2026 Beehive Award Nominees
CLAU is thrilled to announce the 2026 Beehive Book Award Nominees!
Many thanks go out to the hardworking committees who prepared these lists.
Download a Printable PDF or a tri-fold pamphlet (coming soon).
Many thanks go out to the hardworking committees who prepared these lists.
Download a Printable PDF or a tri-fold pamphlet (coming soon).
Faker by Gordon Korman (Jul 2024)
Trey comes from a family of liars and grifters but has grown tired of helping run cons. Will this most recent move will help his family go straight?
The Firefly Summer by Morgan Matson (May 2024)
Ryanna accepts an invitation to stay at old summer camp with grandparents she's never met and discovers a mystery.
The Guardian Test by Christina Soontornvat & Kevin Hong (Mar 2023)
Plum is surpised to be accepted to the prestigious Guardian Academy, where kids learn to turn into magical creatures.
Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell & Ashley Mackenzie (Sept 2024)
Mal and Christopher embark on a wild adventure, racing from island to island in the Archipelago, searching for someone who can explain why the magic is fading and why magical creatures are suddenly dying.
A Royal Conundrum by Lisa Yee & Dan Santat (Jan 2024)
12 yr old Olive is sent to a unique reform school where she joins a group of underdogs trained to fight crime.
Safiyyah's War by Hiba Noor Khan (May 2024)
During the Nazi occupation of Paris, Safiyyah's Muslim identity allows her to help her Jewish friends.
Sona and the Golden Beasts by Rajani LaRocca (March 2024)
In a colonized country where music is forbidden for its magic, Sona hears melodies all around. Including one that leads her to rescue a wolf pup and begin an epic quest.
The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman by Gennifer Choldenko (Jun 2024)
11 yr old Hank is left to care for his toddler sister when their mom doesn't return home. After a week alone, Hank must reach out for help even if it means exposing family secrets.
The Underdogs of Upson Downs by Craig Silvey (Mar 2024)
In order to save her family farm, 11 yr old Annie enters her adopted dog into a dog show. If only she can help him overcome stage fright.
The Wrong Way Home by Kate O'Shaughnessy (Apr 2024)
After he mom sneaks them away from the Ranch, Fern devises a plan to return to their idyllic off-the-grid community, until she makes a shocking discovery.
Trey comes from a family of liars and grifters but has grown tired of helping run cons. Will this most recent move will help his family go straight?
The Firefly Summer by Morgan Matson (May 2024)
Ryanna accepts an invitation to stay at old summer camp with grandparents she's never met and discovers a mystery.
The Guardian Test by Christina Soontornvat & Kevin Hong (Mar 2023)
Plum is surpised to be accepted to the prestigious Guardian Academy, where kids learn to turn into magical creatures.
Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell & Ashley Mackenzie (Sept 2024)
Mal and Christopher embark on a wild adventure, racing from island to island in the Archipelago, searching for someone who can explain why the magic is fading and why magical creatures are suddenly dying.
A Royal Conundrum by Lisa Yee & Dan Santat (Jan 2024)
12 yr old Olive is sent to a unique reform school where she joins a group of underdogs trained to fight crime.
Safiyyah's War by Hiba Noor Khan (May 2024)
During the Nazi occupation of Paris, Safiyyah's Muslim identity allows her to help her Jewish friends.
Sona and the Golden Beasts by Rajani LaRocca (March 2024)
In a colonized country where music is forbidden for its magic, Sona hears melodies all around. Including one that leads her to rescue a wolf pup and begin an epic quest.
The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman by Gennifer Choldenko (Jun 2024)
11 yr old Hank is left to care for his toddler sister when their mom doesn't return home. After a week alone, Hank must reach out for help even if it means exposing family secrets.
The Underdogs of Upson Downs by Craig Silvey (Mar 2024)
In order to save her family farm, 11 yr old Annie enters her adopted dog into a dog show. If only she can help him overcome stage fright.
The Wrong Way Home by Kate O'Shaughnessy (Apr 2024)
After he mom sneaks them away from the Ranch, Fern devises a plan to return to their idyllic off-the-grid community, until she makes a shocking discovery.
Duck and Moose: Duck Moves In by Kirk Redstrom (Mar 2024)
Quiet loving Moose finds himself playing host to a gregarious roommate.
