You and your family are spending more time at home, which begs the all-important question of what to read. Here are some recent award-winning children’s and middle grade books to check out.

New Kid by Jerry Craft: This graphic novel about being the new kid and a person of color in a mostly-white private school has been sweeping all the children’s literature awards, from the Coretta Scott King Award to the Newberry Award. It also made Vermont’s Middle-Grade Children’s Book Award (formerly known as the Dorothy Canfield Fisher Award) nomination list.

Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You by Sonya Sotomayor, illustrated by Rafael Lopez: This picture book by the Supreme Court judge, winner of the Schneider Family Book Award, tackles what it’s like to be different and embraces what makes us all unique.

Bowwow Powwow by Brenda J. Child, illustrated by Jonathan Thunder, trans. into Objiwe by Gordon Jourdain: This picture book took home the American Indian Youth Literature Award. It embodies Native American traditions, dances, and song.

The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander, illustrated by Kadir Nelson: This poem is a tribute to the history, strength, and resilience of black life in America. It honors the voices of black artists and activists throughout history. It won the Caldecott Medal, received a Newberry honor, and won the Coretta Scott King Illustrator award. Perfect for Poetry Month!

Dig by A.S. King: This young adult novel explores the complex history of a black family and what it takes to succeed in a world stacked against them. It addresses important topics like racism and white supremacy and won the Michael L. Printz medal.

What new books have you enjoyed reading? Vote for your favorites on the Vermont Dorothy Canfield Fisher Award here. The 2019 winner was Alan Gratz’s novel, Refugee.