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March suggestions: early Mock Newbery possibilities

March 13, 2023 by Emily Mroczek-Bayci

Sixteen titles have been suggested as Mock Newbery 2024 contenders. Keep reading and we'll open suggestions again in April.

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Recent Posts

March Forward: Heavy Medal 2024 Mock Newbery Suggestions

We're 10 months away from the 2024 Newbery Medal announcement, but it's never too soon to start reading. If you've read any early 2023 publications that might have a chance at the Medal, add your suggestions to our monthly list between now and March 13th.

READ FULL POST »

What’s Coming in 2023, A Feedback Poll, and Goodbye for Now…

With the announcement of FREEWATER as the 2023 Newbery Medal winner, our Mock Newbery season is complete. Help us plan next year with our Readers' Feedback Poll and take a look at our early list of possible contenders for the 2024 Newbery Award.

READ FULL POST »

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Final Nomination List: 68 possible contenders for the 2023 Newbery Medal

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Who Will Win? 2023 Newbery Predictions

FREEWATER wins the Newbery Medal, live reactions from Heavy Medal bloggers

March suggestions: early Mock Newbery possibilities

March Forward: Heavy Medal 2024 Mock Newbery Suggestions

What’s Coming in 2023, A Feedback Poll, and Goodbye for Now…

Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Readers’ Poll Results

Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Webcast Results

Cast Your Vote in the Heavy Medal Reader’s Poll

Heavy Medal 2023 Mock Newbery: FINAL FIVE CONTENDERS

Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Finalist: THE LAST MAPMAKER by Christina Soontornvat

Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Finalist: BERRY SONG by Michaela Goade

Mock Newbery Finalist: ATTACK OF THE BLACK RECTANGLES by Amy Sarig King

Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Finalist: AIN’T BURNED ALL THE BRIGHT By Jason Reynolds

Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Finalist: AVIVA VS. THE DYBBUK by Mari Lowe

Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Finalist: VIOLET AND JOBIE IN THE WILD by Lynn Rae Perkins

Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Finalist: THE DOOR OF NO RETURN by Kwame Alexander

Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Finalist: MARSHMALLOW CLOUDS by Ted Kooser and Connie Wanek

Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Finalist: THE OGRESS AND THE ORPHANS by Kelly Barnhill

Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Finalist: FARMHOUSE by Sophie Blackall

Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Finalist: HOW TO BUILD A HUMAN by Pamela S. Turner

Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Finalist: A ROVER’S STORY by Jasmine Warga

Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Finalist: SWIM TEAM by Johnnie Christmas

Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Finalist: I MUST BETRAY YOU by Ruta Sepetys

Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Finalist: BLUE: A HISTORY OF THE COLOR AS DEEP AS THE SEA AND AS WIDE AS THE SKY by Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond

Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Finalist: BLACK BIRD, BLUE ROAD by Sofiya Pasternack

The Final Month: Newbery Committee Inside Insights

Maizy Chen’s Last Chance: A Practice Discussion

A Question of Style: Newbery Criteria Deep Dive

Meet the 2023 Mock Newbery Heavy Medal Award Committee

The Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Book Discussion Schedule

The Tough Goodbyes: Books Left off the Heavy Medal Book List

Looking at the Lists:  A round-up of the “Best Children’s Books of the Year” lists

Calling all Mock Newbery Enthusiasts: Join the 2023 Heavy Medal Award Committee

What books should be on our 2023 Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Book List?

Sensing the Setting: Newbery Criteria Deep Dive

What About All That Buzz?: Newbery Committee Inside Insights

Final Call for Mock Newbery Nominations: Select two final books for December

How to Pick the Last Two:  Ideas and Strategies for the Final Mock Newbery Nomination

Battle of the Books: Compare/ Contrast Two Newbery Contenders

OGRESS vs. MAPMAKER: Battle of the Fantasies

Friendship isn’t easy but readers are: an Easy Reader for Newbery 2023?

Marshmallows, Wordplay, and a School Garden: Poetry Collections for Newbery Medal Consideration

The Early Six: The half-dozen books that will definitely be part of our Heavy Medal Book List

Early Chapter Books: Short, Sweet, but Enough for Newbery 2023?

Talking About Theme: Newbery Criteria Deep Dive

Graphic Novels + Middle School: A Newbery Medal Combination?

Two More Titles: November Nomination Time

That’s Classified: Newbery Committee Inside Insights

A Look Ahead:  The Heavy Medal Award Committee, the Final Book List, and the Selection of the Mock Newbery Winner

Picture Book Palooza: 32 page Newbery 2023 Contenders

Newbery Criteria Deep Dive:  Presentation of Information

Looking Backwards: Mock Newbery Historical Fiction Contenders

Mock Newbery Fantasy Contenders: Mapmaker, Ogress and Windswept

The Plot Thickens: Newbery Criteria Deep Dive

Mock Newbery Nomination Surprises: SWIM TEAM and LOVE IN THE LIBRARY

October Nomination Results: a mapmaker’s apprentice, the Romanian revolution, and human evolution lead the way

Don’t forget the little titles! One Suggestion Contenders

Riots, Revolts, Racism: Historical Fiction and 2023 Mock Newbery Candidates

The Stakes Have Risen: It’s Nomination Season

Newbery Committee Inside Insights: How members organize, store, track, and evaluate hundreds of books in a year

#Readmore #Readsmarter How are we doing? What are we missing?

