Best Award Winning Ya Books (2026): 5 Compared

Finding the best award winning ya books gets easier once you know the reader: a teen who loves mysteries needs a different shelf than one who wants verse novels about first love. We compared the award-winning YA titles below by listed reading age, grade level, print length and what each description says, so you can match the book to the teen in front of you.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	Bone Gap by Ruby	9.8/10	Buy on Amazon
2	American Street by Zoboi	9.8/10	Buy on Amazon
3	Swing by Alexander	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
4	Okay for Now by Schmidt	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
5	Jacob Have I Loved by Paterson	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon

1

Bone Gap by Ruby

Laura Ruby·9.8/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A Printz-winning YA mystery about a kidnapped girl and the boy who knows the truth, set in a small town full of gaps.

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Pros

• The listing states it won the Printz Award and was a National Book Award finalist
• Mystery plot pulls the reader through 368 pages
• Reading age 14 and up with grade level 9 and up fits teen readers

Cons

• The description centers on a kidnapping, so preview for sensitive readers
• Standalone novel, so it will not lead into a series
• Print length of 368 pages is long for a reluctant reader

2

American Street by Zoboi

Ibi Zoboi·9.8/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A National Book Award finalist about a Haitian teen navigating family secrets and a new life in Detroit.

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Pros

• The listing states it was a National Book Award finalist with five starred reviews
• Coming-of-age story with magical realism, per the description
• Reading age 14 and up with grade level 9 and up fits teen readers

Cons

• The description mentions a dangerous proposition and difficult choices; preview for sensitive readers
• Standalone novel with no series to follow
• Print length of 352 pages is long for a reluctant reader

3

Swing by Alexander

Kwame Alexander·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A YA novel in verse about two best friends, first love and finding the courage to speak out.

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Pros

• The listing states it was a 2020 YALSA Quick Pick for reluctant young adult readers
• Novel in verse with original artwork, per the description
• Reading age 13 and up with grade level 8 to 9 fits teen readers

Cons

• The description discusses racial prejudice and first love; preview for the reader
• The title's Newbery Medal refers to the author's earlier win, not this book
• 448 pages is the longest in this list, which may deter reluctant readers

4

Okay for Now by Schmidt

Gary D. Schmidt·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A National Book Award winner about a troubled teen who finds refuge in friendship and art.

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Pros

• The listing states it won the National Book Award
• Mix of comedy and tragedy, per the description, with art as a central theme
• 384 pages gives a full, absorbing read

Cons

• The description mentions an abusive father and bullying; preview for sensitive readers
• Reading age 10 to 12 and grade 5 to 7 skew younger than typical YA
• The 2013 reprint edition is the newest stated format

5

Jacob Have I Loved by Paterson

Katherine Paterson·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A Newbery Medal winner about twin sisters, sibling rivalry and forging an identity.

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Pros

• The listing states it won the Newbery Medal
• Classic coming-of-age story, per the description
• 256 pages is a manageable length

Cons

• Reading age 8 to 12 and grade 3 to 7 skew younger than YA readers
• The 1990 reissue is an older edition
• Standalone novel with no series to follow

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More picks to compare

• On My Honor by BauerA Newbery Honor book about friendship and guilt, for readers 9 to 12.Check on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 23 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit for a teen reader, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age or grade level. Each listing here gives a reading age and a grade level. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best award winning ya books

Match the reading age to the teen

Start with the listed reading age and grade level. Bone Gap and American Street list 14 and up with grade 9 and up, which fits high school readers, while Okay for Now lists 10 to 12 with grade 5 to 7. When the numbers do not match the reader in front of you, read the description and a sample chapter first.

Weigh awards against the reader’s taste

A Printz win or a National Book Award signals quality, but the reader still has to want the book. A mystery lover will reach for Bone Gap, while a poetry fan will prefer Swing in verse. For more teen choices, browse our best YA books list and the best YA books for reluctant readers list.

Before you buy

• Check the edition: the listings here are reprint or reissue editions, so confirm the ISBN matches the format you want.
• For award winners, confirm the award belongs to the book itself, not just the author, as with Swing.
• Compare the listed reading age with the teen’s reading level, and read the description for themes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age are these YA books for?

The listings here give reading ages from 8 to 12 up to 14 and up. Bone Gap and American Street list 14 and up, which suits high school readers.

Do award-winning books suit reluctant readers?

Swing was a YALSA Quick Pick for reluctant young adult readers, per its listing. Shorter picks like Jacob Have I Loved at 256 pages also finish faster.

Should I buy the edition listed?

The listings here are reprint or reissue editions. Confirm the ISBN on the listing matches the format you want before buying.

Still deciding? Our top pickBone Gap by Ruby

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Related lists

See every young adult list and all kids and teens lists.

More lists: YA books about sports, classic YA books, YA biographies.