Newbery Medal 2020: Complete list of winners

The 2020 Newbery Medal marked a historic moment for children’s literature when New Kid by Jerry Craft became the first graphic novel to claim the award’s top honor. Craft’s vibrant, coming-of-age story about a Black seventh-grader navigating a predominantly white private school resonated with the Newbery Committee for its authentic voice, stunning visual composition, and timely exploration of identity and belonging. The selection signaled a significant shift in how the prestigious American Library Association’s award recognizes diverse formats and storytelling methods, acknowledging that graphic novels had matured into a powerful medium for meaningful youth literature.

What made this year particularly compelling was the broader recognition of diverse voices and perspectives throughout the Newbery selections. The choice of New Kid wasn’t just a nod to artistic innovation—it reflected the field’s growing understanding that contemporary children’s literature must meet young readers where they are, whether that’s through traditional prose or visually-driven narratives. Craft’s work offered both accessibility and depth, combining sharp humor with nuanced social commentary that appealed to readers and critics alike.

Below you’ll find the complete list of 2020 Newbery Medal honorees and winners, which showcase the remarkable range of exceptional children’s literature recognized that year.

Children’s Literature

• New Kid by Jerry Craft