Barnes & Noble Announces Annual Children’s & Young Adult Book Awards Winners

The School for Thieves by Peter Burns Crowned Overall Winner

 

New York, NY – May 21, 2026 – Barnes & Noble announced the winners of their annual Children’s & YA Book Awards at a live event last night hosted in New York City. The School for Thieves by Peter Burns, is the Overall Winner as well as the winner of the Young Reader category. Broken by X. Fang took the lead in the Picture Book category and The Secret Astronomers by Jessica Walker triumphed in Young Adult.

“With so many wonderful new children’s books published each year, narrowing down this list always ignites passionate debate and discussion among our booksellers,” said Shannon DeVito, Senior Director of Books at Barnes & Noble. “This year, these three outstanding works came out as our 2026 winners and we are thrilled to highlight Peter Burns, X. Fang and Jessica Walker throughout the rest of this year. Our overall winner, The School for Thieves, is a perfect romp through a city underworld. It feels like an instant classic of an adventure story, chock full of enough hijinks, mystery and excitement to keep kids of all ages (myself included) up reading way past bedtime.”

The bookseller is proud to present these annual awards, uplifting new voices and outstanding talent in children’s publishing. The winners in each category, including the Overall Winner, were selected from a shortlist of 12 new titles proposed by Barnes & Noble booksellers who specialize in children’s literature. Titles are eligible if they are one of the author’s early works. The company prides itself on seeking out emerging talent, introducing outstanding new authors to the widest audience.

Here is what Barnes & Noble booksellers are saying about the Overall Winner (and Young Reader Winner), The School for Thieves by Peter Burns

A young orphan pickpocket is recruited to join an elite international school that trains children to become thieves, spies, and assassins. This gripping series starter set in an alternate version of 1920s Europe blends historical intrigue with non-stop action as Tom and his classmates use their skills to thwart dangerous villains.

“The School for Thieves is an action-packed heist novel set in an alternate version of 1920s Europe that has all the elements of a high-stakes magical boarding school adventure – just without the magic. Young readers will be on the edge of their seats as they dive into the secretive world of the Shadow Guild alongside Tom and his classmates. It’s the start of a truly epic series and I can’t wait to read what happens next.” — Stephanie P., Annapolis, MD

“An orphan ends up at an elite boarding school and enters a world of heists. This fast-paced, thrilling read will appeal to every kid. Fans of Percy Jackson, Harry Potter, Spy School, Skandar, and Keeper of Lost Cities will be especially enthralled. Highly recommended.” — Stephanie G., Fort Wayne, IN

“Fans of Percy Jackson and Spy School will love this high-stakes story.” – Nina B.,  Hope, NJ

The Children’s & YA Book Awards sit alongside the Barnes & Noble Book of the Year and Discover Prize programs, connecting avid readers with the best books. This year, the awards kick off the bookseller’s perennial Summer Reading event where children in 1^st through 6^th grade who read any eight books can receive one free book at the end of the summer.

Picture Book Winner: Broken by X. Fang

Broken brings readers on a hilarious emotional rollercoaster with Mei Mei after she breaks her grandmother’s cup and blames it on the cat. Will the guilt cause Mei Mei to confess to Ama, or will she let innocent Mimi take the blame?

“Broken is an absolutely delightful picture book that is both hilarious and incredibly heartwarming. This picture book has a great message that just because you make a mistake, does not mean it is the end of the world. I think adults and kids alike will be able to relate to Mei Mei. Plus, the color scheme in this picture book is gorgeous.” — Cara R. Bayside, NY

“The illustrations with all the colored pencil details were so beautiful! Such an adorable story of making mistakes and learning how everything can be fixed. This would be the perfect book to read to a grandchild!” — Anna F., Orlando, FL.

“Fang has somehow captured my own childhood moments with my grandma beautifully in this heartwarming tale of an accident that sends a little girl into a spiral that only grandma can soothe. It is powerfully heartwarming and tender and sure to be a favorite on any little bookshelf.” — Amy D., Jersey City, NJ

“Full of stunning illustrations, this is a sweet and heartwarming tale everyone can learn from.” — Annalyn S., Atlanta, GA

Young Reader Winner: The School for Thieves by Peter Burns

A young orphan pickpocket is recruited to join an elite international school that trains children to become thieves, spies, and assassins. This gripping series starter set in an alternate version of 1920s Europe blends historical intrigue with non-stop action as Tom and his classmates use their skills to thwart dangerous villains.

“With its Dickens meets James Bond vibe, this book delivers clever twists, action & adventure, and a cast of characters you can’t help but root for. Think Harry Potter but without the magic & additional mystery. This book is perfect for young readers who crave fast-paced intrigue!” — Jessica F., Port Jefferson, NY

“Fans of Percy Jackson and Spy School will love this high-stakes story.” – Nina B., Hope, NJ

Young Adult Winner: The Secret Astronomers by Jessica Walker

This truly unique debut written in heartfelt letters and hand-drawn mixed media art tells the story of two senior girls in rural West Virginia as they communicate through an ancient astrophysics textbook in their school library.

“Reading The Secret Astronomers truly feels like finding a treasure. Written with notes, drawings and collages between two teen girls inside an old astronomy library book, you’ll feel as if you’ve stumbled upon actual correspondence and won’t be able to put it down. These two high school seniors, Copernicus and Kepler, who only communicate through these notes, are trying to solve a mystery about Copernicus’ late mother. The mystery is intriguing, but the heart of this book is a moving story about connections, friendship, and grief. Highly recommended. Absolutely brilliant.” — Stephanie G., Fort Wayne, IN

“This visually stunning and unique read will take you on an adventure to solve a decades old mystery with two strangers who become pen pals via notes back and forth in an old astronomy textbook in their school library. It's a coming of age story that is a one-of-a-kind read you won't want to put down!” — Bridgett S,, Buffalo, NY.

“The unique storytelling format takes this charming tale and brings it to life in a fresh and unexpected way. I wish this book was around when I was in high school science class. I can’t wait to revisit this book!” - Nina B., NY

Customers can find the Barnes & Noble Children’s & YA Book Awards Winners and Finalists on display at their local Barnes & Noble and on bn.com. They can also join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, using the hashtag #BNBookAwards.

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