LibGuides: Schneider Family Book Award: Young Children Category

Schneider Family Book Awards

Young Children's Category

2020-2029

WINNER: Just Ask! : Be Different, Be Brave, Be You by Sonia Sotomayor, illustrated by Rafael López

Just Ask! by Sotomayor, Sonia ; Rafael López (Illustrator); Rafael López (Illustrator)
Call Number: Easy SOT (Easy Fiction)
ISBN: 9780525514121
Publication Date: 2019-09-03
Sonia and her friends plant a garden, and each one contributes in his or her own special way, in a book that celebrates the many differences among humans. In this warm and inclusive story by U.S. Supreme Justice Sonia Sotomayor, inspired by her own childhood diagnosis of diabetes, readers join along as differently abled kids use their strengths to work together and learn about each other.

HONOR BOOK: A Friend for Henry by Jenn Bailey, illustrated by Mika Song

A Friend for Henry by Bailey, Jenn ; Mika Song (Illustrator)
Call Number: Easy BAI (Easy Fiction)
ISBN: 9781452167916
Publication Date: 2019-02-26
Henry would like to find a friend at school, but for a boy on the autism spectrum, making friends can be difficult, as his efforts are sometimes misinterpreted, or things just go wrong--but Henry keeps trying, and in the end he finds a friend he can play with.

WINNER: I Talk Like a River by Jordan Scott, illustrated by Sydney Smith

I Talk Like a River by Jordan Scott; Sydney Smith (Illustrator)
Call Number: Easy SCO (Easy fiction)
ISBN: 9780823445592
Publication Date: 2020-09-01
When a child has a "bad speech day" at school, his father gives him a new perspective on his stuttering.

HONOR BOOKS:

All the Way to the Top : How One Girl's Fight for Americans with Disabilities Changed Everything by Annette Bay Pimentel, illustrated by Nabi H. Ali
Itzhak : a Boy Who Loved the Violin by Tracy Newman, illustrated by Abigail Halpin

All the Way to the Top : how one girl's fight for Americans with disabilities changed everything by Annette Bay Pimentel; Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins (Foreword by); Nabigal-Nayagam Haider Ali (Illustrator)
Call Number: Easy 323.3 PIM (Easy nonfiction)
ISBN: 9781492688976
Publication Date: 2020-03-10
Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth, Jennifer Keelan grew up battling--and overcoming--the limitations others set for her. From a lack of cutaway curbs and bus lifts to being denied enrollment at her neighborhood school, Jennifer was continually blocked from living the life she wanted. But after discovering the world of disability rights activism, she knew she had to use her voice to change things. When Jennifer was just eight years old, she participated in the Capitol Crawl. The deeply affecting image of Jennifer crawling up the steps of Capitol Hill went viral and helped pressure Congress into passing the Americans with Disabilities Act. A powerfully illustrated biography of Jennifer's life and a celebration of youth activism, All the Way to the Top will teach all children that they have the power to make a difference.

Itzhak : a boy who loved the violin by Tracy Newman; Abigail Halpin (Illustrator)
Call Number: Easy B PER (Easy biography)
ISBN: 9781419741104
Publication Date: 2020-05-12
Before becoming one of the greatest violinists of all time, Itzhak Perlman was simply a boy who loved music. Raised by a poor immigrant family in a tiny Tel Aviv apartment, baby Itzhak was transformed by the sounds from his family's kitchen radio--graceful classical symphonies, lively klezmer tunes, and soulful cantorial chants. The rich melodies and vibrant rhythms spoke to him like magic, filling his mind with vivid rainbows of color. After begging his parents for an instrument, Itzhak threw his heart and soul into playing the violin. Despite enormous obstacles--including a near-fatal bout of polio that left him crippled for life--Itzhak persevered, honing his extraordinary gift. When he performed on the Ed Sullivan Show at only 13, audiences around the world were mesmerized by the warmth, joy, and passion in every note. Gorgeously illustrated with extensive back matter, this picture-book biography recounts Itzhak's childhood journey--from a boy with a dream to an internationally acclaimed violin virtuoso.

WINNER: My City Speaks by Darren Lebeuf, illustrated by Ashley Barron

HONOR BOOKS:

A Walk in the Words written & illustrated by Hudson Talbott
A Sky-Blue Bench by Bahram Rahman, illustrated by Peggy Collins

A Walk in the Words by Hudson Talbott (Illustrator)
Call Number: Easy TAL (Easy fiction)
ISBN: 9780399548710
Publication Date: 2021-09-14
Through a story from his own childhood, Hudson Talbott shares the challenges--and ultimately the rewards--of being a non-mainstream kind of learner.

