Awards

2024

  • Golden Crown Literary Society Trailblazer Award, 2024
  • Finalist, Russell Freedman Award for Nonfiction for a Better World, 2024
    Always Matt: A Tribute to Matthew Shepard
  • American Library Association Rainbow List, 2024
    The Fairest in the Land

2023

  • Advocate Person of the Year, 2023
  • Bookstagram Best Future Classic of 2023
    The Babka Sisters
  • Winner, Bookstagram Best of 2023
    The Babka Sisters
  • QSpirit Top 23 Best LGBTQ Christian Book of 2023
    Always Matt: A Tribute to Matthew Shepard
  • Nomination, Best of the Net 2023
    “The Passionate Lesbian To Her Cat”
  • Massachusetts Poetry Community Award, 2023
  • Finalist, Delaware Diamonds Elementary List, 2023 -2024
    Alicia and the Hurricane: A Story of Puerto Rico/Alicia y el huracán: Un cuento de Puerto Rico
  • Bank Street College of Education Best Children’s Picture Books of the Year in Spanish
    (2023 Edition) Starred Book
    Alicia and the Hurricane: A Story of Puerto Rico/Alicia y el huracán: Un cuento de Puerto Rico
  • Margaret Wise Brown Board Book List, 2023
    1-2-3 Cats

2022

  • Center for Multicultural Best Books of the Year List, 2022
    Alicia and the Hurricane: A Story of Puerto Rico/Alicia y el huracán: Un cuento de Puerto Rico
  • PJ Library Author Incentive Award, 2022
    The Babka Sisters
  • Book Riot Best Children’s Books of All Time, 2022
    Heather Has Two Mommies
  • Winner, Massachusetts Poetry Book Award Honor, 2022
    I Wish My Father
  • Junior Library Guild Selection, 2022
    Alicia and the Hurricane: A Story of Puerto Rico/Alicia y el huracán: Un cuento de Puerto Rico
  • Certificate of Excellence, Cat Writers Association, 2022
    1-2-3 Cats and A-B-C Cats
  • Finalist, Nina Riggs Poetry Award, 2022
    “The First Time We Visit”

2021

  • Charlotte Zolotow Highly Commended Book, 2021-2022
    Welcoming Elijah: A Passover Tale With A Tail
  • Finalist, Arkansas Diamond Primary Book Award, 2021-2022
    Gittel’s Journey: An Ellis Island Story
  • Bank Street Best Children’s Books of the Year, 2021
    1-2-3 Cats and A-B-C Cats
  • Nomination, Pushcart Prize, 2021
    “My Mother Is At The Bridge”
  • Finalist, American Book Fest Contemporary Poetry Award, 2021
    I Wish My Father
  • Bank Street College Best Books of the Year, 2021
    Remembering Ethan
  • Chicago Public Libraries Best Books of the Year List, 2021
    1-2-3 Cats
  • Kirkus Best 100 Picture Books of the Year List, 2021
    As Babies Dream
  • Kirkus Best Bedtime Books of the Year List, 2021
    As Babies Dream
  • Finalist, Foreword Indie Book of the Year Awards, 2021
    As Babies Dream

2020

  • National Jewish Book Award WinnerWinner, National Jewish Book Award, 2020
    Welcoming Elijah: A Passover Tale With A Tail
  • Certificate of Excellence, Cat Writers Association, 2020
    Welcoming Elijah: A Passover Tale With A Tail
  • Research for Readers Best Mentor Texts of the Year, 2020
    Welcoming Elijah: A Passover Tale With A Tail
  • Tablet Magazine Best Children’s Books of the Year, 2020
    Welcoming Elijah: A Passover Tale With A Tail
  • School Library Journal Holiday Books List, 2020
    Welcoming Elijah: A Passover Tale With A Tail
  • Winner, Northern Dawn Religious/Spiritual Children’s Book Award, 2020
    Welcoming Elijah: A Passover Tale with a Tail
  • Winner, Robinson Jeffers Tor House Poetry Awards, Honorable Mention, 2020
    “The First Time We Visit”
  • Massachusetts Center for the Book, “Must Read” Title, 2020
    Gittel’s Journey: An Ellis Island Story
  • Honorable Mention, Allen Ginsberg Poetry Awards, 2020
    “My Mother Is At The Bridge”
  • Bank Street College of Education Best Books of the Year, 2020
    Gittel’s Journey: An Ellis Island Story
  • Sydney Taylor Silver MedalWinner, Sydney Taylor Body of Work Award, 2020
  • Winner, Sydney Taylor Silver Medal, 2020
    Gittel’s Journey: An Ellis Island Story

