
Fifteen early Mock Newbery 2026 Contenders
We have 15 early Mock Newbery 2026 contender. A mix of fantasy, realistic fiction, a graphic novel, historical fiction.
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First Mock Newbery 2026 Suggestion Call: Early Contenders
We're 10 months away from the 2026 Newbery Medal announcement, but it's never too early to start reading. If you've read any early 2025 publications that might have a chance at the Medal, add your suggestions to our monthly list between now and March 8th.

Goodbye for now
Heavy Medal will return for monthly suggestion posts in March 2025 and the regular season begins in September.
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Book Discussion

And the Newbery winner is….
Another year, another surprising Newbery winner. View Steven and Emily's live thoughts here on the 2025 Youth Media Award announcements.

Predictions for the ALA Youth Media Awards
STEVEN: It’s five days until the 2025 Newbery Medal will be announced, which means: Predictions! We do this every year, and the record shows that if you’re looking for accuracy, pay attention to Emily and ignore mine. EMILY: Uhh you’re really loading the pressure on here Steven… why? STEVEN: In [...]

Heavy Medal Update: It’s Newbery Week!
As we enter the final week of Heavy Medal discussions there are lots of dates and deadlines to keep an eye on!
More Recent Posts
Looking Ahead: Early Thoughts about 2026 Newbery Contenders
The 2025 Newbery winner has finally been announced, so we take a short look ahead at possible contenders for the 2026 Medal.
And the Newbery winner is….
Another year, another surprising Newbery winner. View Steven and Emily's live thoughts here on the 2025 Youth Media Award announcements.
Heavy Medal Reader’s Poll Results
Over 140 ballots were cast in our Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Reader's Poll. Full results here...
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And the Heavy Medal Zoom winners are…
After much discussion, two Mock Newbery 2025 winners were determined Friday afternoon.
Predictions for the ALA Youth Media Awards
STEVEN: It’s five days until the 2025 Newbery Medal will be announced, which means: Predictions! We do this every year, and the record shows that if you’re looking for accuracy, pay attention to Emily and ignore mine. EMILY: Uhh you’re really loading the pressure on here Steven… why? STEVEN: In seven years of predictions on […]
Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Reader’s Poll
Our Heavy Medal Reader's Poll starts today! In this one, we invite all Heavy Medal Readers to submit a ballot.
THE FINAL FIVE: Heavy Medal Mock Newbery 2025 Contenders
Take a look at the five titles the HMAC committee selected to discuss and vote on during the free Zoom Webcast on Friday January 24th.
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Recent Comments
Mar 31, 2025
Dave on Fifteen early Mock Newbery 2026 Contenders
"Judy, Finished both this month. I really did love Undead Foxof Deadwood Forest, and I wouldn't be upset if it won som ..."
Mar 29, 2025
Quade Kelley on Fifteen early Mock Newbery 2026 Contenders
"I am curious about THE UNDEAD FOX OF DEADWOOD FOREST and like historical fiction so REBELLION 1776 (Laurie Halse Anderso ..."
Mar 28, 2025
Judy Weymouth on Fifteen early Mock Newbery 2026 Contenders
"I finished listening to WILL'S RACE FOR HOME this morning and can definitely understand the 4 votes so far for Newbery ..."
Mar 22, 2025
Gabrielle Stoller on Fifteen early Mock Newbery 2026 Contenders
"All the Blues was simply stunning. What a beautiful book about grief and self discovery ..."
Mar 21, 2025
Judy Weymouth on Fifteen early Mock Newbery 2026 Contenders
"I have now read ALL THE BLUES and THE UNDEAD FOX and am wondering how anything else could possibly compare. It's only Ma ..."
Mar 11, 2025
Emily Mroczek-Bayci on First Mock Newbery 2026 Suggestion Call: Early Contenders
"Maria Marianayagam looks to be a Canadian born in India so her book is not eligible. https://www.marianayagam.com/about/ ..."
Mar 10, 2025
Emily Mroczek on First Mock Newbery 2026 Suggestion Call: Early Contenders
"Late but here's and will tally and post later today! ALL THE BLUES IN THE SKY Renée Watson THE LAST GREAT HEIR Cari ..."
Mar 8, 2025
Mrs. M. on First Mock Newbery 2026 Suggestion Call: Early Contenders
"No Purchase Necessary by Maria Marianayagam Will’s Race for Home by Jewell Parker Rhodes ..."
Mar 8, 2025
Meg on First Mock Newbery 2026 Suggestion Call: Early Contenders
"Away by: Megan E Freeman All the Blues in the Sky by: Renée Watson Tear This Down by: Barbara Dee A Wolf Called Fire ..."
Mar 8, 2025
Steven Engelfried on First Mock Newbery 2026 Suggestion Call: Early Contenders
"It's great to start a new year! And so far, as far as I can tell...no Bad Moms in our suggestions...maybe that was just ..."
Mar 7, 2025
Jenn Hartley on First Mock Newbery 2026 Suggestion Call: Early Contenders
"A World Worth Saving by Kyle Lukoff Halfway to Somewhere by Jose Pimienta ..."
Mar 5, 2025
Ryan Blade on First Mock Newbery 2026 Suggestion Call: Early Contenders
"I would love to hear how you felt about it! ..."
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