_____

A Sky-Blue Bench by Bahram Rahman; Peggy Collins
Call Number: Easy RAH (Easy fiction)
ISBN: 9781772782226
Publication Date: 2021-11-30
Young Aria returns to school after recovering from an accident and being fitted with a prosthetic leg, but the school has no furniture and sitting on the floor is too painful. She finds a way to build her own bench, surprising and inspiring her classmates. A sensitive author's note addresses the author's experience growing up in Afghanistan during the civil war and the legacy of landmines.

WINNER: Listen: How Evelyn Glennie, a Deaf Girl, Changed Percussion by Shannon Stocker, illustrated by Devon Holzwarth

Listen : how Evelyn Glennie, a deaf girl, changed percussion by Shannon Stocker; Devon Holzwarth (Illustrator)
Call Number: EASY B GLE (Easy biography)
ISBN: 9780593109694
Publication Date: 2022-04-12
A nonfiction picture book biography celebrating Evelyn Glennie, a deaf woman, who became the first full-time solo percussionist in the world.

HONOR BOOKS:

In the Blue written & illustrated by Erin Hourigan

In the Blue by Erin Hourigan
Call Number: EASY HOU (Easy fiction)
ISBN: 9780316497626
Publication Date: 2022-05-03
A little girl whose father's world goes from bright and yellow to dark and blue gets frustrated when she is unable to help him, but knows that together, they can do anything.

WINNER

Henry, Like Always by Jenn Bailey ; illustrated by Mika Song

Henry, Like Always : book 1 by Jenn Bailey; Mika Song (Illustrator)
Call Number: EASY BAI H1 (Easy fiction)
ISBN: 9781797213897
Publication Date: 2023-03-21
Henry, a first grader on the autism spectrum, attempts to navigate friendships, and sudden changes in classroom routines--like a parade on Friday instead of share time.

HONOR BOOK

Dancing Hands: a Story of Friendship in Filipino Sign Language by Joanna Que & Charina Marquez ; illustrated by Fran Alvarez
What Happened to You? by James Catchpole ; illustrated by Karen George

Dancing Hands by Joanna Que; Charina Marquez; Fran Alvarez (Illustrator)
Call Number: PS QUE
ISBN: 9781797213323
Publication Date: 2023-07-18
Sam is fascinated by her new neighbors and their ability to talk with their hands, and when she meets Mai, she starts to learn Filipino sign language so they can communicate. Includes dictionary of Philippine signs.
What Happened to You? (What happened to you? #1) by James Catchpole; Karen George (Illustrator)
Call Number: EASY CAT
ISBN: 9780316506472
Publication Date: 2023-04-11
Joe, a young boy trying to play pirates at the playground, keeps getting interrupted with questions about what happened to his leg, and gets more and more fed up until the kids finally understand they don't need to know what happened.

2010-2019

WINNER: Django by Bonnie Christensen

Django by Bonnie Christensen (Illustrator)
Call Number: Easy B REI (Easy biography)
ISBN: 9781596436961
Publication Date: 2011-02-01
Born into a traveling gypsy family, young Django Reinhardt taught himself guitar at an early age. He was soon acclaimed as the "Gypsy Genius" and "Prodigy Boy," but one day his world changed completely when a fire claimed the use of his fretting hand. Folks said Django would never play again, but with passion and perseverance he was soon setting the world's concert stages ablaze.

WINNER: The Pirate of Kindergarten by George Ella Lyon, illustrated by Lynne Avril

The Pirate of Kindergarten by George Ella Lyon; Lynne Avril (Illustrator)
Call Number: Easy LYO (Easy fiction)
ISBN: 9781416950240
Publication Date: 2010-06-22
Ginny's eyes play tricks on her, making her see everything double, but when she goes to vision screening at school and discovers that not everyone sees this way, she learns that her double vision can be cured.

No Award Given

WINNER: Back to Front and Upside Down! by Claire Alexander

Back to Front and Upside Down by Claire Alexander (Illustrator)
Call Number: Easy AL (Easy fiction)
ISBN: 9780802854148
Publication Date: 2012-06-06
While the rest of the class makes birthday cards for the principal, Stanley struggles with his words and letters.

