2020 Freeman Book Award Winners

Children’s Literature

No Steps Behind:Beate Sirota Gordon’s Battle for Women’s Rights in Japan

By Jeff Gottesfeld, Illustrated by Shiella Witanto (Creston Books)

A Bowl Full of Peace: A True Story

By Caren Stelson, Illustrated by Akira Kusaka (Carolrhoda Books)

The Ocean Calls: A Haenyeo Mermaid Story

By Tina Cho, Illustrated by Jess X. Snow (Kokila Press)

Young Adult / Middle School Literature

Beyond Me

By Annie Donwerth-Chikamatsu (Simon & Schuster)

All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys’ Soccer Team

By Christina Soontornvat (Candlewick Press)

Young Adult / High School Literature

Year of the Rabbit

By Tian Veasna, Translated by Helge Dascher (Drawn & Quaterly)

Tiananmen 1989: Our Shattered Hopes

By Lun Zhang and Adrien Gombeaud, Illustrated by Ameziane (IDW Publishing)

Almond

By Won-pyung Sohn, Translated by Sandy Joosun Lee (Harper Collins)

Banned Book Club

By Kim Hyun Sook, Ryan Estrada, Illustrated by Hyung-Ju Ko (Iron Circus Comics)

Explore Award Winners by Year

2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023

Explore Award Winners by Age Group

Children’s Young Adult / Middle Young Adult / High YA Graphic Novels

About the awards

Honoring East And Southeast Asian Titles for Children and Young Adults

National Consortium for Teaching about Asia (NCTA), the Committee on Teaching about Asia (CTA) of the Association for Asian Studies (AAS), and Asia for Educators (AFE) at Columbia University sponsor the annual Freeman Book Awards for new young adult and children’s literature. The awards recognize quality books for children and young adults that contribute meaningfully to an understanding of East and Southeast Asia. Awards are given in two categories: Children’s and Young Adult on the several countries of East and Southeast Asia.

Learn More Submission Guidelines