Newbery Medal 2023: Complete list of winners

The American Library Association announced the 2023 Newbery Medal winner, and this year’s selection powerfully demonstrates why this prestigious award remains the gold standard in children’s literature. Freewater by Amina Luqman-Dawson claimed the top honor, a novel that traces the journey of two enslaved children who escape to a community of formerly enslaved people living freely in a swamp. Luqman-Dawson’s debut brings historical depth and emotional resonance to a crucial period in American history, centering the voices and experiences of children navigating impossible choices during the Civil War era.

The Newbery Medal, awarded annually since 1922, recognizes the most distinguished contributions to American literature for children. What makes Luqman-Dawson’s win particularly significant is Freewater’s unflinching approach to a painful historical moment—it doesn’t sanitize or simplify, yet remains deeply accessible to young readers. The novel joins an important tradition of Newbery winners that tackle complex themes with literary sophistication, proving that children’s literature can engage young minds with both artistic excellence and moral substance.

Below, you’ll find the complete list of 2023 Newbery Medal honorees and recipients:

Children’s Literature

• Freewater by Amina Luqman-Dawson