Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, 2023
Nominated for the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, 2014 – 2024, by the Children’s Writers and Illustrators Group, Society of Authors UK
Nominated for 2008 Hans Christian Andersen Award by the South African branch of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY SA)
Beverley Naidoo Honorary Doctorates
University of Exeter (D Litt), 2007
The Open University (D Univ), 2003 – Citation
University of Southampton (D Litt), 2002 – Citation
Awards for books
The Big Issue, Kids’ Books of the Year 2022 for 11+
UKLA Book Awards 2024 Longlist 11-14+
Nominated for Yoto Carnegie Medal for Writing 2024
Who is King?
African Studies Association Children’s Africana Best Book for Older Readers, USA 2016
Aesop’s Fables
USBBY (Board on Books for Young People) Outstanding International Books, USA 2012
Parents’ Choice Silver Award, USA 2011
S is for South Africa
African Studies Association Children’s Africana Honor Book for Young Children, USA 2011
Burn My Heart
International Reading Association Notable Book for a Global Society, 2010
African Studies Association Children’s Africana Book Award (Honor Book Older Readers), USA 2010
ALA Booklist Youth Editors’ Choice and Top 10 Historical Fiction for Youth, USA 2009
New York Public Library’s 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing, USA 2009
Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Books, USA 2009
The Playground
Time Out Critics’ Choice 2004: Best Plays for Children and Young People.
Web of Lies
The New York Public Library – Books for the Teen Age 2007
The Other Side of Truth
Sankei Children’s Book Award, Japan 2003
International Board on Books for Young People Honour Book, 2002
Jane Addams Book Award (older children category), USA 2002
American Library Association Booklist Top of the List, USA 2001
A Best Book for Young Adults American Library Association, USA 2001
Notable Children’s Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies, USA 2001
Smarties Book Prize Silver Medal, UK 2000
Carnegie Medal, UK 2000
Arts Council Writer’s Award for work-in-progress, UK 1999
Out of Bounds
A Best Book for Young Adults, American Library Association, USA 2004
Riverbank Review Children’s Book of Distinction, USA 2004
Jane Addams Peace Association Book Award for Older Children, USA 2004
African Studies Association Children’s Africana Book Award (Older Readers), USA 2004
Parents’ Choice Silver Honor Award, USA 2003
No Turning Back
African Studies Association Children’s Book Award for Older Readers, USA 1998
International Reading Association Teachers’ Choices, USA 1998
Josette Frank Award (Child Study Children’s Book Committee Award), USA 1998
Notable Children’s Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies, USA 1998
Book Trust 100 Best Books, UK 1997
The Guardian Children’s Fiction Award, UK shortlist 1996
Smarties Prize for Children’s Books, UK shortlist 1995
Chain of Fire
‘Vlag en Wimpel’ Award, Holland 1991
Best Books for Young Adults list American Library Association, USA 1991
Notable Children’s Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies, USA 1990
Carnegie Medal, UK shortlist 1990
Smarties Prize for Children’s Books, UK shortlist 1989
Journey to Jo’burg
Parents’ Choice Honor Book for Paperback Literature, USA 1988
Notable Children’s Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies, USA 1986
Child Study Children’s Book Committee Award, USA 1986
The Other Award, UK 1985