Monkey King and the World of Myths: The Monster and the Maze by Maple Lam (Apr 2024)
As evil transforms humans, beasts, and gods alike into monsters, Monkey King must travel through Greek mythology to defeat the enemy and earn his greatest wish.
Plain Jane and the Mermaid by Vera Brosgol (May 2024)
When her chance at marriage and security is kidnapped by a mermaid, Jane is determined to rescue her maybe-fiance.
We Are Big Time by Hena Khan & Safiya Zerrougui (Aug 2024)
Aliya is new to Wisconsin, and her Islamic school's girls basketball team. As their new coach guides them to increasing sucess, the media takes interest.
Wires Crossed by Beth Fantasky & Oneill Jones (Apr 2024)
Middle school brings change to Mia's life, including her best science camp buddy, who is now the popular new kid in town. Can they still team up and build a winning robot?
Quiet loving Moose finds himself playing host to a gregarious roommate.
Monkey King and the World of Myths: The Monster and the Maze by Maple Lam (Apr 2024)
As evil transforms humans, beasts, and gods alike into monsters, Monkey King must travel through Greek mythology to defeat the enemy and earn his greatest wish.
Plain Jane and the Mermaid by Vera Brosgol (May 2024)
When her chance at marriage and security is kidnapped by a mermaid, Jane is determined to rescue her maybe-fiance.
We Are Big Time by Hena Khan & Safiya Zerrougui (Aug 2024)
Aliya is new to Wisconsin, and her Islamic school's girls basketball team. As their new coach guides them to increasing sucess, the media takes interest.
Wires Crossed by Beth Fantasky & Oneill Jones (Apr 2024)
Middle school brings change to Mia's life, including her best science camp buddy, who is now the popular new kid in town. Can they still team up and build a winning robot?
The Bard and the Book: How the First Folio Saved the Plays of William Shakespeare from Oblivion by Ann Bausum & Marta Sevilla (Apr 2024)
The unlikely true story of why we know the name William Shakespeare today, and the four-hundred-year-old book that made it possible.
Dive! The Story of Breathing Underwater by Chris Gall (Apr 2024)
Dive deep into our long history of sea exploration to learn why, how, and when humans have dived, and uncover our biggest questions about what hides in the Earth's deepest waters.
Dogs: A History of Our Best Friends by Lita Judge (April 2023)
Of all the animals on the planet, dogs have the widest range of roles in our daily lives. They’re protectors, helpers, lifesavers—but most of all, they’re family.
Enigma Girls: How 10 Teenagers Broke Ciphers, Kept Secrets, and Helped Win World War II by Candace Fleming (Mar 2024)
The powerful true story of the teenage girls who helped turn the tides of World War II.
Great Carrier Reef by Jessica Stremer (Jul 2023)
An outstanding story documenting the transformation of an aircraft carrier that was gutted and turned into the world’s largest artificial reef.
Milkweed for Monarchs by Christine Van Zandt & Alejandra Barajas (Feb 2024)
In this book, the monarch's life cycle is detailed in lyrical verse and stunning art.
Mona Lisa Vanishes by Nicholas Day & Brett Helquist (Sept 2023)
A witty thriller about how the Mona Lisa was stolen from the Louvre, how the robbery made the portrait the most famous artwork in the world—and how the painting by Leonardo da Vinci should never have existed at all.
One Day This Tree Will Fall by Leslie Barnard Booth & Stephanie Fizer Coleman (Mar 2024)
Discover how a tree’s wounds and decay bring new life to the forest ecosystem.
Sick! The Twists and Turns Behind Animal Germs by Heather Montgomery & Lindsey Leigh (Feb 2024)
In this fascinating book you'll discover not only the cool ways that animal bodies (and our bodies) fight back against pesky pathogens, but also the amazing and surprising ways we can learn to work together with germs.
Virginia Wouldn't Slow Down! The Unstoppable Dr. Apgar and Her Life-saving Invention by Carrie A. Pearson & Nancy Carpenter (Aug 2023)
The story of Dr. Virginia Apgar, who invented the eponymous test for evaluating newborn health that’s used worldwide every day.
The unlikely true story of why we know the name William Shakespeare today, and the four-hundred-year-old book that made it possible.
