Newbery 2022 Predictions

As we narrow down our Heavy Medal Mock list and prepare for our Zoom conversation, the 2022 Newbery committee is also rereading titles before their big discussions. We touched base to determine our predictions. Without further ado, here they are.

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HMAC Newbery Winner

Emily’s Pick: JUST LIKE THAT: I Think that from the top five, discussions are going to determine committee support of JUST LIKE THAT. I’m voting WATERCRESS for an honor too.

Steven’s Pick:   AMBER & CLAY:  STARFISH may have drawn the most widespread support from within the HMAC, but I’m gambling that when it comes to the pure excellence of the writing, AMBER & CLAY might emerge in the end. 

Heavy Medal Zoom Viewers Poll Winner

(from top 5)

Emily’s Pick: STARFISH. Of the top five, I think Starfish is going to get the most viewer love.

Steven’s Pick:  STARFISH:  This book just seems to connect with so many readers.

Heavy Medal Readers Poll Winner

(from top 15)

Emily’s Pick: HARRY VS. THE FIRST 100 DAYS OF SCHOOLl. HARRY! HARRY! HARRY!

Steven’s Pick:   BEATRYCE PROPHECY:   I’m guessing that a new DiCamillo will have drawn the most readers, and there is a lot to like about this one. 

2022 Newbery Winner

Emily’s Pick: TOO BRIGHT TO SEE or THE LAST CUENTISTA both these titles are very well-rounded and “distinctive” and I could see rising to the top.

Steven’s Pick:    GENIUS UNDER THE TABLE.  Nonfiction rarely gets the medal, and this is a different style than the nonfiction that does do well, but it fits that “distinctive” quality, it’s both ambitious and accessible, and it might stand out from the pack just enough.

Dark Horse Title

(title that hasn’t been in our discussions lately that we think is going to win something)

Emily’s Pick: FINDING JUNIE KIM; I was surprised this didn’t get more love and could see some good things coming. Also SISTERS OF THE NEVERSEA, maybe something can happen there! That title impressed me on my re-read.

Steven’s Pick:  FINDING CLEM;  Maybe not a winner, but I could see this one coming in as an Honor book.  

The One You Wish Would Win, But Probably Won’t:

Emily’s Pick: THE PEOPLE REMEMBER by Ibi Zoboi- the unique look at Kwanzaa! I just wish this got more love and think it’s SO WELL DONE!!! Also RED, WHITE, AND WHOLE- I think enough flaws were pointed out that it’s not getting a big win, but I still love the storyline and the importance of it.

Steven’s Pick:  I’m still stuck on THE RACONTEUR’S COMMONPLACE BOOK, and though it didn’t get too much support on this blog (some, just not a lot), I think there’s a solid argument for this book as “most distinguished.” 

Beyond Newbery 

Emily’s Pick: WATERCRESS for the Caldecott with MILO as an Honor, HARRY for the Geisel, THE LAST CUENTISTA for Pura Belpre and GENIUS for the Sibert. Here’s an ALSC Blog I wrote with all those predictions too!

Steven’s Pick:  I can’t see how GENIUS UNDER THE TABLE and FALLOUT can’t both be at least Honors for the Sibert.  WATERCRESS seems like a strong Caldecott candidate…also UNSPEAKABLE, which would be a posthumous award.. A few more that I think (and hope) could win:  LEGEND OF AUNTIE PO (Asian-Pacific American Award); THE LAST CUENTISTA (Pura Belpré); BEING CLEM (Coretta Scott King); TOO BRIGHT TO SEE (Stonewall); and SISTERS OF THE NEVERSEA (American Indian Youth Literature).   

Final Comments

Emily: I don’t even want to know how our predictions rank, but REALLY because we have so many categories one of these titles has to win something?

Steven:  I usually don’t do very well with predictions, and I’m okay with that. Sometimes the big surprises (like MERCI SUAREZ from Emily’s year) are even more fun… 

And as always, leave your predictions in the comments- we love to see them!

Filed under: Heavy Medal Mock