2019

  • Finalist, International School of Beijing Panda Book Awards, 2019-2020
    Sparkle Boy
  • National Jewish Book Award WinnerWinner, National Jewish Book Award, 2019
    Gittel’s Journey: An Ellis Island Story
  • Wall Street Journal Top Ten Children’s Book of the Year, 2019
    Gittel’s Journey: An Ellis Island Story
  • Tablet Magazine Top Ten Children’s Book of the Year, 2019
    Gittel’s Journey: An Ellis Island Story
  • Washington Post Best Children’s Books of the Year List, 2019
    Gittel’s Journey: An Ellis Island Story
  • New York Public Library Best Children’s Books of the Year List, 2019
    Gittel’s Journey: An Ellis Island Story
  • A Mighty Girl’s Books of the Year List, 2019
    Gittel’s Journey: An Ellis Island Story

2018

  • Matthew Shepard Foundation Making A Difference Award, 2018
  • Honor Book, Massachusetts Book Award, 2018
    Sparkle Boy
  • Storytelling World Resource Awards Honor Book, 2018
    Sparkle Boy
  • Bank Street College of Education Best Books of the Year, 2018
    Sparkle Boy
  • Honor Book, Bank Street Center for Children’s Literature Irma Black Award, 2018
    Sparkle Boy
  • Winner, Missouri State Librarians Show Me Award, 2018
    Ketzel, The Cat Who Composed

2017

  • Greater Kansas City Association of School Librarians Great Kids Can Read Award, 2017-2018
    Ketzel, The Cat Who Composed
  • Finalist, Indiana Young Hoosier Book Award, 2017–2018
    Ketzel, The Cat Who Composed
  • Golden Crown Literary Society Lee Lynch Classic Award, 2017
    Heather Has Two Mommies
  • Abraham Lincoln Illinois High School Book Award Master List, 2017
    October Mourning: A Song for Matthew Shepard

2016

  • Finalist, Tillie Olsen Short Story Award, 2016
    “Mr. Clean”
  • Winner, Massachusetts Center for the Book “Must Read” Title, 2016
    I Carry My Mother
  • Winner, Massachusetts Book Award, 2016
    Ketzel, The Cat Who Composed
  • Winner, World Best Cat Litter-ary Award, 2016
    Ketzel, The Cat Who Composed
  • Winner, Cat Writers’ Association Muse Medallion for Best Children’s Book, 2016
    Ketzel, The Cat Who Composed
  • Winner, Golden Crown Literary Society (“Goldie”) Award, 2016
    I Carry My Mother
  • Pushcart Prize Nomination, 2016
    “I Carry My Mother”
  • Cooperative Children’s Book Center (CCBC) Choices, 2016
    Heather Has Two Mommies
  • Cooperative Children’s Book Center (CCBC) Choices, 2016
    Ketzel, The Cat Who Composed
  • Winner, American Jewish Library Association Sydney Taylor Award, 2016
    Ketzel, The Cat Who Composed

2015

  • Junior Library Guild Best Jewish Children’s Books, 2015
    Ketzel, The Cat Who Composed
  • Los Angeles Public Library List of Best Children’s Books, 2015
    Ketzel, The Cat Who Composed
  • School Library Journal’s Give the Gift of Music “Great Books” List, 2015
    Ketzel, The Cat Who Composed
  • All the Wonders Best Nonfiction Books, 2015
    Ketzel, The Cat Who Composed
  • The Sugarman Family Jewish Book Award, 2015
    My Name Is Aviva
  • Junior Library Guild Selection, 2015
    Ketzel, The Cat Who Composed

