Fifteen early Mock Newbery 2026 Contenders
I am thrilled to have a well-rounded list of 15 early Mock Newbery 2026 contenders and am excited to get reading. I see fantasy, realistic fiction, a graphic novel, historical fiction. We are waiting for some nonfiction and picture books but there are six months of suggestions to go!
Take a look at the below list and get an early start on your reading!

ALL THE BLUES IN THE SKY | Watson | 5 |
A WORLD WORTH SAVING | Lukoff | 5 |
MAX IN THE LAND OF LIES | Gidwitz | 4 |
WILL’S RACE FOR HOME | Rhodes | 4 |
THE UNDEAD FOX OF DEADWOOD FOREST | Hartman | 3 |
DANILO WAS HERE | Burgess | 2 |
IT’S ALL OR NOTHING, VALE | Arango | 2 |
RADIANT | Nelson | 2 |
AWAY | Freeman | 1 |
THE ENEMY’S DAUGHTER | Blankman | 1 |
THE LAST GREAT HEIR | Finn | 1 |
HALFWAY TO SOMEWHERE | Pimienta | 1 |
RACING THE CLOUDS | Dunlap | 1 |
TEAR THIS DOWN | Dee | 1 |
A WOLF CALLED FIRE | Parry | 1 |
Filed under: Suggestions
About Emily Mroczek-Bayci
Emily Mroczek (Bayci) is a freelance children’s librarian in the Chicago suburbs. She served on the 2019 Newbery committee. You can reach her at emilyrmroczek@gmail.com.
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