Melrose Public Library

 

The Massachusetts Children’s Book Award was established as a program to encourage children to read great books. 25 books are nominated each year as excellent titles for 9-12 year olds in fiction, nonfiction, and graphic novels. The nominees must be available in paperback and must have been published within the last five years. In the spring, kids who have read at least 5 of the nominees can vote for their favorite. The winner, and the next slate of nominees, are announced in May. The award is sponsored by Salem State College in Salem, Massachusetts.

2023 MCBA Books (winner: Alone by Megan Freeman)

2024 MCBA Books (winner: Frizzy by Claribel Ortega)

Check out the nominees below for 2025! Click on a book cover for more information.

August is winding down, which means one thing – it’s almost the first day of school! Whether it’s your first day ever, your first day in a new school, or just your favorite time of year, check out some books for the new school year from the Children’s Department.

Click on a book cover for more information or to see it in our catalog. See a librarian for more suggestions.

Picture Books

Shorter Chapter Books

Graphic Novels

Longer Chapter Books

The 2024 Summer Olympics, officially the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad, take place in Paris this summer! Opening ceremonies take place on July 26 and the games last until August 11, featuring 32 sports. The Paralympic Games will take place August 28-September 11 with 22 sports. Will Team USA top the medal count again? Who will set new world records? Learn more about the different sports, famous athletes, and the Olympic Games themselves with excellent books from the Children’s Room.

Click on a book cover for more information or to see it in our catalog. See a librarian for more suggestions.

Picture Books

Read about the Host City

Background on the Games/Sports

Famous Olympians

Stories Featuring Olympic Sports

July is Disability Pride Month to commemorate the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990. Celebrate this month with great books from the Children’s Department that honor the history, achievements, experiences, and struggles of the disability community. These are wonderful books to read this month and all year!

Click on a book cover for more information or to see it in our catalog. See a librarian for more suggestions.

Biographies

Picture Books

Chapter Books

Graphic Novels

Nonfiction

Juneteenth (June 19) celebrates and commemorates the final emancipation of enslaved African Americans on June 19, 1865 in Texas. This holiday is a celebration of freedom and the joyful recognition of the perseverance and spirit of Black people in this nation. Celebrate and learn more with these books from the Children’s Room!

Click on a book cover for more information or to see it in our catalog. See a librarian for more suggestions.

The Holiday

The History

Background Information

Poetry and Songs

June is LGBTQIA Pride Month. Celebrate this month with great books from the Children’s Department that commemorate and educate about the rich diversity, culture, and intersectionality of the LGBTQ+ community and all the figures in it. These are wonderful books to read this month and all year!

Click on a book cover for more information or to see it in our catalog. See a librarian for more suggestions.

Biographies

Nonfiction