One Plus / One Minus: Name the strengths and weaknesses of Newbery contenders

Newbery Criteria Deep Dive: Delineation of Characters

New Kids in Town:  Mock Newbery books about leaving one place for another

NBA Longlist vs. HM Longlist… Battle of the Awards?!

Early Year Favorites: Ogresses, Betrayal and Love

If You Had to Pick a Pair: Share your top 2 Newbery contenders so far

Mock Newbery Favorites So Far: Take our “Beginning of the Year Check-In” Survey and join the discussion of current front-runners

Meet Steven & Emily: Your Heavy Medal Hosts

Heavy Medal’s 2023 Mock Newbery: A Look Ahead

It’s the Final Suggestions

And now there are 70 Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Suggestions

Adding to the Mock Newbery List: Submit your August suggestions

Continuing the Mock Newbery Process: Time for July Suggestions

Time for June Suggestions

Many May Suggestions: First Quarter Mock Newbery Possibilities

Let’s Make Some May Suggestions!

Doubling the titles: April Heavy Medal Suggestions

Looking Ahead to the 2023 Newbery Medal

Mid-Summer Update: 63 titles on our Mock Newbery list

A Good Kind of Trouble by Lisa Moore Ramee.

FREEWATER wins the Newbery Medal, live reactions from Heavy Medal bloggers

Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Readers’ Poll Results

Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Webcast Results

March suggestions: early Mock Newbery possibilities

March Forward: Heavy Medal 2024 Mock Newbery Suggestions

What’s Coming in 2023, A Feedback Poll, and Goodbye for Now…

Who Will Win? 2023 Newbery Predictions

Cast Your Vote in the Heavy Medal Reader’s Poll

Heavy Medal 2023 Mock Newbery: FINAL FIVE CONTENDERS

Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Finalist: THE LAST MAPMAKER by Christina Soontornvat

Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Finalist: BERRY SONG by Michaela Goade

Mock Newbery Finalist: ATTACK OF THE BLACK RECTANGLES by Amy Sarig King

Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Finalist: AIN’T BURNED ALL THE BRIGHT By Jason Reynolds

Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Finalist: AVIVA VS. THE DYBBUK by Mari Lowe

Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Finalist: VIOLET AND JOBIE IN THE WILD by Lynn Rae Perkins

Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Finalist: THE DOOR OF NO RETURN by Kwame Alexander

Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Finalist: MARSHMALLOW CLOUDS by Ted Kooser and Connie Wanek

Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Finalist: THE OGRESS AND THE ORPHANS by Kelly Barnhill

Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Finalist: FARMHOUSE by Sophie Blackall

Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Finalist: HOW TO BUILD A HUMAN by Pamela S. Turner

Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Finalist: A ROVER’S STORY by Jasmine Warga

Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Finalist: SWIM TEAM by Johnnie Christmas

Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Finalist: I MUST BETRAY YOU by Ruta Sepetys

Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Finalist: BLUE: A HISTORY OF THE COLOR AS DEEP AS THE SEA AND AS WIDE AS THE SKY by Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond

Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Finalist: BLACK BIRD, BLUE ROAD by Sofiya Pasternack

The Final Month: Newbery Committee Inside Insights

Maizy Chen’s Last Chance: A Practice Discussion

A Question of Style: Newbery Criteria Deep Dive

Meet the 2023 Mock Newbery Heavy Medal Award Committee

The Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Book Discussion Schedule

The Tough Goodbyes: Books Left off the Heavy Medal Book List

2023 Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Book List

Looking at the Lists:  A round-up of the “Best Children’s Books of the Year” lists

Calling all Mock Newbery Enthusiasts: Join the 2023 Heavy Medal Award Committee

What books should be on our 2023 Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Book List?

Final Nomination List: 68 possible contenders for the 2023 Newbery Medal

Sensing the Setting: Newbery Criteria Deep Dive

What About All That Buzz?: Newbery Committee Inside Insights

Final Call for Mock Newbery Nominations: Select two final books for December

How to Pick the Last Two:  Ideas and Strategies for the Final Mock Newbery Nomination

Battle of the Books: Compare/ Contrast Two Newbery Contenders

OGRESS vs. MAPMAKER: Battle of the Fantasies

Friendship isn’t easy but readers are: an Easy Reader for Newbery 2023?

Marshmallows, Wordplay, and a School Garden: Poetry Collections for Newbery Medal Consideration

The Early Six: The half-dozen books that will definitely be part of our Heavy Medal Book List

Early Chapter Books: Short, Sweet, but Enough for Newbery 2023?

The Results Are In! Here’s our updated list of Heavy Medal Mock Newbery nominations

Talking About Theme: Newbery Criteria Deep Dive

Graphic Novels + Middle School: A Newbery Medal Combination?

