Recs if you like The Eyes & the Impossible...

Young readers and middle grade

Unique novels with concepts unlike any other book I've ever read or heard of. Recommendations welcome!

According to the ALA, "The Newbery Medal was named for eighteenth-century British bookseller John Newbery. It is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children."

Let the animals tell the story! I am trying to be as comprehensive as possible with the exception of children’s books, graphic novels and comics (too many to list!)-although there are some.

Books featuring sentient/speaking animals acting like animals — not merely humans dressed in animal costume.

Complete as of August 2026.

Here are many beloved and distinguished children’s novels that have won the Newbery Gold award and the silver Newbury Honor award, which were first started over a century ago in 1922. There are many choices, old and new, that have cemented their place in children’s literature for any reader to explore.

Fiction from an animal perspective! Good for grown-up fans of Erin Hunter series.

Books that were nominated for the John Newbery Medal for distinguished contributions to juvenile literature but did not win Currently lists nominees up to 2024

Learn fascinating facts about animals while you read.