Al Capone Does My Shirts
Gennifer Choldenko
When Moose's family moves to Alcatraz so his father can work as a guard and his sister can attend a special school in San Francisco, Moose has to leave his friends and his winning baseball team behind. But it's worth it, right? If his sister, Natalie, can finally get help, maybe his family will finally be normal.

But as it turns out, life on Alcatraz is much more complicated than even Moose would have predicted. His dad is so busy, he's never around. His mom's preoccupation with Natalie's condition (today it would be called autism) is even worse now that there's no extended family to help with her tantrums and constant needs. And of course, there's never enough money.

When Moose meets Piper, the cute daughter of the Warden, he knows right off she's trouble. But she's also strangely irresistible. All Moose wants to do is protect Natalie, live up to his parents’ expectations, and stay out of trouble. But on Alcatraz, trouble is never very far away.
2005 Newberry Honor Book

Kitten's First Full Moon
Kevin Henkes
From one of the most celebrated and beloved picture book creators comes a memorable new character and a suspenseful adventure just right for the very youngest. A brave young kitten sets out into the world on a quest (to get the bowl of milk in the sky) that leaves her bruised, bewildered, and hungry but ultimately leads her back home where something special is waiting just for her. Award-winning author and illustrator Kevin Henkes has created an adorable story that is sure to become a classic bedtime read-aloud.
Winner of the 2005 Caldecott Medal

Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale
Mo Willems
Trixie, Daddy, and Knuffle Bunny take a trip to the neighborhood Laundromat. But the exciting adventure takes a dramatic turn when Trixie realizes "somebunny" was left behind! Using a combination of muted black-and-white photographs and expressive illustrations, this stunning book tells a brilliantly true-to-life tale about what happens when Daddy's in charge and things go terribly, hilariously wrong.
2005 Caldecott Honor Book

The Music Inside Me
Written and Illustrated by Fourth and Fifth Grade students from Marvin Elementary, Norwalk, CT
During one special summer, a young girl and her friends learn the meaning of friendship and the power of memories. Beautiful watercolor art perfectly captures the mood of this heartwarming story.
Grand Prize Winner — Fiction
See Kids Are Authors winners

Haiku Hike
Written and Illustrated by Fourth grade students from St. Mary's Catholic School, Mansfield, MA
When two friends set out for a walk, they realize they have forgotten their camera, so they use Haiku, the ancient form of Japanese poetry, to capture their pictures instead. A delightful mix of silhouettes and watercolor art compliments the poetry and encourages the "readers" to “write” their own pictures. Fun nature facts included.
Grand Prize Winner — Nonfiction
See Kids Are Authors winners