Newbery Medal 2006: Complete list of winners

The 2006 Newbery Medal crowned Lynne Rae Perkins’ Criss Cross as the year’s most distinguished contribution to American children’s literature. This experimental novel, told through verse, prose snippets, and illustrations, marked an interesting turn for the prestigious award—one that celebrated formal innovation alongside emotional depth. Perkins’ interconnected narrative about a group of teenagers navigating the messy, overlapping complexities of adolescence resonated with the Newbery committee, which has long championed works that expand what children’s literature can be.

Criss Cross stands out as a notably experimental choice in an award’s long history of honoring literary excellence for young readers. Rather than a straightforward narrative, Perkins weaves together various perspectives and storytelling techniques to capture the fractured, multi-layered experience of being fourteen—a bold formal choice that prioritizes authentic emotional representation over traditional plot structure. The book’s success at the Newbery underscored a trend in children’s literature toward more sophisticated, formally playful works that trust young readers’ ability to engage with complexity.

The recognition of Criss Cross reinforced the Newbery Medal’s reputation as an award willing to champion unconventional voices and structures. Below, explore the complete list of 2006 Newbery honorees and the lasting impact this year’s selections had on children’s publishing.

Children’s Literature

• Criss Cross by Lynne Rae Perkins