Dive! The Story of Breathing Underwater by Chris Gall (Apr 2024)
Dive deep into our long history of sea exploration to learn why, how, and when humans have dived, and uncover our biggest questions about what hides in the Earth's deepest waters.
Dogs: A History of Our Best Friends by Lita Judge (April 2023)
Of all the animals on the planet, dogs have the widest range of roles in our daily lives. They’re protectors, helpers, lifesavers—but most of all, they’re family.
Enigma Girls: How 10 Teenagers Broke Ciphers, Kept Secrets, and Helped Win World War II by Candace Fleming (Mar 2024)
The powerful true story of the teenage girls who helped turn the tides of World War II.
Great Carrier Reef by Jessica Stremer (Jul 2023)
An outstanding story documenting the transformation of an aircraft carrier that was gutted and turned into the world’s largest artificial reef.
Milkweed for Monarchs by Christine Van Zandt & Alejandra Barajas (Feb 2024)
In this book, the monarch's life cycle is detailed in lyrical verse and stunning art.
Mona Lisa Vanishes by Nicholas Day & Brett Helquist (Sept 2023)
A witty thriller about how the Mona Lisa was stolen from the Louvre, how the robbery made the portrait the most famous artwork in the world—and how the painting by Leonardo da Vinci should never have existed at all.
One Day This Tree Will Fall by Leslie Barnard Booth & Stephanie Fizer Coleman (Mar 2024)
Discover how a tree’s wounds and decay bring new life to the forest ecosystem.
Sick! The Twists and Turns Behind Animal Germs by Heather Montgomery & Lindsey Leigh (Feb 2024)
In this fascinating book you'll discover not only the cool ways that animal bodies (and our bodies) fight back against pesky pathogens, but also the amazing and surprising ways we can learn to work together with germs.
Virginia Wouldn't Slow Down! The Unstoppable Dr. Apgar and Her Life-saving Invention by Carrie A. Pearson & Nancy Carpenter (Aug 2023)
The story of Dr. Virginia Apgar, who invented the eponymous test for evaluating newborn health that’s used worldwide every day.
Buffalo Fluffalo by Bess Kalb & Erin Kraan (Jan 2024)
A sweet and silly buffalo tries to fluff himself into being bigger than he really is.
Built to Last by Minh Le & Dan Santat (Apr 2024)
Every creation two friends build together ends up tumbling down, except their friendship.
Dog vs. Strawberry by Nelly Buchet & Andrea Zuill (Apr 2024)
When dog is given a strawberry from the fruit bowl she decides she is going to race it, and win.
Lucky Duck by Greg Pizzoli (Feb 2024)
Susan the duck is feeling unlucky. Will a wolf with gifts change that?
Millie Fluer's Poison Garden by Christy Mandin (July 2024)
Millie plants a garden full of strange and sometimes dangerous things. Will anyone visit?
The Quacken by Justin Colon & Pablo Pino (July 2024)
Hector awakens the Quacken when he breaks the most important rule of summer camp.
The Umbrella by Beth Ferry & Tom Lichtenheld (Mar 2023)
A little girl and her dog find a unique way to spread joy in their dreary town
Witch and Wombat by Ashley Belote (July 2023)
Wilma wants her own cat but brings home a wombat instead.
The World's Best Class Plant by Audrey Vernick, Liz Garton Scanion & Lynnor Bontigao (May 2023)
A class that is terribly disappointed in their lack of a class pet discovers that having a class plant is the best thing ever.
The Yellow Bus by Loren Long (Jun 2024)
A forgotten school bus finds joy and purpose in the most unexpected places
A sweet and silly buffalo tries to fluff himself into being bigger than he really is.
Built to Last by Minh Le & Dan Santat (Apr 2024)
Every creation two friends build together ends up tumbling down, except their friendship.
Dog vs. Strawberry by Nelly Buchet & Andrea Zuill (Apr 2024)
When dog is given a strawberry from the fruit bowl she decides she is going to race it, and win.
Lucky Duck by Greg Pizzoli (Feb 2024)
Susan the duck is feeling unlucky. Will a wolf with gifts change that?
Millie Fluer's Poison Garden by Christy Mandin (July 2024)
Millie plants a garden full of strange and sometimes dangerous things. Will anyone visit?
The Quacken by Justin Colon & Pablo Pino (July 2024)
Hector awakens the Quacken when he breaks the most important rule of summer camp.