2014

  • Nominee, South Carolina Young Adult Book Award, 2014-2015
    October Mourning: A Song for Matthew Shepard
  • Nominee, Missouri Association of School Librarians Gateway Readers Award, 2014-2015
    October Mourning: A Song for Matthew Shepard
  • Finalist, Eliot Rosewater Indiana High School Award, 2014-2015
  • Finalist, New York State Reading Association Charlotte Book Award, 2014
    October Mourning: A Song for Matthew Shepard
  • Winner, Florida Council of Teachers of English Joan F. Kaywell Books Save Lives Award, 2014
    October Mourning: A Song for Matthew Shepard
  • Kentucky Bluegrass Award Master List, 2014
    October Mourning: A Song for Matthew Shepard
  • Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) Outstanding Books for the College Bound selection (Literature and Language Arts category) 2014
  • Texas Library Association TAYSHAS High School Reading List, 2014
    October Mourning: A Song for Matthew Shepard

2013

  • Featured Book, Diversity Author Series (Campus-Wide Read), Lawrence Academy, Groton, MA 2013-2014
    October Mourning: A Song for Matthew Shepard
  • Arkansas Teen Book Awards Young Adult List, 2013-2014
    October Mourning: A Song for Matthew Shepard
  • “Read On” Wisconsin Selection, 2013-2014
    October Mourning: A Song for Matthew Shepard
  • National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Notable Poetry List, 2013
    October Mourning: A Song for Matthew Shepard
  • Maine State Library “Cream of the Crop” Fiction List, 2013
    October Mourning: A Song for Matthew Shepard
  • Top Fifty Poem, Provincetown Outermost Poetry Contest, 2013
    “Teen Angels”
  • Bank Street College of Education Best Children’s Book of the Year List, 2013
    October Mourning: A Song for Matthew Shepard
  • Winner, International Reading Association Young Adults’ Choices Reading List, 2013
    October Mourning: A Song for Matthew Shepard
  • Massachusetts Book Awards “Must-Read” Book, 2013
    October Mourning: A Song for Matthew Shepard
  • Young Adult Library Services Association Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults, 2013
    October Mourning: A Song for Matthew Shepard
  • Audie Award, Multiple-Voice Performance Category, 2013
    October Mourning: A Song for Matthew Shepard
  • Finalist, Martin Luther King “Living the Dream” Book Award, 2013
    Donovan’s Big Day
  • Finalist, Provincetown Outermost Cape Poetry Contest, 2013
    “Teen Angels”
  • American Library Association Stonewall Honor Book, 2013
    October Mourning: A Song for Matthew Shepard
  • American Library Association LGBT Round Table Rainbow Book, 2013
    October Mourning: A Song for Matthew Shepard
  • Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People, 2013
    October Mourning: A Song for Matthew Shepard
  • Young Adult Library Services Association Best Fiction for Young Adults Book, 2013
    October Mourning: A Song for Matthew Shepard
  • Nominee, Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) Reader’s Choice List, 2013
    October Mourning: A Song for Matthew Shepard
  • Sydney Taylor Honor Book, 2013
    A Sweet Passover

2012

  • Campus Book-in Common Selection, Spalding University, 2012-2013
    October Mourning: A Song for Matthew Shepard
  • Nerdy Book Club Poetry Award, 2012
    October Mourning: A Song for Matthew Shepard
  • Poetry Foundation Children’s Poet Laureate Pick November 2012
    October Mourning: A Song for Matthew Shepard
  • Starred Review, Booklist, September 15, 2012
    October Mourning: A Song for Matthew Shepard
  • Audiofile Earphones Award, 2012
    October Mourning: A Song for Matthew Shepard (audiobook)
  • Finalist, Dog Writers Association Maxwell Medallion Award, 2012
    I Remember: Hachiko Speaks

2011

  • Winner, Voices of Youth Award (VOYA) Skokie Public Library, Skokie, IL 2011
    Hachiko Waits
  • Winner, Bluestem Illinois Readers Choice Award, 2011
    Hachiko Waits

