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The Young Hoosier Book Award Program encourages self-selected reading among elementary and middle school/junior high school students.
Congratulations to the 2025 - 2026 YHBA Winners!
The 2026 Young Hoosier Book Award winners are as follows:
Picture Books (Grades K–2)
1st Place: Flat Cat by Tara Lazar
2nd Place: The Scariest Kitten in the World by Kate Messner
3rd Place: Hello, Opportunity by Shaelyn McDaniel
Intermediate Books (Grades 3–5)
1st Place: Picture Puzzler by Ksenia Bakhareva
2nd Place: Ice Cream Man by Glenda Armand and Kim Freeman
3rd Place: The Wild Journey of Juniper Berry by Chad Morris
Middle Grade Books (Grades 6–8)
1st Place: Dinged by Tommy Greenwald
2nd Place: The N.O.A.H. Files: I Am the Walrus by Neal Shusterman
3rd Place: Nic Blake and the Remarkables by Angie Thomas
Young Hoosier Book Award Participation & Voting
Voting Eligibility
Students in Indiana are eligible to read and vote on Young Hoosier Books if they have access to at least *12 of the nominated titles.
*The 12 book requirement only applies to the picture books*
Students may only vote in one eligible program, either their school or public library.
Eligibility Notes for Consideration
For situations of differentiation, adults may allow students to read from a different list. Please be aware that reading from a list above the intended level may have content that is not recommended for younger students. Students may either read or listen to nominated titles to count toward voting requirements.
Voting Resources
Current Resources
YHBA 2026-2027 Resources
The Indiana Early Literacy Firefly Award is an initiative of the Indiana Center for the Book. This state award is administered by the Indiana Early Literacy Firefly Committee made up of professionals in Indiana including teachers, librarians, caregivers, and project coordinators; all of whom are involved in early childhood development. Picture books serve an important role in the first years of the life of a child. The purpose of this award is to encourage parents, caregivers, and very young children to interact together with exceptional picture books. Each year, Children ages 0-5 are encouraged to vote for one of five nominated titles.
Voting for the 2026 Award Cycle will be open until July 31, 2026.
Previous Years
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