This time last year, I was starting the year of reading for Newbery with certain expectations.
As with everything in 2020, things didn't go exactly as planned. In-person meetings became Zoom meetings. Who knows what the planned celebration in June will look like?
But some things were exactly as planned: reading and rereading a ton of books. Rereading the rules and figuring out what "distinguished" means. Persuading, and being open to being persuaded. Becoming friends with the people on my committee.
And one big, unexpected bonus: being on the Newbery gave me a focus during this year. Now that it's over, I guess it's time to make a sourdough starter.
Oh, what did we pick?
2021 Medal Winner
“Keller’s riveting tale about the power of stories can help readers embrace the tiger within themselves—by displaying their strength and courage when necessary,” said Newbery Medal Committee Chair Dr. Jonda C. McNair.
2021 Honor Books
Soontornvat skillfully describes the dramatic real-life rescue of the Thai Boys’ soccer team in 2018 by highlighting the teamwork of the cave divers and the drilling and medical teams which were crucial for the survival of the coach and the twelve boys. All Thirteen exemplifies superb narrative nonfiction writing.
Weatherford masterfully recounts the true story of Henry “Box” Brown, who shipped himself to freedom in a box. All 51 poems, with the exception of one, are sixains—representing the six sides of a box. The poems are filled with emotional intensity and have implications for the present day.
Link to the ALSC webpage with the announcements, where I got the descriptions from: Welcome to the Newbery Medal Home Page.
The ALA Press Release for the 2021 Youth Media Awards
Tae Keller, Michaela Goade win Newbery, Caldecott Medals Press Release from ALA
© Elizabeth Burns of A Chair, A Fireplace & A Tea Cozy
No comments:
Post a Comment