The Young Hoosier Book Award Program encourages self-selected reading among elementary and middle school/junior high students. Teachers, librarians, and students from all across Indiana vote on their favorite recent books. This program is run by the Indiana Library Federation (ILF). Check out the list of the 2023-2024 Intermediate nominees! Recommended for ages 8–10.
Young Hoosier Book Award 2023-2024: Intermediate
Compiled by:
Jon S.
J-GN Lloyd Allergic
Maggie’s busy household doesn’t seem to have time for her. When she goes looking for a furry friend, she discovers she’s allergic! Can she find the pet for her?
J-GN Batpig v. 1
Series: Batpig
Gary Yorkshire is your average lovable pink pig until a radioactive bat bite gives him superpowers. Now, he must figure out how to use his powers for good and, of course, find the perfect spandex suit!
J-GN Sangiac Bedhead Ted
Ted has always had unruly, messy hair that has been the source of teasing. But now, his hair might be helpful in tracking down the Brookside Beast!
J Swanson
Series: Cookie Chronicles
When Ben follows the advice of his fortune cookie that practice makes perfect, he begins to demand perfection and nearly loses the things dearest to him.
J Grabens
Series: Dog Squad
Duke is the star of the streaming hit Dog Squad, an adventurous show that helps average dogs fight crime. When average dog Fred takes Duke’s place, can Fred find the courage to deal with the non-stop action?
J Sloan
Sila’s mother has been in Turkey for a while trying to get the paperwork to secure their place in the United States. In the meantime, she finds comfort with a lottery winner—a boy named Mateo—and Veda the circus elephant.
J-GN 364.1 Uns
Series: Unsolved Case Files
Still an unsolved case today, this is story of how a man known as D.B. Cooper hijacked an airplane in 1971 and parachuted to freedom never to be seen again.
J-FC Dicamil
Series: Tales from Deckawoo Drive
Another Deckawoo Drive adventure featuring Frank and Eugenia! A mistake with a duplicate key launches new worries for Franklin Endicott!
J 628.2092 Pae
It’s 1858 and the city of London, England STINKS! Their river is full of poop! Then, along comes Joseph Bazalgette, who claims to have a solution. Can he make London a cleaner, healthier place?
J Cernose
The Hiddenseek is a gloomy place where you land if you’re not found in the game hide-and-seek. It's up to Holly and Hector Thorn to defeat “It”—the witch in charge—to break the curse and return home.
J-GN Katie The Catsitter v. 1
Series: Katie the Catsitter
Cat-sitting for her mysterious upstairs neighbor (the owner of 217 cats!) may be the answer to funding Katie’s summer camp trip. But, could she also be the city’s super villain? Is it Katie to the rescue?
J Ewing
To deal with the anxiety of a new fifth grade class on her own, Maya discovers a robot in her teacher’s closet that helps her realize her special powers.
J-GN Spider Man Miles Morales Shock Waves
Miles is a regular school kid by day and Brooklyn’s Spider-Man by night. When he tries to help Puerto Rico after a horrible earthquake, he finds unexpected enemies trying to thwart his plans.
J 921 Winton Sis
Nicholas Winton never told how he saved the lives of 700 Czech children during World War II. In the 1980s, the story came to light. Author Sis shares his story along with one of those saved children, Vera, with the world.
J Miller
Series: Strangeville School
Harvey’s new school is different to say the least. With the help of his new friend Stella, they go on a quest to discover the school’s strange secrets.
J Wallace
To deal with bully Johnny Pro, Max enlists the help of a supervillain prisoner, Master Plan. Can he help Max deal with his middle school woes?
J 355.1609 Got
Ever since July 2, 1937, a sentinel has been by the side of the Unknowns—those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for America. With the dedication of these soldiers, the Unknowns are never alone.
J Buyea
Thea’s parents think starting over in a new city will help her deal with the tragic loss of a friend. But it takes the help of a rescue puppy—Jack-Jack—for Thea to open up to new ideas.
J Applega
Animal lover Willodeen loves all animals—even the strange ones called “screechers.” She’s convinced even they serve a purpose. When the magical hummingbears disappear, she and her friend Conner must find out why.
J Arnold
Tempted by a witch to become the “perfect American,” Gabrielle learns the easy way is not always the right way. She's faced with overcoming the witch’s spell to regain her true self.