Susan Patron, author of Newbery-winner The Higher Power of Lucky, has written this response to the Newbery kerfuffle in today's LA Times.
By relating her own childhood connection to Newbery books, she makes an important point. Every child reacts differently to every book; what makes one child shrug and walk away might change another child's life. Newbery winners, being distinguished by fine and often powerful writing, have all the more potential to become part of the heart and soul of a child who reads and connects with them. And some kids prefer Junie B. Jones or Captain Underpants or manga. And some read it all! That's fine - that's why librarians purchase all sorts of books. There is room on our library shelves for all of it.
I'll be tuning in bright and early on Monday, January 26 to hear what those worthy and hard-working award committees have chosen. Can't wait!!
I agree with Patron and I think what holds true for the Newbery is true for all awards ( the National Book Prize, The Booker etc.) - the secret is in the shorts. Yes, Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! is a winner in 2008. And there is Woodson's Feathers.
ReplyDeleteThe Higher Power of Lucky by Susan Patron in 2007 and Lord's Rules and Penny from Heaven (Jennifer L. Holm)
Criss Cross by Lynne Rae Perkins in 2006 - again Woodson with Show Way
2005 Medal Winner: Kira-Kira by Cynthia Kadohata and Al Capone Does My Shirts by Choldenko
and The Voice that Challenged a Nation: Marian Anderson and the Struggle for Equal Rights" by Freedman
Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy by Schmidt
2004 - Dicamillo 's The Tale of Despereaux and Olive's Ocean
Crispin: The Cross of Lead by Avi in 2003 and Hoot by Hiaasen and A Corner of The Universe by Martin
A Year Down Yonder by Peck in 2001 and Creech 's The Wanderer
and Hope is Here by Joan Bauer and again DiCamillo with Because of Winn-Dixie
2000 - Bud, Not Buddy by Curtis and Getting Near to Baby by Couloumbis
1999- Holes by Sachar and again Peck with A Long Way from Chicago
and list goes on.
More to love...
Genie