The Arrow and the Lamp, the Story of Psyche. Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies. National Council for the Social Studies and Children's Book Council, 1989.

Buried Moon. 1990 Parents' Choice Honor for Story Books ; Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Science by the Children's Book Council, 1990.

The Fire Bringer. A.L.A. Notable Children's Books, 1972. ; NCSS-CBS Notable Children's Trade Books in the Field of Social Studies, 1973.

The Gorgon's Head. Society of Illustrators, Citation of Merit, 1972.

The Hatching of Joshua Cobb. The Best in Children's Books: The University of Chicago Guide to Children's Literature, 1966-1972. University of Chicago Press, 1973.

The Hero of Bremen. Kentucky Bluegrass Award. Picture Book Division, 1995 ; Texas Bluebonnet Award, 1996.

Hidden in Sand. Bank Street School Best Books of 1994; American Booksellers Association Pick of the List, 1994.

Lady Queen Anne. Junior Literary Guide Selection, 1969.; Best Book for Young Adults by Indiana Author, 1970.

Making a Difference, the Story of an American Family. ALA Best Books for Young Adults, 1989.

The Making of Joshua Cobb. Outstanding Juvenile Books, 1971. New York Times.; The Best in Children's Books: The University of Chicago Guide to Children's Literature, 1966-1972. University of Chicago Press, 1973.

Of Swords and Sorcerers Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies, Children's Book Council, 1994. ; Children's Center of the Library of Congress "Books for Children 1994."

Saint George and the Dragon. 1985 Caldecott Medal Winner, A.L.A.; Pennsylvania Library Association Carolyn W. Field Award; Best Book for Children by Pennsylvania Author, 1985; Keystone State Reading Association. Keystone to Reading Book Award, 1985.

Silent Night, the Song and Its Story. American Bookseller Pick of the Lists, 1997.

St. Jerome and the Lion. A.L.A. Notable Children's Books, 1991.

The True Tale of Johnny Appleseed. Parenting Magazine Certificate of Excellence, 1997.

The Wave. Runner up for Caldecott Award, 1964; Silver Medal -- Bienal in Brazil, 1965; 10 Best Picture Books of the Year -- New York Times; A.L.A. Children's Services Division, Notable Children's Books.; The Best of the Best. Catalogs of the International Youth Library. Bowker, 1971 (in German).

Vassar College, Graduate with honors, 1932.

Carnegie Staff Scholarship, 1956-1958.

Elected member of Distinguished Daughters of Pennsylvania, 1970.

Foremost Women in Communications. Bowker, 1970.

Something About The Author, v.1. Gale, 1971.

John G. Bowman Memorial Grant for Research Abroad, University of Pittsburgh, 1974.

Named Distinguished Alumna, Carnegie Library School and GSLIS, 1976.

Outstanding Pennsylvania Author of Children's Books. PA School Librarians Assn., 1977.

Fourth Book of Junior Authors & Illustrators. Wilson, 1978.

Contemporary Authors, v.1. New Revision Series. Gale, 1981.

Directory of American Scholars. v.2. 8th Edition. Bowker, 1982.

International Authors and Writers Who's Who, 1982.

University of Pittsburgh Bicentennial Medallion of Distinction, 1987.

Who's Who in America, 45th ed. 1988-89.

Margaret Hodges Scholarship established, School of Library and Information Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, 1989.

Twenty-First Anniversary Dinner of Storytellers Unlimited Honor, Greentree Marriott, September 23, 1990.

First Annual Pennbook Honor, State Museum of Pennsylvania, October 15, 1990.

Citation and key to the city, Evansville, Indiana, April 9, 1992.

Citation from Governor Birch Bayh, State of Indiana, April 27, 1992.

Distinguished Hoosier Award, State of Indiana, April 27, 1992.

Distinguished Alumna Award, Park Tudor School, Indianapolis, IN, April 28, 1992.

Who's Who of American Women, 1977-78 - 1994.

Hope Dean Award, Foundation for Children's Books, May 2002.

Doctor of Humane Letters Honorary Degree, Point Park College, May 2003.

Junior League of Pittsburgh Honor, Fall Book and Author Event, November 2003.