Newbery Medal 1935: Complete list of winners

The 1935 Newbery Medal marked another year of celebrating distinguished contributions to American children’s literature, with Monica Shannon’s Dobry claiming the top honor. Shannon’s novel, set in Bulgaria, tells the story of a peasant boy navigating life in his rural village with warmth and authenticity that resonated with the award committee. The Newbery Medal, established in 1922 and named after the 18th-century British bookseller John Newbery, had already become the most prestigious award in children’s publishing by this point, recognizing the most distinguished American contribution to the field each year.

Dobry stands out as a particularly interesting choice for the early 1930s, when American children’s literature was still finding its identity as a serious literary category. Shannon’s international setting and focus on a young boy’s character development rather than plot-driven adventure showed the Newbery committee’s appreciation for literary merit and cross-cultural storytelling. The novel’s exploration of rural life and childhood experiences brought a quiet dignity to its pages that elevated it above more conventional adventure tales of the era.

Here’s the complete list of 1935 Newbery Medal honorees and details about their celebrated works:

Children’s Literature

• Dobry by Monica Shannon