Congratulations to Channelle Desamours, winner of the Black Caucus of the American Library Association’s 2026 Children and Youth Literary Award in the Debut category! Launched in 2021, the awards honor outstanding books that celebrate the richness, complexity, and global dimensions of the Black experience.

In Needy Little Things (Wednesday Books – US/Bloomsbury – UK), seventeen-year-old Sariyah discovers her ability to sense others’ needs and must use that gift to uncover the truth behind a friend’s disappearance. Her journey reflects Kujichagulia (self-determination) as she learns to trust her instincts and claim ownership of her power, and Nia (purpose), as her gift becomes a responsibility to protect others. The BCALA cited Desamours’ novel for underscoring ‘Black agency and perseverance, portraying courage, intuition, and care as forms of strength in the face of uncertainty.’