Newbery Medal 1948: Complete list of winners

William Pène du Bois’s The Twenty-One Balloons captured the 1948 Newbery Medal, one of the most prestigious honors in children’s literature and a fixture of the American book world since 1922. Du Bois’s imaginative tale of adventure and wonder arrived at a moment when postwar America was eager for stories that could transport young readers to extraordinary worlds. The novel, which follows a retired teacher’s remarkable journey across the globe in a hot air balloon, became an instant classic and remains a beloved fixture in libraries and classrooms more than seventy years later.

The Newbery Medal, named after eighteenth-century British publisher John Newbery, celebrates the most distinguished contribution to American children’s literature each year. Du Bois’s win marked a significant moment in the award’s history, demonstrating the panel’s appreciation for works that balanced entertainment with genuine literary merit—a balance that remains at the heart of the Newbery selection process today. What makes this particular victory notable is how thoroughly The Twenty-One Balloons embodies the spirit of childhood wonder while maintaining the sophisticated storytelling that distinguishes Newbery Medal winners from merely popular children’s books.

Below, you’ll find the complete details of this landmark year in children’s literature awards.

Children’s Literature

• The Twenty-One Balloons by William Pène du Bois