2010

  • Second Runner Up, Solstice Literary Journal Poetry Prize, 2010
    “Poem for Two Dogs Hanged in Salem, Massachusetts, 1692”
  • Finalist, ForeWord Reviews Book of the Year, General Fiction Category, 2010
    The Reluctant Daughter
  • Hachamat Lev Award, 2010
    Awarded by Keshet Foundation “For enduring commitment to justice and full inclusion for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people in the Jewish community and beyond.”
  • American Library Association Notable Children’s Books 2010
    Mommy, Mama, and Me
  • American Library Association Stonewall Book Awards 2010
    Honor Books: Mommy, Mama, and Me; Daddy, Papa, and Me
  • American Library Association Rainbow List of GLBT Books for Children and Teens
    Mommy, Mama, and Me; Daddy, Papa, and Me
  • Cooperative Children’s Book Center (CCBC) Choices 2010
    Mommy, Mama, and Me; Daddy, Papa, and Me

2009

  • Certificate of Excellence, Cat Writers of America, 2009
    “Old Girl”
  • Muse Medallion, Cat Writers of American 2009
    “Old Girl”
  • Certificate of Excellence, Dog Writers Association of America
    “Mon Ami”
  • Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Best Book Award, 2009
    Mommy, Mama, and Me; Daddy, Papa, and Me
  • Burning Bush Poetry Award, 2009
    “What the Angel Really Said”
  • Quill and Ink Poetry Award, 2009
    Awarded by the Florence Poets Society, Florence, MA

2008

  • Poet Laureate of Northampton, Massachusetts, 2008

2007

  • Nominee, Young Hoosier Book Award, Intermediate Category, 2007-2008
    Hachiko Waits
  • Nominee, Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Book Award, 2007
    Hachiko Waits
  • Finalist, Sow Ear’s Poetry Review Competition, 2007
    “Jewish Tradition”
  • Semi-Finalist, Pablo Neruda Prize for Poetry, Nimrod: An International Journal of Poetry and Prose, 2007
    “The Woodgatherer Speaks”
  • Semi-Finalist, National Literary Awards, Salem College Women’s Center, Winston-Salem, NC, 2007
    “Mother”

2006

  • Nominee, West Virginia Children’s Book Award, 2006-2007
    Hachiko Waits
  • Volunteer State Book Award Master List, 2006-2007
    Hachiko Waits
  • Continuing the Legacy of Stonewall Award, presented by the University of Massachusetts Stonewall Center, 2006
  • ALA Amelia Bloomer List of Feminist Titles for Young Readers, 2006
    A Fire Engine for Ruthie
  • Finalist, Reader/Selector List for Show Me Readers Award (Missouri Association of School Librarians), 2006
    The Best Cat in the World
  • Nomination, Best Book for Young Adults, 2006
    Jailbait
  • Nomination, Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, 2006
    Jailbait
  • Nomination, Great Lakes’ Great Book Award, 2006
    Hachiko Waits

2005

  • Winner, Emphasis on Reading Alabama’s Children’s Choice Book Award Program, 2005-2006
    Hachiko Waits
  • Kiriyama Prize Notable Book, 2005
    Hachiko Waits
  • Bank Street College of Education, Best Children’s Books of the Year 2005
    Hachiko Waits
  • Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List, 2005
    Hachiko Waits
  • ASPCA Henry Bergh Honor Book, 2005
    Hachiko Waits
  • Children’s Book Council & International Reading Assoc. Children’s Choices List, 2005
    The Best Cat in the World
  • Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Best Book, Gold Seal Award, 2005
    A Fire Engine for Ruthie

2004

  • Muse Medallion, Cat Writers Association, 2004
    The Best Cat in the World
  • Booksense Pick of the List, fall 2004
    Hachiko Waits
  • Certificate of Excellence, Cat Writers Association, 2004
    The Best Cat in the World
  • Booksense Pick of the List, Spring/Summer 2004
    The Boy Who Cried Fabulous
  • Seal of Approval, National Parenting Center, 2004
    The Boy Who Cried Fabulous

