The Young Hoosier Book Award Program encourages self-selected reading among elementary and middle school/junior high students.

2025–2026 YHBA Winners

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

Participation & Voting

Voting Eligibility

Students in Indiana are eligible if they have access to at least 12 nominated titles.
*Applies to picture books only*

Students may only vote through one program (school or public library).

Eligibility Notes:
Students may read from different lists if needed. Note that some titles may not be appropriate for younger readers. Reading or listening both count toward voting.

Voting Resources

Current Resources

YHBA 2026-2027 Resources

Indiana Early Literacy Firefly Award

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.

Previous Years

Voting is open through July 31, 2026.