It wasn’t just readers who were mesmerized by the novel. Barnes and Noble took note quickly, and it’s now named The Secret Astronomers as the 2026 Barnes and Noble Best YA Book. It beat out some tough competition, going up against the likes of A Stage Set for Villains by Shannon J. Spann and Thorn Season by Kiera Azar.
The Secret Astronomers is a novel that captures the hearts of many, bringing a story of secret correspondence and the friendship that forms from it. A recent transfer student decides to keep her diary in one of the oldest textbooks at the school library. At no point did she think that anyone would find it, and then suddenly, she receives a response, and the two start to communicate in secret, bringing long-buried secrets to light.
Courtesy of VikingThe novel itself is a form of mixed-media, and it even has pages from an actual ancient astrophysics textbook, very much like the story itself. The entire story is told through hand-drawn illustrations, sticky note messages, annotations in the margins, and much more, creating a one-of-a-kind reading experience that everyone should see.
Appalachia is at the heart of the story, a region often misunderstood and shrouded in mystery and folklore. Walker uses her own life experience to bring an authentic portrayal, opening the region to us to help us understand the two main characters much more.
When speaking of the Barnes and Noble award, Tamar Brazis, Vice President & Publisher of Viking shared, “Viking Books Children’s Books is so proud that Barnes & Noble has recognized The Secret Astronomers with such an honor. Jessica Walker’s wholly original book has attracted a new audience of readers with its innovative approach to art, design, and storytelling.”
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