Newbery Medal 1976: Complete list of winners

The 1976 Newbery Medal crowned Susan Cooper’s The Grey King as the year’s most distinguished contribution to American children’s literature. Cooper’s fourth book in her beloved Dark Is Rising sequence delighted both the award’s judges and young readers alike, cementing her place among the most important fantasy writers of the era. The novel’s Welsh setting and richly imagined mythology—featuring the mysterious Grey King and the ongoing battle between light and dark—showcased Cooper’s ability to weave complex storytelling with genuine emotional depth, qualities that have long defined Newbery Medal-winning works.

The Newbery Medal, established in 1922 and awarded annually by the American Library Association, represents one of the highest honors in children’s publishing. By the mid-1970s, the award had become a bellwether for quality in juvenile literature, and Cooper’s selection underscored the growing acceptance of fantasy as a legitimate and artistically serious genre for young audiences. Her win reflected a broader shift in what librarians and critics valued in children’s books—not merely wholesome entertainment, but sophisticated narratives that challenged young readers’ imaginations and emotional intelligence.

Below you’ll find more details about this landmark year in children’s literature and Cooper’s achievement.

Children’s Literature

• The Grey King by Susan Cooper