Calling all 4th – 8th grade readers! From fantasy to poetry, this year’s list of nominees* has something for everyone.

Adventures in Survival
Alone in the Woods  The Canyon's Edge  96 Miles

Anthologies
Once Upon an Eid  Woke: A Young Poet's Call to Justice

Fantasy
The Girl and the Ghost  Mystwick School of Musicraft  Game of Fox and Squirrels

Graphic Novels & Memoirs
Kodi  Primer  When Stare are Scattered

Historical Fiction
Becoming Muhammad Ali  The Blackbird Girls  Prairie Lotus

Horror
Whispering Pines  No Place for Monsters

A Touch of Humor
The Great Pet Heist The Beast and the Bethany  PLanet Omar: Accidental Trouble Magnet

Nonfiction
My Wild Life  History Smashers: The Mayflower  Rise Up! The Art of Protest  All Thirteen: The Incredible Rescue of the Thai Boy's Soccer Team

Realistic Fiction
The Wild Path  A High Five for Glenn Burke  King and the Dragon Flies  Efrén Divided  What Lane?

School Stories
Dress Coded  Rick  Wink  Me and Banksy

Science Fiction
Glitch  Jinxed  Bloom

Teen
Inheritance Games  Seventh Handmaiden  Ashlords  Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You

*What is the Maine State Book Award?
Teachers and librarians nominate the books. Kids read, then vote for their favorite story.
Here’s how it works:

  • Be in 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, or 8th grade.

  • Read three or more books from the list.

  • Vote for your favorite book in the spring of 2022.