Two More Titles: November Nomination Time

That’s Classified: Newbery Committee Inside Insights

A Look Ahead:  The Heavy Medal Award Committee, the Final Book List, and the Selection of the Mock Newbery Winner

Picture Book Palooza: 32 page Newbery 2023 Contenders

Newbery Criteria Deep Dive:  Presentation of Information

Looking Backwards: Mock Newbery Historical Fiction Contenders

Mock Newbery Fantasy Contenders: Mapmaker, Ogress and Windswept

The Plot Thickens: Newbery Criteria Deep Dive

Mock Newbery Nomination Surprises: SWIM TEAM and LOVE IN THE LIBRARY

October Nomination Results: a mapmaker’s apprentice, the Romanian revolution, and human evolution lead the way

Don’t forget the little titles! One Suggestion Contenders

Riots, Revolts, Racism: Historical Fiction and 2023 Mock Newbery Candidates

The Stakes Have Risen: It’s Nomination Season

Newbery Committee Inside Insights: How members organize, store, track, and evaluate hundreds of books in a year

#Readmore #Readsmarter How are we doing? What are we missing?

One Plus / One Minus: Name the strengths and weaknesses of Newbery contenders

Newbery Criteria Deep Dive: Delineation of Characters

New Kids in Town:  Mock Newbery books about leaving one place for another

NBA Longlist vs. HM Longlist… Battle of the Awards?!

Early Year Favorites: Ogresses, Betrayal and Love

If You Had to Pick a Pair: Share your top 2 Newbery contenders so far

Mock Newbery Favorites So Far: Take our “Beginning of the Year Check-In” Survey and join the discussion of current front-runners

Meet Steven & Emily: Your Heavy Medal Hosts

Heavy Medal’s 2023 Mock Newbery: A Look Ahead

85 Books to Consider: Mock Newbery Suggestions Updated

It’s the Final Suggestions

And now there are 70 Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Suggestions

Adding to the Mock Newbery List: Submit your August suggestions

Continuing the Mock Newbery Process: Time for July Suggestions

Mock Newbery Update – Our List of First Half Suggestions

Time for June Suggestions

Many May Suggestions: First Quarter Mock Newbery Possibilities

Let’s Make Some May Suggestions!

Doubling the titles: April Heavy Medal Suggestions

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Recent Comments

Mar 16, 2023

Emily Mroczek on March suggestions: early Mock Newbery possibilities

"oops that was just me double posting! my bad! ..."

Mar 14, 2023

Dana on March suggestions: early Mock Newbery possibilities

"A Crown for Corina is on this list in two different spots, so perhaps it has two nominations as well? ..."

Mar 10, 2023

Jennifer on March Forward: Heavy Medal 2024 Mock Newbery Suggestions

"You Are Here: Connecting Flights by Ellen Oh (editor) ..."

Mar 7, 2023

Lisa Levin on March Forward: Heavy Medal 2024 Mock Newbery Suggestions

"It Happened on Saturday by Sydney Dunlap ..."

Mar 6, 2023

Jenny A on March Forward: Heavy Medal 2024 Mock Newbery Suggestions

"FOR LAMB by Lesa Cline-Ransome: this is definitely YA but if we considered I MUST BETRAY YOU last year, then I think thi ..."

Mar 6, 2023

Steven Engelfried on March Forward: Heavy Medal 2024 Mock Newbery Suggestions

"For another fun early look at this year's titles, check out SLJ's "101 Scope Notes," where Travis Jonker has posted his ..."

Mar 6, 2023

Steven Engelfried on March Forward: Heavy Medal 2024 Mock Newbery Suggestions

"ALL THE BEATING HEARTS by Julie Fogliano AN AMERICAN STORY by Kwame Alexander SIMON SORT OF SAYS by Erin Bow: I seco ..."

Mar 6, 2023

Lynne Johnson on March Forward: Heavy Medal 2024 Mock Newbery Suggestions

"In Emily’s spirit of picture book consideration I suggest: My Red, White, and Blue by Alana Tyson That Flag by Tame ..."

Mar 6, 2023

Emily Mroczek-Bayci on March Forward: Heavy Medal 2024 Mock Newbery Suggestions

"I promised to consider more picture books this year so here we are: Once Upon a Book by Grace Lin and Kate Messner Lov ..."

Feb 22, 2023

Michael T. Clark on FREEWATER wins the Newbery Medal, live reactions from Heavy Medal bloggers

"I’m in the middle of reading Freewater now and have a question for those who have. When the Mistress of the house writ ..."

Feb 21, 2023

Steven Engelfried on What’s Coming in 2023, A Feedback Poll, and Goodbye for Now…

"I think you're right, Travis. She definitely lives in Canada, and her website refers to her as "Canadian," so we'll need ..."

Feb 21, 2023

Travis Greene on What’s Coming in 2023, A Feedback Poll, and Goodbye for Now…

"Is Grace of Wild Things eligible, having a Canadian author? ..."

Book Discussion

Who Will Win? 2023 Newbery Predictions

s we narrow down our Heavy Medal Mock list and prepare for our Zoom conversation, the 2023 Newbery committee is also rereading titles before their big discussions. Steven and Emily touched base to determine their predictions and would love to hear yours.

Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Finalist: THE LAST MAPMAKER by Christina Soontornvat

In 2021 Chirstina Soontornvat won Newbery Honor for two different books. Her latest novel, THE LAST MAPMAKER, could be a contender for the 2023 award. Join our discussion of the last of the 16 titles on our Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Book List.

Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Finalist: BERRY SONG by Michaela Goade

BERRY SONG, the newest picture book from Michaela Goade, is "a symphony of words," according to Heavy Medal Award Committee member Gabrielle Stoller. Does the winner of the 2021 Caldecott Medal have a chance to win the 2023 Newbery?

