Awards

The Pennsylvania Center for the Book celebrates outstanding books, authors, and literary achievement through four signature awards: The Baker’s Dozen: Thirteen Best Books for Family Literacy, The Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award, The Lynd Ward Graphic Novel Prize, and Pennsylvania Great Reads from Great Places. Together, these programs recognize excellence in family literacy, children’s poetry, graphic novels, and books that reflect Pennsylvania’s rich literary heritage. By honoring exceptional literary works and connecting readers with engaging and meaningful stories, the Pennsylvania Center for the Book promotes lifelong reading, literacy, and a love of literature across the Commonwealth and beyond.

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Lilac and the Switchback

By Cordelia Jensen
Published by Holiday House (Walker Books Group), 2025
Young Readers

“Lilac and the Switchback” by Cordelia Jensen is a poignant middle grade novel about identity, belonging, and family. After losing her mother, Lilac moves in with relatives, but when she learns her aunt is pregnant, she fears there may no longer be room for her. While feeling lonely and slowly drifting apart from her best friend, Lilac discovers a mysterious check from her estranged father. Lilac views a relationship with her biological father as a possible path to finding the family she longs for, ultimately risking everything to discover who she is and where she truly fits in. Based outside Philadelphia in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley, this moving novel in verse will resonate deeply with pre-teen readers and anyone questioning where they belong.  

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Lilac and the Switchback

Pennsylvania Center for the Book Awards

PA Great Reads from Great Places for Audience Young Readers 2026 Winner