The Biggest Question in Children's Books: Is BROKEN Eligible for the Caldecott Medal? (+ Original Art Giveaway!)

Let's talk about it.

I added a new section to this piece on 1/10/26 - see EDITED TO ADD below

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BROKEN, written and illustrated by X. Fang, is not just one of the best picture books of the year, it’s one of the best of the decade. It has a near-magical combination of artistic excellence, pictorial interpretation of story, and edge-of-your-seat appeal.

Every page turn is a miniature cliffhanger. The emotion is palpable, and the conclusion is honest, beautiful, and satisfying. If you haven’t picked up a copy and read it with kids, what are you even doing? This book will be in my aloud rotation for years.

It’s masterful. It’s a masterpiece. Which is why it’s at the center of what I think is the biggest question in children’s books heading into the 2026 Youth Media Awards: Is it actually eligible for the Caldecott Medal?

Before we dig into this question, a quick message: I’m giving away a piece of original art! Everyone who joins the paid tier (monthly, annual, or founding) by January 31st will be automatically entered to win an original piece of art from my book JUST ONE FLAKE (your choice of the piece).

I’ll even frame and mat it for you.

Now, where were we . . .