Newbery Medal 2016: Complete list of winners

The 2016 Newbery Medal crowned Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña as the year’s most distinguished contribution to children’s literature. De la Peña’s luminous story follows a young boy and his grandmother riding the bus through their city, discovering beauty and possibility in everyday moments and overlooked corners of their neighborhood. The book’s lyrical prose and warm illustrations create an intimate portrait of familial love and economic reality, striking a balance between tenderness and authenticity that resonated deeply with the American Library Association’s selection committee.

De la Peña’s win marked a significant moment in the Newbery Medal’s evolution, as the award increasingly recognized works centering diverse families and perspectives. Last Stop on Market Street doesn’t shy away from depicting a working-class community or a grandmother raising her grandson, yet it radiates joy rather than pity—a nuanced approach that set this winner apart. The recognition underscored a broader shift in children’s literature toward stories that reflect the full spectrum of American childhood experiences, moving beyond the narrow scope that historically dominated the Newbery Medal’s winner’s circle.

Below, explore the complete list of 2016 Newbery Medal honorees and finalists.

Children’s Literature

• Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña