The Rhode Island Children's Book Award Committee nominates 20 books each year, representing some of the best
new books for young people. Students across the state who read a minimum of 3 books from the list (but hopefully more!)
can vote for their favorite in their school library around January or February of each year.
Check out the Nominees for 2020 below! The books are available in your school library as well as the public library. Some titles are also available as e-books.
In the box below are book summaries and trailers for the 2020 RICBA book nominees. Some of the tabs also have links to the authors' websites or video book trailers. The books will all be available in our school library in the fall but you can also check them out from the public library this summer.
The public library may also have ebook versions of the titles. Please ask the librarians at your local library to help you access them. Don't be shy. Answering questions and helping people is why they are there!
Also, just below here is a summary sheet of all the titles to print out and take with you!
Bob by Wendy Mass and Rebecca Stead
copyright 2018
201 pages
Interest Level 3-6, Reading Level 4-6
Lexile Level 590, Guided Reading Level N (approximate)
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. It turns out she's right.
Bob, a short, greenish creature dressed in a chicken suit, didn't forget Livy, or her promise. He's been waiting five years for her to come back, hiding in a closet like she told him to. He can't remember who--or what--he is, where he came from, or if he even has a family. But five years ago Livy promised she would help him find his way back home. Now it's time to keep that promise.Clue by clue, Livy and Bob will unravel the mystery of where Bob comes from, and discover the kind of magic that lasts forever.
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.
Captain Superlative by J. S. Puller
copyright 2018
245 pages
Interest Level 3-6, Reading Level 4.4
Lexile Level 600, Guided Reading Level N (approximate)
Janey, a quiet outsider, is inspired by the eccentric and enigmatic Captain Superlative, a masked superhero who runs through the halls of their middle school, performing radical acts of kindness.
"Have no fear, citizens! Captain Superlative is here to make all troubles disappear!"
Red mask, blue wig, silver swimsuit, rubber gloves, torn tights, high top sneakers and . . . a cape? Who would run through the halls of Deerwood Park Middle School dressed like this? And why?
Janey-quick to stay in the shadows-can't resist the urge to uncover the truth behind the mask. The answer pulls invisible Janey into the spotlight and leads her to an unexpected friendship with a superhero like no other. Fearless even in the face of school bully extraordinaire, Dagmar Hagen, no good deed is too small for the incomparable Captain Superlative and her new sidekick, Janey.
But superheroes hold secrets and Captain Superlative is no exception. When Janey unearths what's truly at stake, she's forced to face her own dark secrets and discover what it truly means to be a hero . . . and a friend.
Debut author J.S. Puller delivers an inspirational story full of heart, humor, and breathtaking revelations.
See the author talking about her book below:
Front Desk by Kelly Yang
copyright 2018
286 pages
Interest Level 3-6, Reading Level 4.5
Lexile Level 640, Guided Reading Level R (approximate)
Includes bibliographical references. Recent immigrants from China and desperate for work and money, ten-year-old Mia Tang's parents take a job managing a rundown motel in Southern California, even though the owner, Mr. Yao is a nasty skinflint who exploits them; while her mother (who was an engineer in China) does the cleaning, Mia works the front desk and tries to cope with demanding customers and other recent immigrants--not to mention being only one of two Chinese in her fifth grade class, the other being Mr. Yao's son, Jason.
Game Changers: the story of Venus and Serena Williams
by Lesa Cline-Ransome snd James E. Ransome
copyright 2018
48 pages
Interest Level 3-6, Reading Level 5-7
Lexile Level 1030, Guided Reading Level V (approximate)
Hidden City: Poems of Urban Wildlife
by Sarah Grace Tuttle
copyright 2018
48 pages
Interest Level K-3, Reading Level 2.9
Guided Reading Level M (approximate)
Inky's Amazing Escape: How a Very Smart Octopus Found His Way Home
by Sy Montgomery
from the publisher:
Learn all about Inky the Octopus, an international sensation known for escaping from the New Zealand aquarium in April 2016, in this fascinating picture book from National Book Award nominee and octopus expert Sy Montgomery.
Inky had been at the New Zealand aquarium since 2014 after being taken in by a fisherman who found him at sea. Inky had been getting used to his new environment, but the staff quickly figured out that he had to be kept amused or he would get bored. Then one night in 2016 Inky, about the size of a basketball, decided he'd had enough. He slithered eight feet across the floor and down a drainpipe more than 160 feet long to his home in the sea.
Acclaimed author Sy Montogmery reminds readers that Inky didn't escape--but instead, like the curious animal he is, wanted to explore the rest of the vast ocean he called his home.
Just Like Jackie by Lindsay Stoddard
copyright 2018
244 pages
Interest Level 3-6, Reading Level 5.1
Lexile Level 900, Guided Reading Level R (approximate)
From Follett:
"For as long as Robinson Hart can remember, it's just been her and Grandpa. He taught her about cars, baseball, and everything else worth knowing. But Grandpa's memory has been getting bad--so bad that he sometimes can't even remember Robbie's name. She's sure that she's making things worse by getting in trouble at school, but she can't resist using her fists when bullies like Alex Carter make fun of her for not having a mom. Now she's stuck in group guidance--and to make things even worse, Alex Carter is there too. There's no way Robbie's going to open up about her life to some therapy group, especially not with Alex in the room. Besides, if she told anyone how forgetful Grandpa's been getting lately, they'd take her away from him. He's the only family she has--and it's up to her to keep them together, no matter what"--Amazon.
Knights vs. Dinosaurs by Matt Phelan
copyright 2018
148 pages
Interest Level 3-6, Reading Level 4
Lexile Level 610, Guided Reading Level P (approximate)
An ALA Notable Title
"Absurdly entertaining. Victorious on all fronts."--Booklist (starred review)
Renowned for their courage, their chivalry, and their ability to fight mythical creatures, the Knights of the Round Table must face their most dangerous opponents yet--DINOSAURS!
This heavily illustrated middle grade novel from award-winning author and artist Matt Phelan is a hilarious, rip-roaring tale of derring-do perfect for reluctant readers and fans of How to Train Your Dragon and The Terrible Two.
Let me tell you a secret about the Knights of the Round Table: they don't have much to do. The realm is at peace and dragons are few and far between. So Merlin decides to send the knights out on a real adventure to a world filled with the most terrible lizards of all: DINOSAURS!
Knights vs. Dinosaurs is a highly illustrated, fast-paced adventure full of uproarious knightly hijinks, surprising secrets, and terrifying dinosaurs. With art on nearly every page, including an epic fight scene depicted in several graphic-novel style spreads, this engaging story is Monty Python for young middle school readers.
A great choice for reluctant readers, aspiring knights, and fans of Peter Brown's The Wild Robot.
"This rollicking story is suspenseful and silly. An excellent choice for all readers."--School Library Journal (starred review)
A Lady Has the Floor: Belva Lockwood Speaks Out for Women's Rights
by Kate Hannigan
copyright 2018
32 pages
Interest Level 3-6, Reading Level 5
Lexile Level 780, Guided Reading Level P (approximate)
Margo and Mateo Save the World
by Darcy Miller
copyright 2018
216 pages
Interest Level 3-6, Reading Level 6
Lexile level 620, Guided Reading Level O (approximate)
"What would you do if one morning you discovered slug-like aliens had invaded your town and were infecting the townspeople one by one? . . . Well, it doesn't matter what you'd do, because this story isn't about you. It's about Margot Blumenthal and Mateo Flores, two sixth graders who--on the same day they're supposed to make their stage debut in the school play--stumble upon a huge, massive, earth-shattering plot to take over the world"--Dust jacket.
A hilarious--and slimy--alien adventure (set on Earth) that the bestselling author of Zombie Chasers, John Kloepfer, calls "fast paced, out-of-this-world fun!"
When Margot Blumenthal removes a bright blue slug alien attached to Mateo Flores's back, the school play co-stars know it's definitely not going to be a regular day at West Cove Middle School.
