Newbery Medal 2007: Complete list of winners

The 2007 Newbery Medal went to The Higher Power of Lucky by Susan Patron, a decision that immediately captured the attention of the children’s literature community for reasons both literary and controversial. Patron’s novel, which follows a resourceful ten-year-old girl navigating life in a small desert town with her grandmother, earned America’s most prestigious award for children’s literature despite—or perhaps because of—its unflinching approach to a young protagonist’s journey of self-discovery. The Newbery Medal, awarded annually by the American Library Association since 1922, recognizes distinguished contribution to American children’s literature, and Patron’s win demonstrated the award committee’s commitment to celebrating authentic, complex voices in kids’ books.

What made this particular Newbery selection especially noteworthy was how it reflected evolving conversations about what children’s literature should address. Some readers and librarians felt the book’s frank language and mature themes pushed boundaries in unexpected ways, while others praised it as refreshingly honest and age-appropriate for its intended audience. The controversy only amplified interest in the book and sparked broader discussions about literary merit, challenge and intellectual freedom in children’s publishing—conversations that remain relevant today.

The 2007 Newbery Medal winner stands as a reminder that the most significant awards often illuminate not just excellent writing, but also the values and debates shaping an entire genre. Below, you’ll find detailed information about this year’s honoree and what made Lucky’s story resonate with the selection committee.

Children’s Literature

• The Higher Power of Lucky by Susan Patron