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����ӰҵScott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction Selection Committee is pleased to announce that the winner of the 2025

 award is THE COLOR OF A LIE by Kim Johnson, published by Random House Books for Young Readers.

Set against the backdrop of 1955 America, ����ӰҵColor of a Lie presents a gripping exploration of racial identity during the height of white flight to the suburbs. After a family tragedy, Calvin and his family make the decision to pass as white in a segregated community. Through masterful historical research and nuanced storytelling, Johnson illuminates the devastating impact of systemic racism while examining the complex moral choices faced by those living under oppression. This powerful narrative challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about America’s past while resonating with contemporary discussions of racial justice.

“I was deeply affected by Kim Johnson’s telling of Calvin’s story and the devastating choices he had to make to pass for white. Trying to fit in is a timeless challenge for many youth and even adults. ����Ӱҵcommittee was particularly moved by how the prologue sets the stage for the consequences and life survival challenges that emerge when one hides pieces of themselves,” said Uma Nori, Head of Youth Services for Thomas Ford Memorial Library and Chair of the 2025 Committee. “As we witness so many still struggling to be their authentic selves today, Johnson's story hits especially close to home. ����Ӱҵcommittee members were unable to put down ����ӰҵColor of a Lie and were highly impressed with its well-researched narration of ����ӰҵJim Crow era.”

After receiving the news of her award, Kim Johnson said, "I am deeply honored to receive this recognition. It holds even greater meaning because of the students in Bucks County who, in 2021, protested a school district’s decision to remove my first novel, This Is My America, from their 9th grade curriculum. Their courage pushed me to dig deeper and set ����ӰҵColor of a Lie in Levittown, Pennsylvania. Young people continue to fuel my commitment to write stories that help us learn, evolve, and heal from our past. This award helps to amplify my work even more."

����Ӱҵ2025 Committee members include Uma Nori (Chair), Head of Youth Services at the Thomas Ford Memorial Library, Western Springs, IL; Mary Ann Stahr, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, iSchool, Kent, OH; Jessica Wise, iSchool Graduate Student/Youth Services Specialist - Columbus Metropolitan Library Franklinton Branch, Johnstown, OH; Christy Kepler, Head of Youth Services at the Oswego Public Library District, Montgomery, IL; Maura Moore, Teacher, Language Arts Grade 5 at St. John of the Cross Parish School, Western Springs, IL; Desiree Thomas, Youth Services Librarian at Worthington Libraries, Columbus, OH.

KSU iSchool Scott O’Dell Committee Advisors are Mary Anne Nichols, Senior Lecturer and Michelle Baldini, Director, Reinberger Children’s Library Center.

����ӰҵScott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction was established in 1982 by children’s author Scott O’Dell to encourage the writing of historical fiction for young readers. ����Ӱҵaward, administered by the matriarch of the O’Dell family, Elizabeth Hall, offers a prize of $5,000 to an author of a distinguished work of historical fiction set in the Americas and published by a U.S. publisher. For more information about Scott O’Dell and the Scott O’Dell Award, please visit .

����Ӱҵ ����Ӱҵ University School of Information’s Reinberger Children’s Library Center

As part of its mission, the Reinberger Children’s Library Center (Reinberger Center) serves as a research facility on the ����Ӱҵ Campus and works to cultivate a community of diverse and passionate individuals, including faculty, students, staff, practitioners, researchers, authors, illustrators, children’s book creators, and community members, who are committed to advancing cross-cultural learning, interdisciplinary research and career exposure in the field of children’s literature and youth services.

����ӰҵCenter plays an integral role in its dynamic initiatives, dedicated to fostering education, training, connectivity, and empowerment within its community. Serving as the central hub to ����ӰҵScott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction Selection Committee is one notable example. This esteemed committee comprises a diverse group of experts in children’s literature, including external professionals such as library practitioners, as well as faculty and professional staff from KSU’s iSchool. Each year, at least one committee member from the ����Ӱҵ University School of Information is selected to serve, ensuring continuity and facilitating the onboarding of new members and chairs. This approach allows for fresh perspectives from outside members while ensuring that the knowledge and experience of the ����Ӱҵ University School of Information members are actively engaged in the committee’s work.

����Ӱҵ2025 committee marked a significant milestone with the successful inclusion of an iSchool graduate student intern, continuing ����Ӱҵ University School of Information’s commitment to providing meaningful professional experiences. Jessica Wise’s service on the committee demonstrates how emerging professionals can contribute valuable perspectives while gaining practical insights in library services and children’s literature. This initiative enhances both the award’s mission and the School’s broader goal of bridging academic study with professional practice.

����Ӱҵ the Reinberger Collection

 
����ӰҵReinberger Children’s Library Center (Reinberger Center) at ����Ӱҵ University serves as a dynamic hub for research, education, and cultural engagement that extends far beyond its physical collection. While housing over 40,000 children’s books, original picturebook* art, posters, and related ephemera that represent a rich tapestry of children’s literature and its evolution over time, the Reinberger Center’s impact is felt through its vibrant programming, community engagement, and scholarly initiatives. As an irreplaceable primary source for researchers and scholars, the collection enables investigation into how children’s books have reflected, shaped, and challenged societal values across different eras. Through conferences, symposia, workshops, international fellowships, connected research grants and creative residencies, the Reinberger Center creates meaningful connections across diverse communities and disciplines. Students gain hands-on professional experience through initiatives like the Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction and specialized internships, working alongside established practitioners. These collective initiatives and achievements have established the Reinberger Center as a globally recognized hub where innovation in research, education, and community engagement converge.

* ����Ӱҵterm “picturebook” is written as one word in honor of Dr. Kenneth Marantz, who viewed picturebooks as unified art objects. ����ӰҵMarantz Picturebook Collection for the Study of Picturebook Art is one of several special collections within the Reinberger Center.

Media Contacts:
Michelle Baldini, mbaldini@kent.edu