They reluctantly team up and soon discover that the mayor and countless other adults, including Mateo's dad, are infected--which means that West Cove, and possibly all of Earth, is in danger.
What will they (and their new scientist friend) do? Ditch class and protect humankind, of course--because one unexcused absence doesn't matter when the world is at stake!
This stand-alone middle grade novel is fun, silly, and full of adventure. Young readers will speed through it...if they can stop laughing long enough to turn the page.
The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl
by Stacy McAnulty
copyright 2018
293 pages
Interest Level 3-6, Reading Level 3.7
Lexile Level 530, Guided Reading Level (not available)
Monster Mayhem by Christopher Eliopoulos
copyright 2018
212 pages
Interest Level 3-6, Reading Level 4.3
Lexile Level GN (graphic novel)150, Guided Reading P (approximate)
Nightbooks by J.A. White
copyright 2018
294 pages
Interest Level 4-7, Reading Level 5.4
Lexile Level 660, Guided Reading Level S (approximate)
The Peculiar Incident on Shady Street
by Lindsay Currie
A Pup Called Trouble by Robbie Pyron
copyright 2018
200 pages
INterest Level 3-6, Reading Level 5
Lexile Level 700, Guided Reading Level S (approximate)
Fans of classic animal stories like Pax and A Dog's Way Home will howl over the heartwarming adventures of a coyote pup lost in New York City.
Brimming with curiosity, Trouble can't wait to explore the world beyond Singing Creek. So one morning the coyote pup stows away in the back of a truck and ends up lost in the heart of New York City. While Trouble misses his siblings, he quickly makes friends in Central Park's Ramble: a prankster crow, a timid opossum, and a poetic poodle.
Before long, he goes from howling for home to wondering if he could make a life in the city forever. But when word gets out that a coyote is running wild on city streets, Trouble must choose between the risks of being caught and the dangers of a long journey home.
Inspired by true stories, this accessible read from the award-winning author of A Dog's Way Home will resonate with anyone who's ever felt torn between the longing for adventure and the call of home. An appendix with real accounts of wild animals trapped in the city adds to the fun!
copyright 2018
257 pages
Interest Level 3-6, Reading Level 4.7
Lexile Level 630, Guided Reading Level R (approximate)
Saving Winslow by Sharon Creech
copyright 2018
165 pages
Interest Level 3-6, Reading Level 4.1
Lexile Level 690, Guided Reading Level P (approximate)
Indie Next List Pick ALA Notable Children's Book Texas Bluebonnet Award Winner
"A winning tale of love." --Kirkus (starred review)
Perfect for fans of Charlotte's Web and The One and Only Ivan, Saving Winslow is an uplifting modern classic in the making about a young boy who befriends an ailing newborn donkey and nurses him back to health, from New York Times bestseller and Newbery Medal winner Sharon Creech.
Louie doesn't have the best luck when it comes to nurturing small creatures. So when his father brings home a sickly newborn mini donkey, he's determined to save him. He names him Winslow. Taking care of him helps Louie feel closer to his brother, Gus, who is far, far away in the army.
Everyone worries that Winslow won't survive, especially Louie's quirky new friend, Nora, who has experienced loss of her own. But as Louie's bond with Winslow grows, surprising and life-altering events prove that this fragile donkey is stronger than anyone could have imagined.
Written in the spirit of Creech favorites Moo and Love That Dog, this standout tale about love and friendship and letting go will tug at the heartstrings.
The Season of Styx Malone by Kekla Magoon
copyright 2018
297 pages
Interest Level 3-6, Reading Level 3.8
Lexile Level 510, Guided Reading Level Q (approximate)
Horn Book Guide starred (Spring 2019)
Solar System: Our Place in Space by Rosemary Mosco
copyright 2018
116 pages (graphic novel)
Interest Level 3-6. Reading Level 5.6
Lexile Level GN (graphic Novel) 590, Guided Reading Level T (approximate)
The Train of Lost Things by Ammi-Joan Paquette
copyright 2018
191 pages
Interest Level 3-6, Reading Level 5.7
Lexile Level 670, Guided Reading Level U (approximate)