Barnes & Noble Announces the Inaugural Barnes & Noble Children’s & Young Adult Book Award Overall Winner

Barnes & Noble Announces the Inaugural Barnes & Noble Children’s & Young Adult Book Award Overall Winner

Amari and the Night Brothers is Awarded the Top Honor

New York, NY – (June 28, 2021) – Barnes & Noble today announced Amari and the Night Brothers, written by B. B. Alston, as the Overall Winner in the inaugural Barnes & Noble Children’s & YA Book Awards. Amari and the Night Brothers triumphed over Picture Book Winner Mel Fell , written and illustrated by Corey R. Tabor, and Young Adult Winner Firekeeper’s Daughter, written by Angeline Boulley.

The Barnes & Noble Children’s & YA Book Awards give a national platform to outstanding new and emerging talent in children’s publishing in three categories of Picture Books, Young Readers and Young Adult. The shortlisted and winning books were selected by the bookseller’s team of book buyers and the children’s booksellers in stores across the country.

“We are thrilled to name Amari and the Night Brothers as the Overall Winner of the Inaugural Barnes & Noble Children’s & YA Book Awards,” said Jackie De Leo, Vice President, Bookstore Barnes & Noble. “It is especially satisfying to know that B. B Alston wrote much of the book at one of our stores, and we are delighted to bring it full circle with this award. It is not often that a debut book comes around that enchants our hearts and minds as much as Amari and the Night Brothers, and we are sure readers will fall in love with Amari and her friends.”   

The cover and title for the sequel to Amari and the Night Brothers was exclusively revealed by Barnes & Noble at 6:00am this morning. Amari and the Great Game will be released in early 2022. Readers can learn more about the follow up, including five hints about what to expect from book #2, on the B&N Reads Blog.

Here is what Barnes & Noble Booksellers are saying about Amari and the Night Brothers:

“A book that I wish had existed when I was a young girl!  Black girl magic, action and adventure, and beautiful friendships.  A wonderful new voice in Middle Grade Fantasy.  Can’t wait for book two!” –Bookseller Grace F., Rockville, MD

“A coming-of-age story wedged right between Harry Potter and Men in Black.  Readers will love Amari’s fierce attitude and realistic portrayal of a girl thrown into danger.” –Bookseller Graham T., Skokie, IL

“An engrossing fantasy and adventure with a fierce heroine at the center!  Once I started this it became increasingly difficult to get anything else done.  The mystery and intrigue at the crux of the story propelled me through the mystical and otherworldly secrets that were delivered like little gems of knowledge throughout the story.  I cannot wait to follow Amari on more adventures!” – Bookseller Jen C., Akron, OH

“Brimming with magic and truly unforgettable this is the most fun, hilarious and heartwarming middle grade I’ve read in years.” –Bookseller Cody R., Hillsboro, OR

“Full of unexpected twists and turns, Amari and the Night Brothers is a whirlwind you won't want to put down! Amari is the embodiment of Black Girl Magic - she's clever and strong, and her love for her family and friends shines through in this book as she finds herself up against both magic and microaggressions. Readers of every age will be delighted by our young Reader Book Award Winner!” - Viengsamai F., Columbus, OH

Customers can find Amari and the Night Brothers as well as the full selection of Barnes & Noble Children’s & YA Book Awards Winners and Finalists at their local Barnes & Noble and on BN.com. They can also join the conversation on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, using hashtag #BNBookAwards.