The Umbrella by Beth Ferry & Tom Lichtenheld (Mar 2023)
A little girl and her dog find a unique way to spread joy in their dreary town
Witch and Wombat by Ashley Belote (July 2023)
Wilma wants her own cat but brings home a wombat instead.
The World's Best Class Plant by Audrey Vernick, Liz Garton Scanion & Lynnor Bontigao (May 2023)
A class that is terribly disappointed in their lack of a class pet discovers that having a class plant is the best thing ever.
The Yellow Bus by Loren Long (Jun 2024)
A forgotten school bus finds joy and purpose in the most unexpected places
And Then, Boom! by Lisa Fipps (May 2024)
Joe Oak's life often has moments when everything is falling apart, and then, Boom! he somehow lands on his feet. But this time, on his own, with a starving dog and two pups, and a tornado headed his way, will this boom knock him over?
Mysterious Marvelous Octopus by Paige Towler (Mar 2024)
This book is a celebration of all things weird and wonderful about the beloved octopus—with their eight arms, nine brains, and one-of-a-kind personalities.
Poetry Comics by Grant Snider (Mar 2024)
From the cloud-gazing hours of early spring to the lost bicycles of late autumn, these poems explore everything you never thought to write a poem about.
Skating Wild on an Inland Sea by Jean Pendziwol & Todd Stewart (Oct 2023)
Two children wake up to hear the lake singing, then the wind begins wailing...or is it a wolf? They lace up their skates and step onto the ice of Lake Superior. An immersive read.
Zilot and Other Important Rhymes by Bob Odinkirk (Oct 2023)
A collection of poems written by a father and his two children as they grew. Then compiled and illustrated by the grown daughter during covid.
Joe Oak's life often has moments when everything is falling apart, and then, Boom! he somehow lands on his feet. But this time, on his own, with a starving dog and two pups, and a tornado headed his way, will this boom knock him over?
Mysterious Marvelous Octopus by Paige Towler (Mar 2024)
This book is a celebration of all things weird and wonderful about the beloved octopus—with their eight arms, nine brains, and one-of-a-kind personalities.
Poetry Comics by Grant Snider (Mar 2024)
From the cloud-gazing hours of early spring to the lost bicycles of late autumn, these poems explore everything you never thought to write a poem about.
Skating Wild on an Inland Sea by Jean Pendziwol & Todd Stewart (Oct 2023)
Two children wake up to hear the lake singing, then the wind begins wailing...or is it a wolf? They lace up their skates and step onto the ice of Lake Superior. An immersive read.
Zilot and Other Important Rhymes by Bob Odinkirk (Oct 2023)
A collection of poems written by a father and his two children as they grew. Then compiled and illustrated by the grown daughter during covid.
Artifice by Sharon Cameron (Nov 2023)
Isa de Smit takes revenge on the Nazi's by selling them art forgeries and using the money to fund the rescue of Jewish babies.
*As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh (Mar 2024)
As the Syrian war rages, Salama is desperate to leave her beloved country, especially when her fear manifests itself as a physical being, but will romance hold her back?
*Bittersweet in the Hollow by Kate Pearsall (October 2023)
Four sisters with unusual talents investigate a mysterious disappearance in their secluded Appalachian town.
*Bright Red Fruit by Safia Elhillo (Feb 2024)
A novel in verse about a teenager's journey into the slam poetry scene and the dangerous new relationship that could threaten all her dreams.
The Brightwood Code by Monica Hesse (May 2024)
Back home after her post as a switchboard girl on the front lines of WWI went horribly wrong, Edda is barely hanging on, until she receives a call with a fateful code word.
Come Home Safe by Brian Buckmire (Feb 2023)
A normal day. Until two siblings are accused of crimes they didn’t commit.
Dungeons and Drama by Kristy Boyce (Jan 2024)
To save her school musical Riley agrees to flirt with Nathan during his roleplaying game if he will cover her work shift.
Sky's End: Above the Black by March J. Gregson (Jan 2024)
Plummet into a kill-or-be-killed competition where a scrappy underdog hell-bent on revenge must battle colossal monstrosities and claw his way to the top.
Thieves Gambit by Kayvion Lewis (Sept 2023)
A cutthroat competition brings together the world's best thieves and one thief is playing for the highest stakes of all: her mother's life..
