I am thrilled to have a well-rounded list of 15 early Mock Newbery 2026 contenders and am excited to get reading. I see fantasy, realistic fiction, a graphic novel, historical fiction. We are waiting for some nonfiction and picture books but there are six months of suggestions to go!
Take a look at the below list and get an early start on your reading!
| ALL THE BLUES IN THE SKY | Watson | 5 |
| A WORLD WORTH SAVING | Lukoff | 5 |
| MAX IN THE LAND OF LIES | Gidwitz | 4 |
| WILL’S RACE FOR HOME | Rhodes | 4 |
| THE UNDEAD FOX OF DEADWOOD FOREST | Hartman | 3 |
| DANILO WAS HERE | Burgess | 2 |
| IT’S ALL OR NOTHING, VALE | Arango | 2 |
| RADIANT | Nelson | 2 |
| AWAY | Freeman | 1 |
| THE ENEMY’S DAUGHTER | Blankman | 1 |
| THE LAST GREAT HEIR | Finn | 1 |
| HALFWAY TO SOMEWHERE | Pimienta | 1 |
| RACING THE CLOUDS | Dunlap | 1 |
| TEAR THIS DOWN | Dee | 1 |
| A WOLF CALLED FIRE | Parry | 1 |