Newbery Medal 1949: Complete list of winners

The 1949 Newbery Medal, one of the most prestigious honors in children’s literature, went to Marguerite Henry for King of the Wind, a captivating historical novel that transported young readers to eighteenth-century Morocco and France. Henry’s book tells the true-inspired story of Sham, a Arabian horse, and his mute groom Agba, weaving together themes of loyalty, courage, and the enduring bond between human and animal. The award cemented Henry’s place as a masterful storyteller for children, particularly in the realm of animal narratives that appeal to readers of all ages.

What makes the 1949 Newbery Medal selection particularly notable is how Henry’s work exemplified the award’s commitment to recognizing literature that entertains while educating. King of the Wind drew readers into a richly detailed historical setting while exploring profound emotional truths—qualities that have made Newbery Medal winners such important touchstones in American children’s literature since the award’s inception in 1922. For anyone tracking the evolution of children’s book awards and their influence on young readers, Henry’s victory stands as a testament to the power of well-crafted storytelling rooted in real history.

The detailed information about this year’s Newbery Medal winner appears below.

Children’s Literature

• King of the Wind by Marguerite Henry