We Need Diverse Books named the 2026 Walter Dean Myers Awards and Honor books for outstanding children's literature in two categories: younger readers (ages 9-13) and teen (ages 13-18). The award, also known as "The Walter," is named for prolific children's and young adult author Walter Dean Myers (1937-2014).
Titles chosen for the annual award "commemorate Myers's memory and his literary legacy, as well as celebrate diversity in children's literature." The 2026 Walter Awards will be held on Monday, March 23, in Washington, D.C.
Younger Readers Winner: The Incredibly Human Henson Blayze by Derrick Barnes (Viking Books for Young Readers)
Younger Readers Honor: All the Blues in the Sky by Renée Watson (Bloomsbury)
Teen Winner: Champion: A Graphic Novel by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar & Raymond Obstfeld, illustrated by Ed Laroche (Ten Speed Graphic/PRH)
Teen Honor: King of the Neuro Verse by Idris Goodwin (Atheneum Books for Young Readers)