What the River Knows by Isabel Ibanez (Oct 2023)
Inez must rely on ancient magic to uncover the truth about her parent’s disappearance—or risk becoming a pawn in a larger game that will kill her.
Isa de Smit takes revenge on the Nazi's by selling them art forgeries and using the money to fund the rescue of Jewish babies.
*As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh (Mar 2024)
As the Syrian war rages, Salama is desperate to leave her beloved country, especially when her fear manifests itself as a physical being, but will romance hold her back?
*Bittersweet in the Hollow by Kate Pearsall (October 2023)
Four sisters with unusual talents investigate a mysterious disappearance in their secluded Appalachian town.
*Bright Red Fruit by Safia Elhillo (Feb 2024)
A novel in verse about a teenager's journey into the slam poetry scene and the dangerous new relationship that could threaten all her dreams.
The Brightwood Code by Monica Hesse (May 2024)
Back home after her post as a switchboard girl on the front lines of WWI went horribly wrong, Edda is barely hanging on, until she receives a call with a fateful code word.
Come Home Safe by Brian Buckmire (Feb 2023)
A normal day. Until two siblings are accused of crimes they didn’t commit.
Dungeons and Drama by Kristy Boyce (Jan 2024)
To save her school musical Riley agrees to flirt with Nathan during his roleplaying game if he will cover her work shift.
Sky's End: Above the Black by March J. Gregson (Jan 2024)
Plummet into a kill-or-be-killed competition where a scrappy underdog hell-bent on revenge must battle colossal monstrosities and claw his way to the top.
Thieves Gambit by Kayvion Lewis (Sept 2023)
A cutthroat competition brings together the world's best thieves and one thief is playing for the highest stakes of all: her mother's life..
What the River Knows by Isabel Ibanez (Oct 2023)
Inez must rely on ancient magic to uncover the truth about her parent’s disappearance—or risk becoming a pawn in a larger game that will kill her.
Ash's Cabin by Jen Wang (Aug 2024)
Ash's beloved Grandpa Edwin used to talk about a secret cabin. Now that he's gone, Ash needs to escape their constant feeling of alienation, but can they really be happy alone?
The Girl Who Sang: A Holocaust Memoir of Hope and Survival by Estelle Nadel, Sammy & Bethany Savos (Jan 2024)
Estelle is a happy 7 yr old with a song for every occasion when the Nazi's invade Poland. The next 5 years of trauma and loss steal her voice. Will she regain it before arriving in New York as a young woman?
How It All Ends by Emma Hunsinger (Aug 2024)
13 yr old Tara isn't prepared for her world to turn upside down when she's bumped up two grades to high school. The one bright spot is Libby, but how will it all turn out?
Lunar New Year Love Story by Gene Luen Yang & Leuyen Pham (Jan 2024)
Val believes her family is cursed when it comes to love. Can a chance encounter with a pair of cute lion dancers change things?
The Mythmakers: The Remarkable Fellowship of C.S. Lewis & J.R.R. Tolkien by John Hendrix (Sept 2024)
The remarkable story of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien's friendship that changed the world of literature.
Ash's beloved Grandpa Edwin used to talk about a secret cabin. Now that he's gone, Ash needs to escape their constant feeling of alienation, but can they really be happy alone?
The Girl Who Sang: A Holocaust Memoir of Hope and Survival by Estelle Nadel, Sammy & Bethany Savos (Jan 2024)
Estelle is a happy 7 yr old with a song for every occasion when the Nazi's invade Poland. The next 5 years of trauma and loss steal her voice. Will she regain it before arriving in New York as a young woman?
How It All Ends by Emma Hunsinger (Aug 2024)
13 yr old Tara isn't prepared for her world to turn upside down when she's bumped up two grades to high school. The one bright spot is Libby, but how will it all turn out?
Lunar New Year Love Story by Gene Luen Yang & Leuyen Pham (Jan 2024)
Val believes her family is cursed when it comes to love. Can a chance encounter with a pair of cute lion dancers change things?
The Mythmakers: The Remarkable Fellowship of C.S. Lewis & J.R.R. Tolkien by John Hendrix (Sept 2024)
The remarkable story of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien's friendship that changed the world of literature.