See More Like This »

More Recent Posts

FREEWATER wins the Newbery Medal, live reactions from Heavy Medal bloggers

January 30, 2023 by Emily Mroczek-Bayci

The 2023 Youth Media Award announcements took place at 8 a.m. CST Monday morning in New Orleans during LibLearnX. Emily and Steven watched the live webcast and live blogged their reactions, take a look here:

Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Readers’ Poll Results

January 28, 2023 by Steven Engelfried

Nearly 150 participants weighed in on our annual Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Readers' Poll. In a very close race, Kelly Barnhill's THE OGRESS AND THE ORPHAN is our winner. See the full list of results here.

Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Webcast Results

January 27, 2023 by Emily Mroczek-Bayci

About 300 people attended the webcast where the 16 Heavy Medal Award Committee members discussed the final five titles and voted on a Mock Newbery winner.

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Who Will Win? 2023 Newbery Predictions

January 25, 2023 by Emily Mroczek-Bayci

s we narrow down our Heavy Medal Mock list and prepare for our Zoom conversation, the 2023 Newbery committee is also rereading titles before their big discussions. Steven and Emily touched base to determine their predictions and would love to hear yours.

Cast Your Vote in the Heavy Medal Reader’s Poll

January 23, 2023 by Steven Engelfried

The Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Reader's Poll is now open! Choose your top 3 titles from the 16 books on our Heavy Medal Book List. Submit your picks by January 27th at noon EST; results will be annouced on January 28th.

Heavy Medal 2023 Mock Newbery: FINAL FIVE CONTENDERS

January 21, 2023 by Emily Mroczek-Bayci

It took more than one vote, but the Heavy Medal Award Committee made it to a final five list. They are all middle grade, which is definitely a common Newbery occurrence (although less in years past). We will discuss the final five titles in our live Zoom session this Friday January 27th at 1:00 p.m. […]

Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Finalist: THE LAST MAPMAKER by Christina Soontornvat

January 19, 2023 by Steven Engelfried

In 2021 Chirstina Soontornvat won Newbery Honor for two different books. Her latest novel, THE LAST MAPMAKER, could be a contender for the 2023 award. Join our discussion of the last of the 16 titles on our Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Book List.

March suggestions: early Mock Newbery possibilities

March 13, 2023 by Emily Mroczek-Bayci

Sixteen titles have been suggested as Mock Newbery 2024 contenders. Keep reading and we'll open suggestions again in April.

March Forward: Heavy Medal 2024 Mock Newbery Suggestions

March 6, 2023 by Emily Mroczek-Bayci

We're 10 months away from the 2024 Newbery Medal announcement, but it's never too soon to start reading. If you've read any early 2023 publications that might have a chance at the Medal, add your suggestions to our monthly list between now and March 13th.

What’s Coming in 2023, A Feedback Poll, and Goodbye for Now…

February 3, 2023 by Steven Engelfried

With the announcement of FREEWATER as the 2023 Newbery Medal winner, our Mock Newbery season is complete. Help us plan next year with our Readers' Feedback Poll and take a look at our early list of possible contenders for the 2024 Newbery Award.

Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Finalist: BERRY SONG by Michaela Goade

January 18, 2023 by Steven Engelfried

BERRY SONG, the newest picture book from Michaela Goade, is "a symphony of words," according to Heavy Medal Award Committee member Gabrielle Stoller. Does the winner of the 2021 Caldecott Medal have a chance to win the 2023 Newbery?

Mock Newbery Finalist: ATTACK OF THE BLACK RECTANGLES by Amy Sarig King

January 17, 2023 by Steven Engelfried

Young adult author A. S. King won the 2020 Printz Medal. Could ATTACK OF THE BLACK RECTANGLES make her a Newbery Medalist as well? Join the discussion on our Heavy Medal Mock Newbery blog.

Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Finalist: AIN’T BURNED ALL THE BRIGHT By Jason Reynolds

January 16, 2023 by Emily Mroczek-Bayci

Not only is there a one-sentence Newbery potential for 2023, but a three-sentence one two. A double Jason heavily illustrated tag-team effort, AIN'T BURNED ALL THE BRIGHT, is definitely a unique Newbery contender.

Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Finalist: AVIVA VS. THE DYBBUK by Mari Lowe

January 14, 2023 by Steven Engelfried

Mari Lowe explores themes of family, friendship, and grief in her debut novel, AVIVA VS. THE DYBBUK. Could she be one of the rare first-time authors to win a Newbery Medal?

Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Finalist: VIOLET AND JOBIE IN THE WILD by Lynn Rae Perkins

January 13, 2023 by Emily Mroczek-Bayci

Previous Newbery winner Lynne Rae Perkins is back with an animal adventure story about VIOLET AND JOBIE IN THE WILD.

Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Finalist: THE DOOR OF NO RETURN by Kwame Alexander

January 12, 2023 by Steven Engelfried

Kwame Alexander won the 2015 Newbery Medal and a Newbery Honor in 2020. Today we discuss the Newbery potential of his powerful new book, THE DOOR OF NO RETURN,

Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Finalist: MARSHMALLOW CLOUDS by Ted Kooser and Connie Wanek

January 11, 2023 by Emily Mroczek-Bayci

A poetical duo looks at figures of speech in Marshmallow Clouds in this years poetry potential Newbery winner.

Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Finalist: THE OGRESS AND THE ORPHANS by Kelly Barnhill

January 10, 2023 by Steven Engelfried

Kelly Barnhill's THE OGRESS AND THE ORPHANS is a "delightful and thought-provoking read," says Heavy Medal Award Committee member Kerrie Lattari in her introduction. Barnhill won the 2017 Newbery Medal; will her latest book match that accomplishment?

Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Finalist: FARMHOUSE by Sophie Blackall

January 9, 2023 by Emily Mroczek-Bayci

Caldecott powerhouse Sophie Blackall made another show stopper, one that might even be Newbery worthy? Let us know your take on this intergenerational read about an abandoned farmhouse.

Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Finalist: HOW TO BUILD A HUMAN by Pamela S. Turner

January 7, 2023 by Steven Engelfried

Will the 2023 Newbery winner be a science book? Pamela S. Turner's HOW TO BUILD A HUMAN is "an outstanding work of narrative nonfiction," according to Heavy Medal Award Committee member Amanda Bishop. How will it measure up to the rest of our Mock Newbery titles?

Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Finalist: A ROVER’S STORY by Jasmine Warga

January 6, 2023 by Emily Mroczek-Bayci

In this years science/ realistic fiction read, Peter Blenski introduced A ROVER'S STORY by Jasmine Warga as a "not only a crowd favorite but a mock favorite."

Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Finalist: SWIM TEAM by Johnnie Christmas

January 5, 2023 by Emily Mroczek-Bayci

Today our Mock Newbery discussion shifts to the graphic novel getting the most love this year: SWIM TEAM by Johnnie Christmas.

Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Finalist: I MUST BETRAY YOU by Ruta Sepetys

January 4, 2023 by Steven Engelfried

Ruta Sepetys' I MUST BETRAY YOU has been on our Mock Newbery radar since it came out last February. Heavy Medal Award Committee member Courtney Hague highlights the author's "masterful use of both setting and theme and her thorough descriptions and details" in her introduction. Will this historical fiction novel be a strong contender for the Newbery Medal?

Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Finalist: BLUE: A HISTORY OF THE COLOR AS DEEP AS THE SEA AND AS WIDE AS THE SKY by Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond

January 3, 2023 by Steven Engelfried

Nana Ekua Brew Hammond's BLUE is a "valuable history of a beautiful color with a 'complicated history'" according to Heavy Medal Award Committee member Jenny Arch. How will this unique informational picture book fare in our Mock Newbery discussion?

Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Finalist: BLACK BIRD, BLUE ROAD by Sofiya Pasternack

January 2, 2023 by Emily Mroczek-Bayci

A September publication that made the Early Six, Black Bird, Blue Road by Sofiya Pasternack features Jewish lore, angels, demons and sibling love. Heavy Medal committee member Aryssa Damron kicks off our official discussions.

The Final Month: Newbery Committee Inside Insights

December 30, 2022 by Steven Engelfried

With the Newbery Medal announcement just a month away, bloggers Emily and Steven share some of their memories of what the last month of a Newbery year is like for the 15 committee members.

Maizy Chen’s Last Chance: A Practice Discussion

December 26, 2022 by Emily Mroczek-Bayci

The official Heavy Medal book discussions start next week. Today we feature a practice discussion about Maizy Chen's Last Chance, a 2023 Newbery contender that received five Heavy Medal nominations but did not make our final list.

A Question of Style: Newbery Criteria Deep Dive

December 23, 2022 by Steven Engelfried

Of all of the literary elements named in the Newbery Criteria, "style" may be the most difficult to evaluate. Emily and Steven share thoughts on how important an author's style can be when trying to determine the winner of the Newbery Medal.

Meet the 2023 Mock Newbery Heavy Medal Award Committee

December 21, 2022 by Emily Mroczek-Bayci

We are happy to introduce this year’s Heavy Medal Award Committee (HMAC). Our 17 members will introduce and discuss the 16 titles on our Heavy Medal Book List (HMBL) here on Heavy Medal, beginning January 2nd (with a practice discussion on Monday December 26th).

The Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Book Discussion Schedule

December 19, 2022 by Steven Engelfried

Our official Heavy Medal Mock Newbery discussions begin in January, with an intense 2+ weeks of in-depth book evaluation and debate. The Heavy Medal Award Committee members will lead the process, but all readers are welcome to join in. Here's our full schedule of book titles and discussion dates.

The Tough Goodbyes: Books Left off the Heavy Medal Book List

December 16, 2022 by Emily Mroczek-Bayci

85 titles were suggested on Heavy Medal this year, then 68 titles were nominated. We narrowed it down to 6 for an “Early 6 Booklist” and then 16 for our final Heavy Booklist. Getting it down to 16 was not easy and we wanted to share some of the titles that sadly “didn’t make the […]

2023 Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Book List

December 14, 2022 by Emily Mroczek-Bayci

It was a long phone call, there was a lot of debate and changes and negogiations, Steven may have cried (just kidding he didn’t cry), but we made a 2023 Heavy Medal Book List! A few points: AIN’T BURNED ALL THE BRIGHT- Jason Reynolds ATTACK OF THE BLACK RECTANGLES- A.S. King AVIVIA VS. THE DYBBUK– […]

Looking at the Lists:  A round-up of the “Best Children’s Books of the Year” lists

December 12, 2022 by Steven Engelfried

It's the season for Best Books of the Year lists! How does our Heavy Medal nominations list compare to the children's books selected by journals, libraries, newspapers, and bloggers as their top titles of the year?

