The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest by Aubrey Hartman

The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forrest by Aubrey Hartman

Newbery Honor  - 2026

All souls get what they deserve in the end, of that, I am certain. Clare is the undead fox of Deadwood Forrest. Here, leaves grow in a forever state of fall: not quite dead but not quite alive - just like Clare, who leads a solitary life guiding souls to their final resting place. 

The Library of Unruly Treasures by Jeanne Birdsall

 

Gwen MacKinnon's parents are dreadful. So Gwen's not upset when she has to go stay with her Uncle Matthew for two weeks. Things take a weird turn when Gwen makes a discovery at the local library. A discovery that involves tiny creatures with wings. I don't usually love fantasy books, but this was a really great story complete with a fun dog names Pumpkin. 

Leeva At Last by Sara Pennypacker

 

What are people for? That's the burning question on the mind of Leeva Spayce Thornblossom. Fame! sasys Leeva's mom, the mayor of Nutsmore. Money! says her dad, the town treasurer. 

With the help of an orphaned badger, a risk-adverse boy in a hazmat suit, and the town's librarians, Leeva sets off to discover her own answer - setting off a chain of events that will change Nutsmore forever.

The Greatest Kid in the World by John David Anderson

 

Zeke Stahls is not the best kid in the world. Some days, he struggles just to be good. He'd rather be pulling pranks than doing extra credit, and he's too busy doing experiments on his little brother, or tormenting his older sister, Jackie, to volunteer for charity. Which is why Zeke and his family are SHOCKED when he is selected as a contestant in an online competition to find the World's         Greatest Kid!

Pocket Bear by Katherine Applegate

 

This is a special book and a must read in my opinion! This is the book that I hope wins the Newbery Gold Medal for 2026!

Born during WWI, Pocket Bear was designed to fit into the pocket of a soldier's jacket, eyes sewn a bit higher than normal so that he always looked upward. That way his soldier could always see his good luck charm from home. Now, over a century later, Pocket serves as unofficial leader of Second Chances Home for the Tossed and Treasured, where stuffed toy animals are refurbished and given a fresh opportunity to be loved. Zephyrina is a cat and a thief and Pocket's best friend. This is an unforgettable tale of bravery, loyalty and kindness, Pocket Bear reminds us all that love comes in many forms (sometimes filled with fluff), and that second chances are always possible. 

~this was taken, in part, from the inside cover of the book