2003

  • Finalist, Sue Saniel Elkind Poetry Contest, 2003
    The Last Word
  • Nomination, Pushcart Prize, 2003
    Nominated by the poet, Antler
  • Honorable Mention, The Arch and Bruce Brown Foundation, 2003
    A Letter to Harvey Milk

2002

  • Association of Jewish Libraries Notable Book for Young Readers, 2002
    Runaway Dreidel!
  • Finalist, Lambda Literary Awards, Romance Category, 2002
    She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not
  • Finalist, Lambda Literary Awards, Anthology Category, 2002
    Bedroom Eyes: Stories of Lesbians in the Boudoir
  • Finalist, Lambda Literary Awards, Children’s Book Category, 2002
    Felicia’s Favorite Story

2001

  • American Booksellers Association Pick of the Lists, Picture Books, 2001
    Cats, Cats, Cats!

2000

  • Finalist, Lambda Literary Award, Lesbian Poetry Category, 2000
    Signs of Love
  • Grant Recipient, Money for Women/Barbara Deming Memorial Fund, Inc., 2000
    Awarded on the basis of the short story, “Keeping a Breast”
  • Winner, Americus Review Poetry Contest, 2000
    “The Politics of Buddy”
  • Nomination, Pushcart Prize, 2000
    Nominated by the poet, Antler

1995-1999

  • First Place Winner, Vice Versa Awards for Excellence in the Gay and Lesbian Press, Humor Category, 1999
    “Cher Heaven”
  • Induction, Jericho High School Hall of Fame, 1999
  • Finalist, Lambda Literary Awards, Poetry Category, 1998
    The Little Butch Book
  • Finalist, Small Press Book Awards, 1998
    Out of the Closet and Nothing to Wear
  • Nomination, Pushcart Prize, 1998
    Nominated by the poet, Antler, for poems from Still Life with Buddy
  • Finalist, Iowa Teen Award, 1997-1998
    Fat Chance
  • Poetry Fellowship, National Endowment for the Arts, 1997
    Awarded on the basis of a selection from Still Life with Buddy
  • Books for the Teen Age, 1996
    A Loving Testimony: Remembering Loved Ones Lost to AIDS
    Selected by Office of Young Adult Services, The New York Public Library
  • Community Services Award, 1995
    Presented by the Massachusetts Lesbian and Gay Political Caucus
  • Finalist, Lambda Literary Award, Anthology Category, 1995
    A Loving Testimony: Remembering Loved Ones Lost to AIDS
  • Gemini Award, Best Short Drama 1995
    Spoken Word: “A Letter to Harvey Milk”
    Presented by The Canadian Academy of Film and Television

1990-1994

  • Finalist, Lambda Literary Award, Children’s Book Category, 1994
    Saturday Is Pattyday
  • Silver Award, The Parents’ Choice Foundation, 1994
    Fat Chance
  • James Baldwin Award For Cultural Achievement, 1993
    awarded by The Greater Boston Area Lesbian/Gay Political Alliance
  • Winner, Highlights For Children Fiction Writing Contest, 1992
    Remember That
  • Author of the Month: Highlights For Children, December 1992
    Remember That
  • Finalist, Lambda Literary Award, Children’s Book Category, 1992
    Gloria Goes To Gay Pride
  • Winner, Best Narrative Film, Ann Arbor Film Festival, 1990
    “A Letter to Harvey Milk”, Produced by Yariv Cohen
  • Finalist, Lambda Literary Award, Children’s Book Category, 1990
    Heather Has Two Mommies

1980s

  • Poetry Fellowship, Massachusetts Artist Foundation, 1989
    awarded on the basis of a selection of poems
  • Commendation, National Poetry Competition, 1988
    sponsored by the Chester H. Jones Foundation: “What Good”
  • Second Place Finalist, 1987 Raymond Carver Short Story Competition, 1987
    “Something to Pass the Time”
  • Honorable Mention, Urban Arts in Transit Competition 1987
    “Songs for Ten Scallops”
  • Runner Up, American Poetry Association Love Poem Competition, 1987
    “Love after love after love after love and finally”