Calling all Mock Newbery Enthusiasts: Join the 2023 Heavy Medal Award Committee

December 9, 2022 by Emily Mroczek-Bayci

Do you love children’s literature? Is Heavy Medal bookmarked on your computer Do you dream of being on the Newbery Committee one day? If you answered yes to any of those questions, consider joining the 2023 Heavy Medal Award Committee! After nearly a year of reading, months of discussion, and 68 strong nominations, it’s time to […]

What books should be on our 2023 Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Book List?

December 7, 2022 by Emily Mroczek-Bayci

With 68 titles on our Heavy Medal nominations list, we need to narrow it down to 12-15 for our final book list. Please fill out our poll by Monday December 12 at 5:00 pm to help us determine which titles we should discuss.

Final Nomination List: 68 possible contenders for the 2023 Newbery Medal

December 5, 2022 by Steven Engelfried

Check out the final list of nominations from Heavy Medal readers. Nearly 70 books were identified as possible contenders for the 2023 Newbery Medal. Will one of these wind up the winner?

Sensing the Setting: Newbery Criteria Deep Dive

December 2, 2022 by Emily Mroczek-Bayci

In the fifth of a six part series where we look at Newbery 2023 potentials and the Newbery criteria, today we focus on delineation of setting. This includes time period, location, any world building and beyond.

What About All That Buzz?: Newbery Committee Inside Insights

November 30, 2022 by Steven Engelfried

"What will the Newbery winner be?" is the subject of conversation all year in the children's book world: in articles, blogs, and countless conversations. How much does this award book "buzz" impact the members of the actual Newbery Committee? Our bloggers share thoughts from their own committee experiences.

Final Call for Mock Newbery Nominations: Select two final books for December

November 28, 2022 by Emily Mroczek-Bayci

It's your final opportunity to nominate titles for the Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Award. After selecting a total of five books previously, readers may now select two more, for a total of seven. Share your titles and the reason why you chose them, and we'll reveal the final totals soon.

How to Pick the Last Two:  Ideas and Strategies for the Final Mock Newbery Nomination

November 25, 2022 by Steven Engelfried

As the year nears its end, Heavy Medal readers (and real Newbery Committee members) select two final books to add to the official list of nominated titles. Do you pick your personal favorite? The most likely winners? Take a chance with a long shot? We offer some possible strategies for this final choice and invite readers to share their own.

Battle of the Books: Compare/ Contrast Two Newbery Contenders

November 21, 2022 by Emily Mroczek-Bayci

Readers are invited to take part in our “Compare/ Contrast” exercise. Select two titles from this year’s Newbery Medal contenders, and compare them using the Newbery criteria. We'll see which title stands up against the other.

OGRESS vs. MAPMAKER: Battle of the Fantasies

November 18, 2022 by Emily Mroczek-Bayci

Its a fantasy face-off; who would win: OGRESS AND THE ORPHANS by Kelly Barnhill or THE LAST MAPMAKER by Christina Soontornvat. Read the arguments and cast your ballot and opinions in the comments.

Friendship isn’t easy but readers are: an Easy Reader for Newbery 2023?

November 16, 2022 by Emily Mroczek-Bayci

Easy Readers are a tough sell for the Newbery Medal, but you never know maybe one can break through.

Marshmallows, Wordplay, and a School Garden: Poetry Collections for Newbery Medal Consideration

November 14, 2022 by Steven Engelfried

It's been 33 years since a collection of poems for children has won the Newbery Medal. Could 2023 be the year that poetry breaks through again?

The Early Six: The half-dozen books that will definitely be part of our Heavy Medal Book List

November 11, 2022 by Steven Engelfried

The final list of 15 (or so) titles for our Heavy Medal Book List isn't ready yet, but today we reveal the "Early Six." Find out what we chose and get an early start on your Mock Newbery reading...

Early Chapter Books: Short, Sweet, but Enough for Newbery 2023?

November 9, 2022 by Emily Mroczek-Bayci

It’s not often that a beginning chapter book wins the Newbery (or even the Geisel award for that matter), but they deserve the spotlight too! Today we take a look at four books that have been receiving a mild amount of buzz this year and see if they can stand up against the Newbery criteria. […]

The Results Are In! Here’s our updated list of Heavy Medal Mock Newbery nominations

November 7, 2022 by Steven Engelfried

The results are in! Our Heavy Medal Mock Newbery list now includes 58 books, and at least one reader feels that each one of them could wind up winning the 2023 Newbery Medal as the most distinguished children's book of the year.

Talking About Theme: Newbery Criteria Deep Dive

November 4, 2022 by Emily Mroczek-Bayci

In the fourth segment of our Newbery Criteria Deep Dive we look at interpretation of theme in 2023 Newbery potentials.

Graphic Novels + Middle School: A Newbery Medal Combination?

November 2, 2022 by Steven Engelfried

Graphic novels have earned Newbery recognition three times in the past eight years. Will they break through again in 2023? We take a look at five possible Newbery contenders in the graphic novel format, all of which take place during the middle school years.

