Think back to the first books that grabbed your attention. It’s possible you weren’t even able to read yet, but the stories and illustrations were enough to capture your imagination or inspire a new world. For me, it was Dr. Seuss’ “The Cat in the Hat.” It was the first story I could read on my own, and it still holds a special place on my bookshelf. 

The books, videos and other media made for children and young adults are an important part of the literary landscape. They are titles that can create a lifelong passion for reading and learning. In celebration of these stories, the American Library Association announced today the results of the 2013 Youth Media Awards, including the winners of the coveted Newbery, Caldecott and Carnegie medals.

Here are a few of the highlights. Click on the title to see availability at your local Anythink location:

• John Newbery Medal for most outstanding contribution to children’s literature: “The One and Only Ivan” written by Katherine Applegate 
• Randolph Caldecott Medal for most distinguished American picture book for children: “This Is Not My Hat” written and illustrated by Jon Klassen 
• Coretta Scott King Book Award for recognition of an African-American author of outstanding books for children and young adults: “Hand in Hand: Ten Black Men Who Changed America” written by Andrea Davis Pinkney and illustrated by Brian Pinkney 
• Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in literature for young adults: “In Darkness” written by Nick Lake
• Andrew Carnegie Medal for excellence in children’s video: “Anna, Emma and the Condors” produced by Katja Torneman
• Laura Ingalls Wilder Award for an author or illustrator whose books have made a substantial and lasting contribution to literature for children: Katherine Paterson  
• Odyssey Award for best audiobook produced for children or young adults: “The Fault in Our Stars” by Brilliance Audio 
• Pura Belpre Award to honor a Latino writer and illustrator whose children’s books best portray, affirm and celebrate the Latino cultural experience: “Martin de Porres: The Rose in the Desert” illustrated by David Diaz and “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” written by Benjamin Alire Saenz 
• Theodor Seuss Geisel Award for the most distinguished beginning reader book: “Up, Tall and High!” written and illustrated by Ethan Long
• William C. Morris Award for a debut book published by a first-time author writing for teens: “Seraphina” written by Rachel Hartman  

For the complete list of awards and winners, visit the American Library Association website. Check one out today and inspire your young reader.