Virginia Library Association Announces 2026 Cardinal Cup Winner, Honor Books, and Series of Note

Fishersville, VA — The Virginia Library Association (VLA) is pleased to announce the 2026 Cardinal Cup winner, Honor Books, and Series of Note, recognizing outstanding literature in the subjects of history, historical fiction, or biography for young readers.

2026 Cardinal Cup Winner
Where Only Storms Grow by Alyssa Colman

Where Only Storms Grow

Set in Oklahoma in 1935, Where Only Storms Grow is a historical fiction novel following a family as they navigate the hardships of the Great Depression and the challenges of farming during the Dust Bowl. Where Only Storms Grow has also received the American Library Association’s 2026 Schneider Family Book Award, which recognizes books that embody an artistic expression of the disability experience for child and adolescent audiences.

2026 Cardinal Cup Honor Books

The Cardinal Cup Committee recognizes two honor books:

A Line Can Go Anywhere by Caroline McAlister, illustrated by Jamie Green
This picture book celebrates the life and work of acclaimed Japanese American artist Ruth Asawa.

A Sea of Lemon Trees: The Corrido of Roberto Alvarez by María Dolores Águila
Set in California in 1931, A Sea of Lemon Trees uses verse to tell a story of resilience and bravery in the face of intense racism.

A Line Can Go Anywhere A Sea of Lemon Trees

2026 Cardinal Cup Series of Note

VLA is also pleased to recognize Scholastic’s From the Archives as the 2026 Cardinal Cup Series of Note.

From the Archives
The series highlights under-recognized contributions from Black history for young readers. The committee based this recognition off the following titles:

  • Unsung Voices of Black History by Kaavonia Hinton
  • Overlooked Milestones of Black History by Kaavonia Hinton
  • Overlooked Creations of Black Art and Culture by Jay Leslie
  • Hidden Landmarks of Black History by Jay Leslie

VLA is excited to honor two Virginia residents through these awards in Alyssa Colman and Kaavonia Hinton, a professor at Old Dominion University.

Alyssa Colman will accept her award during the Opening Session of the 2026 VLA/VLACRL Annual Conference on Monday, October 19, 2026, at the Hilton Norfolk The Main in Norfolk, Virginia. We congratulate Alyssa Colman and all of the authors and illustrators recognized by the 2026 Cardinal Cup Committee.