Two More Titles: November Nomination Time

October 31, 2022 by Emily Mroczek-Bayci

It's time for the second round of nominations. Pick two titles you think are deserving of the Newbery.

That’s Classified: Newbery Committee Inside Insights

October 28, 2022 by Emily Mroczek-Bayci

Today is the second post in our series of Inside Insights from our experiences on the Newbery Committee. The idea is to give an inside view of some of the nuts and bolts of being on the Newbery Committee. We’re glad to answer questions and would also love to hear from others about their own […]

A Look Ahead:  The Heavy Medal Award Committee, the Final Book List, and the Selection of the Mock Newbery Winner

October 26, 2022 by Steven Engelfried

The Newbery Medal announcement is just three months away. Here's a preview of Heavy Medal activities between now and then, which will include more reader nominations, a mock award committee, a final booklist, high-level book discussion, and two separate Mock Newbery elections.

Picture Book Palooza: 32 page Newbery 2023 Contenders

October 24, 2022 by Emily Mroczek-Bayci

With only one picture book nominated for the Heavy Medal mock Newbery, let's see what options are out there for 32 page titles to win the Newbery medal.

Newbery Criteria Deep Dive:  Presentation of Information

October 21, 2022 by Steven Engelfried

What does excellence in the area of "Presentation of Information" look like in a children's book? Today we take a deep dive at how "accuracy, clarity, and organization" can play a role in the selection of the Newbery Medal.

Looking Backwards: Mock Newbery Historical Fiction Contenders

October 19, 2022 by Emily Mroczek-Bayci

Today we look at the best historical fiction of the year including AFRICA TOWN and I MUST BETRAY YOU.

Mock Newbery Fantasy Contenders: Mapmaker, Ogress and Windswept

October 17, 2022 by Steven Engelfried

In what looks like a strong year for children's fantasy fiction, we look at three excellent titles, each written by an author that has had Newbery recognition in prior years.

The Plot Thickens: Newbery Criteria Deep Dive

October 14, 2022 by Emily Mroczek-Bayci

In a continuation of our Newbery Criteria deep dive, today Steven and I take a look at plot in 2023 Newbery Contenders. Last time was characterization and we'll make it to the rest of the Criteria throughout the year. For today, let's talk plot!

Mock Newbery Nomination Surprises: SWIM TEAM and LOVE IN THE LIBRARY

October 12, 2022 by Steven Engelfried

A graphic novel and a historical picture book were among the surprise leaders from our first round of Mock Newbery nominations. Here's a closer look at SWIM TEAM by Johnnie Christmas and LOVE IN THE LIBRARY by Maggie Tokuda-Hall, illustrated by Yas Imamura.

October Nomination Results: a mapmaker’s apprentice, the Romanian revolution, and human evolution lead the way

October 10, 2022 by Steven Engelfried

Our first round of nominations is over. 32 people submitted three titles for October. The early leaders are THE LAST MAPMAKER and I MUST BETRAY YOU...but we've got two more rounds to go in November and December.

Don’t forget the little titles! One Suggestion Contenders

October 7, 2022 by Emily Mroczek-Bayci

As we move into nomination season, it is easy to get excited about the big titles. As always, I’m worried about missing something and even that a suggested title may slip through the cracks. Today we’ll look at one suggestion contenders- of the 85 suggested titles, 42 only have one suggestion. I’ll start with three […]

Riots, Revolts, Racism: Historical Fiction and 2023 Mock Newbery Candidates

October 5, 2022 by Steven Engelfried

From a solo canoe journey to the 1989 Romanian Revolution, this year's best children's historical fiction titles represent a wide range of styles, settings, and time periods. Will one or more wind up with a Newbery Medal?

The Stakes Have Risen: It’s Nomination Season

October 3, 2022 by Emily Mroczek-Bayci

It's time to nominate! Select your top three children's books of the year and add them to our October nominations list. The nominations list will reveal which books Heavy Medal readers support most strongly as Newbery Medal contenders. We'll add to the list in November and December, but for now, submit your October three by October 8th.

Newbery Committee Inside Insights: How members organize, store, track, and evaluate hundreds of books in a year

September 30, 2022 by Steven Engelfried

Newbery Committee members receive several hundred books every year. How do they keep track of them all as they try to find the single most distinguished title of the year?

#Readmore #Readsmarter How are we doing? What are we missing?

September 28, 2022 by Emily Mroczek-Bayci

Now that the suggestion period is closed, let's take a look if there are any gaps or areas that are missing in our 2023 Newbery contenders.

One Plus / One Minus: Name the strengths and weaknesses of Newbery contenders

September 26, 2022 by Steven Engelfried

Readers are invited to take part in our “One Plus / One Minus” exercise. Select a title from this year’s Newbery Medal contenders, highlight the book’s biggest strength, then identify a single flaw or concern you see in the book. We’ll see how the year’s most highly rated books so far hold up to these quick critiques from Heavy Medal readers.

Newbery Criteria Deep Dive: Delineation of Characters

September 23, 2022 by Emily Mroczek-Bayci

Today we look deeper at one of the six Newbery criteria pieces: delineation of characters and which 2023 contenders stand out most in this category.

