blowing beachgoers, a suspicious American activist in a mermaid dress, and a town-wide obsession with mermaids. In a story that blends friendship, Jewish folklore, and family, Yaffa will have to risk it all as she gets closer to the truth about the mermaid—and about herself. Winning authors and illustrators will receive their awards at the Annual Conference of the Association of Jewish Libraries, to be held in Evanston, Illinois, from June 22 to 24, 2026. Gold and silver medalists will participate in a blog tour February 9–12, 2026. For more information about the blog tour, please visit https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.sydneytaylorbookawards.org__;!!KGKeukY!w9vMcBfCl0CQlLLF17clCJU_HwsfhDr83h-nNEpYW-44iUqf6R-zm1hNjqN4gVQF84STG9C6siqnfpA0H7RLkJ2ndWkqYutv$ <https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.sydneytaylorbookawards.org/__;!!KGKeukY!w9vMcBfCl0CQlLLF17clCJU_HwsfhDr83h-nNEpYW-44iUqf6R-zm1hNjqN4gVQF84STG9C6siqnfpA0H7RLkJ2ndft0Z6gD$ >. For an exclusive interview with Sydney Taylor Book Award Committee Chair, please visit The Book of Life Podcast at https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.bookoflifepodcast.com__;!!KGKeukY!w9vMcBfCl0CQlLLF17clCJU_HwsfhDr83h-nNEpYW-44iUqf6R-zm1hNjqN4gVQF84STG9C6siqnfpA0H7RLkJ2ndc55tlS5$ <https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.bookoflifepodcast.com/__;!!KGKeukY!w9vMcBfCl0CQlLLF17clCJU_HwsfhDr83h-nNEpYW-44iUqf6R-zm1hNjqN4gVQF84STG9C6siqnfpA0H7RLkJ2ndVyj2zl2$ >. Members of the 2026 Sydney Taylor Book Award committee are Chair Melanie Koss, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Ill.; Nat Bension, Anna Schwalb Memorial Library, Hebrew Day School of Ann Arbor, Mich.; Ariel Birdoff, Mosaic Preparatory Academy, New York, N.Y.; Rebecca Greer Meier, Manatee School for the Arts, Palmetto, Fla.; Rachel Simon, Newton Free Library, Newton, Mass.; Cheryl Strausberg, Carroll Community College, Westminster, Md.; Aliza Werner, Bookelicious, Wauwatosa, Wis.; and Aviva Rosenberg, Ridgefield Free Public Library, Ridgefield, N.J. Members of the 2026 Sydney Taylor Manuscript Award committee are Chair Talya Sokoll, Putnam Library Co-Director, Noble and Greenough School, Dedham, Mass.; Susan Kaplan Carlton, Sydney Taylor Notable Author, Lecturer, Boston University, Hanover, N.H.; Mimi Leyton, Volunteer, Greenberg Families Library, Soloway JCC, Ottawa (Canada); Stacy Nockowitz, retired middle school librarian, author, and National Jewish Book Award winner, Columbus, Ohio; Martha Seif Simpson, Librarian, Congregation Mishkan Israel Library, Hamden, Conn.; and A.R. Vishny, National Jewish Book Award winner and Sydney Taylor Book Award winner, Queens, N.Y.
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