2021 MHL Division I Nominees (grades 3-5):
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Because of the Rabbit by Cynthia Lord
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Bob by Wendy Mass and Rebecca Stead, illustrated by Nicholas Gannon
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Front Desk by Kelly Yang
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Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling
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Macy McMillan and the Rainbow Goddess by Shari Green
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Mustaches for Maddie by Chad Morris and Shelly Brown
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New Kid by Jerry Craft
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Restart by Gordon Korman
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Sled Dog School by Terry Lynn Johnson
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Wishtree by Katherine Applegate
2021 MHL Division II Nominees (grades 6-8):
- The Bridge Home by Padma Venkatraman
- Float by Laura Martin
- Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling
- Macy McMillan and the Rainbow Goddess by Shari Green
- New Kid by Jerry Craft
- Posted by John David Anderson
- Resistance by Jennifer Nielsen
- Restart by Gordon Korman
- Spirit Hunters by Ellen Oh
- The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle by Leslie Connor
Newbery Honor-winning author Cynthia Lord has written a sensitive and accessible book about the challenges of fitting in when you know you're a little different.
On the last night of summer, Emma tags along with her game warden father on a routine call. They're supposed to rescue a wild rabbit from a picket fence, but instead they find a little bunny.
Wendy Mass and Rebecca Stead, two masterminds of classic, middle-grade fiction come together to craft this magical story about the enduring power of friendship.
It’s been five years since Livy and her family have visited Livy’s grandmother in Australia. Now that she’s back, Livy has the feeling she’s forgotten something really, really important about Gran’s house.
Four starred reviews and over ten best-of-year lists!* "Many readers will recognize themselves or their neighbors in these pages." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Winner of the Asian / Pacific American Award for Children's Literature!* "Many readers will recognize themselves or their neighbors in these pages." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred reviewMia Tang has a lot of secre
"Aven is a perky, hilarious, and inspiring protagonist whose attitude and humor will linger even after the last page has turned." --School Library Journal (Starred review)
Winner of the 2018 ALA Schneider Family Book Award, Middle Grade Books category
A funny, inspiring story about when life's raindrops fall. Based on a true story.
Winner of the Newbery Medal, Coretta Scott King Author Award, and Kirkus Prize for Young Readers’ Literature!
The amazing New York Times bestseller about what you can do when life gives you a second chance.
Chase's memory just went out the window. Chase doesn't remember falling off the roof. He doesn't remember hitting his head. He doesn't, in fact, remember anything. He wakes up in a hospital room and suddenly has to learn his whole life all over again . . .
Eleven-year-old Matt is struggling in school and he has to set up his own business to save his failing math grade. But what is he even good at? The only thing he truly loves is his team of dogs, and so Matt’s Sled Dog School is born. Teaching dogsledding should be easy, right?
But people, just like dogs, can be unpredictable.
An oak tree and a crow help their neighbors embrace their differences in this beautiful, nuanced, New York Times-bestselling middle-grade novel from Newbery Medalist author Katherine Applegate.
Trees can't tell jokes, but they can certainly tell stories. . . .

"Readers will be captivated by this beautifully written novel about young people who must use their instincts and grit to survive. Padma infuses her story with hope and bravery that will inspire readers."--Aisha Saeed, author of the New York Times Bestseller Amal Unbound
From the critically acclaimed author of the Edge of Extinction series comes this fast-paced, action-packed, and heartfelt adventure about a group of kids with uncontrollable abilities, perfect for fans of Gordon Korman, Lisa McMann, and Dan Gutman!
Emerson can float…he just can’t do it very well.
With multiple starred reviews, don't miss this humorous, poignant, and original contemporary story about bullying, broken friendships, social media, and the failures of communication between kids. From John David Anderson, author of the acclaimed Ms. Bixby’s Last Day.
New York Times bestseller Jennifer A. Nielsen tells the extraordinary story of a Jewish girl's courageous efforts to resist the Nazis.
Chaya Lindner is a teenager living in Nazi-occupied Poland. Simply being Jewish places her in danger of being killed or sent to the camps.
“Oh has crafted a truly chilling middle grade horror novel that will grab readers’ imaginations.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)
From the critically acclaimed author of Waiting for Normal and All Rise for the Honorable Perry T. Cook, Leslie Connor, comes a deeply poignant and beautifully crafted story about self-reliance, redemption, and hope.