New Kids in Town:  Mock Newbery books about leaving one place for another

September 21, 2022 by Steven Engelfried

Arriving at a new place can be challenging for kids, whether it's moving from Oman to Michigan or leaving Hong Kong for California just ahead of a virus. Several of the best books of 2022 show how that "new kid" element can lead to insightful explorations of culture, language, racism, inclusion, and other powerful topics. Will any of them be contenders for the Newbery Medal?

NBA Longlist vs. HM Longlist… Battle of the Awards?!

September 19, 2022 by Emily Mroczek-Bayci

The National Book Foundation announced the longlist for the 2022 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature (YPL) last week. The Award works a bit differently than the Newbery. Publishers pay to submit titles, and a longlist, shortlist and winner is announced. There are separate panel committees for the different age groups. In 2021, 1,892 […]

Early Year Favorites: Ogresses, Betrayal and Love

September 16, 2022 by Emily Mroczek-Bayci

Take a look at the results of our Heavy Medal beginning of the year check-in to see readers top titles for the 2023 Newbery so far this year.

If You Had to Pick a Pair: Share your top 2 Newbery contenders so far

September 14, 2022 by Steven Engelfried

It looks like a strong year for fiction, but Steven's top 2 children's books of the year so far are a picture book and a science book. Heavy Medal readers are invited to share their own top 2 and let us know why they might fare well in a Newbery Medal discussion.

Mock Newbery Favorites So Far: Take our “Beginning of the Year Check-In” Survey and join the discussion of current front-runners

September 12, 2022 by Steven Engelfried

Bloggers Emily and Steven share their early Mock Newbery favorites and look ahead to intriguing titles that will be released soon. Readers are invited to join the discussion and vote for their own current front runners in our online survey.

Meet Steven & Emily: Your Heavy Medal Hosts

September 9, 2022 by Emily Mroczek-Bayci

Learn a little about Emily and Steven, this year's Heavy Medal Bloggers, and tell them about yourself!

Heavy Medal’s 2023 Mock Newbery: A Look Ahead

September 7, 2022 by Steven Engelfried

For the next five months, Heavy Medal will be taking an in-depth look at the best children's books of the year as part of our 2023 Mock Newbery process. Here's a preview of what's in store....

85 Books to Consider: Mock Newbery Suggestions Updated

September 5, 2022 by Steven Engelfried

Here's our updated list of possible contenders for the 2023 Newbery Medal, compiled from monthly suggestions from Heavy Medal readers. In the coming weeks and months we'll look closer at many of these titles, along with the best fall releases, during out Heavy Medal Mock Newbery process.

It’s the Final Suggestions

August 29, 2022 by Emily Mroczek-Bayci

It's the final round of Heavy Medal suggestions. Submit up to five titles already published in 2022 to add to our list.

And now there are 70 Heavy Medal Mock Newbery Suggestions

August 8, 2022 by Emily Mroczek-Bayci

Seven new titles were suggested in August. The top three titles are very different genres (dual voices/verse, fantasy, historical) which doesn't happen very often.

Adding to the Mock Newbery List: Submit your August suggestions

August 1, 2022 by Steven Engelfried

Read any great children's book lately? If so, and if they're eligible for the 2023 Newbery Medal, now is the time to add them to our Heavy Medal Mock Newbery list. August suggestions are open through Saturday, Augusts 6th, and we'll share the updated list right after that.

Continuing the Mock Newbery Process: Time for July Suggestions

July 4, 2022 by Steven Engelfried

We're still a couple months away from starting our Heavy Medal Mock Newbery book discussions, and our list of possible contending titles continues to grow. Share your favorite Newbery-eligible titles as we gather another round of suggestions through July 9th.

Mock Newbery Update – Our List of First Half Suggestions

June 13, 2022 by Steven Engelfried

Here’s our newly updated list of suggestions. These are the children’s books that Heavy Medal readers have put forward as potential contenders for the 2023 Newbery Medal. Since we only include books that have been officially published, there’s still six months worth of forthcoming titles that we haven’t seen, but the list already looks very […]

Time for June Suggestions

June 6, 2022 by Steven Engelfried

2022 is almost halfway through, and Heavy Medal's list of suggested contenders for the 2023 Newbery Medal continues to grow. Add your June recommendations this week!

Many May Suggestions: First Quarter Mock Newbery Possibilities

May 9, 2022 by Emily Mroczek-Bayci

In a month of 47 titles suggested for the Heavy Medal Mock Newbery- Anybody Here Seen Frenchie? and The Last Mapmaker have made their way up the list.

Let’s Make Some May Suggestions!

May 2, 2022 by Emily Mroczek-Bayci

We’re already in the month of MAY (don’t ask me how that happens!) And it is time for a new month of Heavy Medal suggestions. Details about how suggestions work are in Steven’s March post; but remember: No more than five suggestions, please save the rest for next month! (Less is fine too) Stick to […]

Doubling the titles: April Heavy Medal Suggestions

April 11, 2022 by Emily Mroczek-Bayci

Eighteen new titles were suggested this month, bringing us to a list of 32 total suggestions for the 2023 Heavy Medal Mock Newbery. I’m excited to have quite the expansive reading list. Imagine where the committee is now, with 15 members having no limit of suggested titles. (I may have gone overboard on suggestions some […]

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    Graphic Novels + Middle School: A Newbery Medal Combination?

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