WINNER: A Splash of Red : the Life and Art of Horace Pippin by Jen Bryant and illustrated by Melissa Sweet

A Splash of Red: the Life and Art of Horace Pippin by Melissa Sweet (Illustrator); Jen Bryant
Call Number: Easy B PIP (Easy biography)
ISBN: 9780375867125
Publication Date: 2013-01-08
Presents an illustrated introduction to the life and work of artist Horace Pippin, describing his childhood love for drawing and the World War I injury that challenged his career.

WINNER: A Boy and a Jaguar by Alan Rabinowitz, illustrated by Catia Chien

A Boy and a Jaguar by Alan Rabinowitz; Cátia Chien (Illustrator)
Call Number: Easy RAB (Easy fiction)
ISBN: 9780547875071
Publication Date: 2014-05-06
The author recounts his life of overcoming his stutter as he searches for his voice and fulfills a promise to speak for animals, and people, who cannot speak for themselves.

WINNER: Emmanuel's Dream : the True Story of Emmauel Ofosu Yeboah by Laurie Ann Thompson, illustrated by Sean Qualls

Emmanuel's Dream: the True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah by Laurie Ann Thompson; Sean Qualls (Illustrator)
Call Number: Easy THO (Easy fiction)
ISBN: 9780449817445
Publication Date: 2015-01-06
The true story of a boy born in Ghana with one deformed leg, who overcame adversity to become an advocate for those with disabilities.

WINNER: Six Dots : a Story of Young Louis Braille by Jen Bryant, illustrated by Boris Kulikov

Six Dots: a Story of Young Louis Braille by Jen Bryant; Boris Kulikov (Illustrator)
Call Number: J-686.28 BRY (Juvenile nonfiction)
ISBN: 9780449813379
Publication Date: 2016-09-06
An inspiring picture-book biography of Louis Braille--a blind boy so determined to read that he invented his own alphabet.

WINNER: Silent Days, Silent Dreams by Allen Say

Silent Days, Silent Dreams by Allen Say (Illustrator)
Call Number: Easy SAY (Easy fiction)
ISBN: 9780545927611
Publication Date: 2017-10-31
A fictionalized biography of James Castle, a deaf, autistic artist whose drawings hang in major museums throughout the world.

WINNER: Rescue & Jessica : a Life-Changing Friendship by Jessica Kensky and Patrick Downes, illustrated by Scott Magoon

Rescue and Jessica by Jessica Kensky; Patrick Downes; Scott Magoon (Illustrator)
Call Number: Easy KEN (Easy fiction)
ISBN: 9780763696047
Publication Date: 2018-04-03
Based on a real-life partnership, the heartening story of the love and teamwork between a girl and her service dog.

HONOR BOOK: The Remember Balloons by Jessie Oliveros, illustrated by Dana Wulfekotte

The Remember Balloons by Jessie Oliveros; Dana Wulfekotte (Illustrator)
Call Number: Easy OLI (Easy fiction)
ISBN: 9781481489157
Publication Date: 2018-08-28
James has a bunch of balloons, each of which holds a special memory, but as his grandfather ages and loses his own balloons, James discovers that he is gaining new ones.

2004-2009

WINNER: Looking Out for Sarah by Glenna Lang

Looking Out for Sarah by Glenna Lang (Illustrator)
Call Number: Easy LAN (Easy fiction)
ISBN: 9781570916076
Publication Date: 2003-07-01
Describes a day in the life of a seeing eye dog, from going with his owner to the grocery store and post office, to visiting a class of school children, and playing ball. Also describes their three-hundred mile walk from Boston to New York.

WINNER: My Pal Victor / Mi Amigo, Victor by Diane Bertrand Gonzales, illustrated by Robert L. Sweetland

My Pal, Victor by Diane Gonzales Bertrand; Robert Sweetland (Illustrator); Eida de la Vega (Translator); Raven Tree Press Staff (Editor)
Call Number: Easy GON (Easy fiction)
ISBN: 9780972019293
Publication Date: 2004-06-01
Two Latino boys experience carefree camaraderie despite one boy's disability. Fun and friendship overpower physical limitations.

WINNER: Dad, Jackie and Me by Myron Uhlberg, illustrated by Colin Bootman

Dad, Jackie, and Me by Myron Uhlberg; Colin Bootman (Illustrator)
Call Number: Easy XUH (Easy fiction)
ISBN: 9781561453290
Publication Date: 2007-04-01
A boy learns about discrimination and tolerance as he and his deaf father share their enthusiasm for baseball and Dodger first baseman Jackie Robinson.

