Who became the first author to win a second Newbery Medal in 1960?

Joseph Krumgold became the first author to win a second Newbery Medal in 1960.

Krumgold’s first Newbery came in 1954 for And Now Miguel, a novel about a New Mexican boy who longs to participate in his family’s sheep-herding tradition. Six years later, he won again for Onion John, making him the first repeat recipient in the award’s history.

Onion John follows Andy Rusch, a boy whose friendship with an eccentric immigrant challenges his assumptions about family, community, and belonging. The book’s setting in a small New Jersey town helped establish Krumgold’s reputation for humane, realistic stories about young people.

Later repeat winners include Elizabeth George Speare, Katherine Paterson, Lois Lowry, E. L. Konigsburg, and Kate DiCamillo. A Newbery Honor is not the same as a second Medal: Krumgold’s distinction specifically refers to winning the top award twice.