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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The Poet and the Bees: A Story of the Seasons Sylvia Plath Kept Bees

By Amy Novesky
Illustrated by Jessica Love
Published by Viking Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers, a division of Penguin Random House, 2025
Young Readers
The Poet and the Bees cover

Pennsylvania Center for the Book Awards

Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award 2026 Winner

“Every page of this book is a master class in taking an ordinary activity — beekeeping — and, by infusing the text with emotion and poetic language, making it extraordinary.” Another judge wrote, “The language in the book is almost musical, satisfying and rich when read aloud. The author pays deep respect to Sylvia Plath, with realistic snapshots of her hardships and triumphs, showing more to the story of a life that is often defined by its tragic ending. The attention to minute details makes this feel like a direct nod to Plath's style of writing, and adds a brilliant, caring touch. The ending is hopeful without being saccharine, a careful finish to an admiring love letter.”