WINNER: The Deaf Musicians by Paul DuBois and Pete Seeger, illustrated by R. Gregory Christie

The Deaf Musicians by Pete Seeger; Paul DuBois Jacobs; R. Gregory Christie (Illustrator)
Call Number: Easy DUB (Easy fiction)
ISBN: 9780399243165
Publication Date: 2006-10-05
Lee, a jazz pianist, has to leave his band when he begins losing his hearing, but he meets a deaf saxophone player in a sign language class and together they form a snazzy new band.

WINNER: Kami and the Yaks by Andrea Stenn Stryer, illustrated by Bert Dodson

Kami and the Yaks by Andrea Stenn Stryer; Bert Dodson (Illustrator)
Call Number: Easy XST (Easy fiction)
ISBN: 9780977896103
Publication Date: 2007-04-01
In the Himalaya Mountains of Nepal, a deaf Sherpa boy proves himself to his family by rescuing the family's yaks.

WINNER: Piano Starts Here : the Young Art Tatum by Robert Andrew Parker

Piano Starts Here : the young Art Tatum by Robert A. Parker (Illustrator)
Call Number: Easy PAR (Easy fiction)
ISBN: 9780375839658
Publication Date: 2008-01-08
A memorable portrait of the young man who became a giant in the jazz piano field.

Schneider Family Book Award

2020-2029

WINNER: Just Ask! : Be Different, Be Brave, Be You by Sonia Sotomayor, illustrated by Rafael López

HONOR BOOK: A Friend for Henry by Jenn Bailey, illustrated by Mika Song

WINNER: I Talk Like a River by Jordan Scott, illustrated by Sydney Smith

HONOR BOOKS:

All the Way to the Top : How One Girl's Fight for Americans with Disabilities Changed Everything by Annette Bay Pimentel, illustrated by Nabi H. Ali

Itzhak : a Boy Who Loved the Violin by Tracy Newman, illustrated by Abigail Halpin

WINNER: My City Speaks by Darren Lebeuf, illustrated by Ashley Barron

HONOR BOOKS:

A Walk in the Words written & illustrated by Hudson Talbott

A Sky-Blue Bench by Bahram Rahman, illustrated by Peggy Collins

WINNER: Listen: How Evelyn Glennie, a Deaf Girl, Changed Percussion by Shannon Stocker, illustrated by Devon Holzwarth

HONOR BOOKS:

In the Blue written & illustrated by Erin Hourigan

WINNER

Henry, Like Always by Jenn Bailey ; illustrated by Mika Song

HONOR BOOK

Dancing Hands: a Story of Friendship in Filipino Sign Language by Joanna Que & Charina Marquez ; illustrated by Fran Alvarez

What Happened to You? by James Catchpole ; illustrated by Karen George

2010-2019

WINNER: Django by Bonnie Christensen

WINNER: The Pirate of Kindergarten by George Ella Lyon, illustrated by Lynne Avril

No Award Given

WINNER: Back to Front and Upside Down! by Claire Alexander

WINNER: A Splash of Red : the Life and Art of Horace Pippin by Jen Bryant and illustrated by Melissa Sweet

WINNER: A Boy and a Jaguar by Alan Rabinowitz, illustrated by Catia Chien

WINNER: Emmanuel's Dream : the True Story of Emmauel Ofosu Yeboah by Laurie Ann Thompson, illustrated by Sean Qualls

WINNER: Six Dots : a Story of Young Louis Braille by Jen Bryant, illustrated by Boris Kulikov

WINNER: Silent Days, Silent Dreams by Allen Say

WINNER: Rescue & Jessica : a Life-Changing Friendship by Jessica Kensky and Patrick Downes, illustrated by Scott Magoon

HONOR BOOK: The Remember Balloons by Jessie Oliveros, illustrated by Dana Wulfekotte

2004-2009

WINNER: Looking Out for Sarah by Glenna Lang

WINNER: My Pal Victor / Mi Amigo, Victor by Diane Bertrand Gonzales, illustrated by Robert L. Sweetland

WINNER: Dad, Jackie and Me by Myron Uhlberg, illustrated by Colin Bootman

WINNER: The Deaf Musicians by Paul DuBois and Pete Seeger, illustrated by R. Gregory Christie

WINNER: Kami and the Yaks by Andrea Stenn Stryer, illustrated by Bert Dodson

WINNER: Piano Starts Here : the Young Art Tatum by Robert Andrew Parker